Royal Academy of Dance

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The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) was established in 1920 by a group of professional dance artists brought together by Philip Richardson, editor of the Dancing Times and including:

Adeline Genée - Denmark
Tamara Karsavina - Russia
Lucia Cormani - Italy
Edouard Espinosa - France
Phyllis Bedells - England

Representing the principal dance training methods of the time the group formed the Association of Teachers of Operatic Dancing in Great Britain. Over the next fifteen years the Association grew in size and influence and which lead to the granting of a royal charter. At the last Privy Council Meeting of King George V in 1936 the Association became the Royal Academy of Dancing. Their first premises was in Holland Park Road. In 1972 they moved to their current location at Battersea.

In 1997, the Benesh Institute, international centre for Benesh Movement Notation, was amalgamated with the Royal Academy of Dancing. RAD dancers are known for their careful placement and alignment.

With over 15,500 members in 82 countries the Royal Academy of Dance is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations in the world. Members receive a monthly magazine, Dance Gazette. It is the largest classical ballet examining body in the world. Over 200,000 candidates take RAD examinations each year. Accredited RAD examiners travel around the world to give examinations at dance studios and centers.

The RAD offers two distinct syllabi: the graded syllabus and graded vocational syllabus. The graded syllabus includes classical ballet, free movement, and character dancing, and includes pre-primary, primary, and grades 1 through 8. Advanced students who wish to pursue a career in dance, either as a performer or dance teacher, switch to the vocational syllabus around the age of 11 or 12, usually after completing grade 4 or 5 in the regular graded syllabus. The graded vocational syllabus requires more rigorous training and includes dancing on pointe.

In order to teach the RAD method, instructors must have passed at least the Elementary Level Examination and must take RAD-sponsored courses in dance science. The RAD syllabus is only available to RAD members, but it generally includes barre and center exercises, enchainements, a short dance, and character dancing.

The annual Genée Award has been made since 1980, for dancers aged 18 or 19, organised by the RAD. It is usually held in London. In 2004, gold medals were awarded to Alexander Jones and Ayako Ono. In addition, gold medallists receive 7,500 Euros. Many gold and silver medallists go on to join the Royal Ballet, London.

In 2005, Dame Antoinette Sibley announced a new award, the Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition, for people aged 10 to 13. It is planned to hold the first competition in 2006 in the Lowry Centre, Salford.