Royal Academy of Dance

• Location: London, England,
• Year of foundation: 1920,
• Number of students: about 1,000,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of studying: mixed.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is a global leader in dance teacher preparation, providing undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as beginner courses. RAD operates in more than 85 countries, having 36 international offices and an extensive network of partners around the world, so it is an authoritative organization in the dance arts, serving as an examination committee for the evaluation of dancers.

The Academy was founded in 1920 as the Association of Opera Dance Teachers, and received a Royal Charter in 1935. Due to the fact that it was a rare institution in its industry at the time, RAD quickly became in demand among artists. Over the past few decades, the institution has received modern accreditations, gained the trust of hundreds of local and international students, received many awards and has become an evaluation body in the field of dance. RAD exams are recognised by the national qualifications regulators of all four UK countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and some of them have a UCAS tariff for university entry.

The curricula of the programs make an emphasis on regular practice in specialized studios, during internships, and participation in activities in free hours from studies. Students pay special attention to gaining practical skills, developing their physical abilities, understanding of the theory of the chosen direction and teaching in general.

Despite the fact that practice is a fundamental aspect of educational process, some of the academy's specializations are available for study in a distance format. A balanced schedule, flexible and adaptable to the student's schedule, will help to combine knowledge and career development.

Many of the programs involve participation in internships that will help develop teaching skills, gain confidence while working with real students in a supportive and supervised environment. The academy cooperates with various schools to provide its students with ample opportunities to gain practical skills.

The most recognizable aspect of the RAD academic method is the attention to detail when learning the basic steps, and progress in the increasingly difficulty is often very slow. Although the difficulty of the exercise may increase only slightly from class to class, more importance is given to whether the student performs the basic elements of the dance with improved technique. For example, plie exercises are used consistently throughout the first courses to allow the student to gradually deepen the plie and improve eversion. The principle behind this is that the more time is spent achieving optimal technique before introducing new elements, the easier it is for the student to learn the more complex steps while still practicing the basic technique as much as possible at all times.

The academy does not provide on-campus accommodation, but thanks to the cooperation with the Urbanest agency, it provides students with comfortable and safe accommodation near Battersea. Students are accommodated in single rooms with private bathroom or access to dormitory, studio apartments with all amenities. Shared kitchens located on the floors are equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, ceramic hobs, spacious cabinets and dishwashers. There are also laundry facilities, a gym and a large bicycle storage room. Ideal for networking and socializing, the residences have access to a rooftop terrace, offering incredible views of the capital.

The main direction of extracurricular activities for the students of the academy is dancing - students participate in external events: concerts, auditions, theatrical performances. Thanks to the extensive opportunities that London provides students, they can show their talents to world-renowned specialists, which will help them expand their career opportunities.

One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, in which students of ballet dance programs can compete for prestigious awards.

• More than 100 years of educational activities in the field of dance,
• The patroness of the academy is Queen Camilla,
• RAD graduates are sought-after professionals by employers around the world,
• Student community with representatives of 15 nationalities,
• 36 international offices, cooperation with companies in 85 countries,
• Programs are available in full-time and part-time formats, fully remote,
• Each CBTS certification course is taught in 9 languages,
• RAD exams are a prestigious qualification, allowing not only to confirm existing knowledge and skills, but also to enter a specialized university.

Students come from all corners of the world to study in a state-of-the-art learning facility in London, attracted by the wide variety of specialist studios and the proximity to the centre of the capital. Located on the banks of the River Thames in southwest London, RAD is adjacent to many restaurants and cafes, attractions and entertainment venues. Campus infrastructure includes:

• Seven fully equipped dance studios, providing students with plenty of opportunities for classes and rehearsals,
• A 200-seat theater for student and community dance performances.

The Wolfson Library offers bright, modern spaces for individual and group learning, including audiovisual stations, a group learning suite for collaboration, and a second study room dedicated to viewing materials from the archive bank. The book depository contains more than 75,000 books on dance, RAD history, and related arts.

The building also houses a RAD store and a café where students can meet friends outside of class.

Academic year consists of  three semesters:

• Autumn: September-December,
• Spring: January-April,
• Summer: April-July.

Depending on the chosen program, the dates of study may vary. Classes are mainly conducted on weekdays: from Monday to Friday. Rest is provided on weekends, international and national holidays.

The list of additional costs will include:

• Registration fees,
• Listening fee,
• Dance clothes, equipment as needed,
• Internships and other extracurricular development opportunities,
• Accommodation, meals,
• Books, consumables,
• Personal expenses.

Applicants to RAD will have to fill out a registration form and submit documents to create an application form, and then pass an audition before the qualification committee. Based on its results, candidates will be sent official letters with a decision on admission, after which applicants will be able to start studying.

Graduates completing higher education programs get free access to a network of vacancies from around the world, making it easier to find a job. Students will be able to teach dance in private dance schools, vocational schools, primary and secondary schools, public institutions and in the system of additional or higher education, they will have access to work with students who dance as a hobby, or with young people who aspire to become professional dancers. Whether graduates want to continue their studies, build a career as a freelancer, performer, or get a permanent job, the programs will provide the necessary skills and knowledge.

Admission of new students is based on audition results, but applicants must provide:

• A package of personal documents, including a valid passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit to study in England,
• IELTS language exam results (6.5 and above) or equivalent recognized by the academy.

For admission to a bachelor's degree, you will need a certificate of a preparatory course and a diploma of complete secondary education, for a master's degree - a bachelor's diploma, official transcripts.

RAD is committed to supporting students based on their responsible approach to learning, offering a limited number of scholarships and awards. Some of the financial support programs are:

• Scholarship of the "Step to Success" campaign, allowing you to take the entrance exam for free,
• Continuing Professional Development Scholarship for students pursuing an academic path after completing one program,
• Scholarships to support candidates of the Margot Fonteyn International Competition.

Some scholarship programs are provided to students who find themselves in a difficult financial situation.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision