Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations.

The RAD promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. They seek to accomplish this through promoting dance, educating and training students and providing examinations to set standards and reward achievement.

The RAD aims to be recognised internationally for the highest standards of teaching and learning.  As a leader in continuing professional development in dance and as the professional membership body that supports and promotes dance teachers at every step of their career, the RAD  encouraging their innovative contributions to dance and education throughout the world.

The RAD has a long history of improving dance training standards. It was founded in 1920 to re-invigorate dance teaching within the UK; however, over time it has expanded its influence and activities internationally counting currently more than 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes. With RAD  examination syllabus being taught to more than a quarter of a million students worldwide, RAD  help and encourage our teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. 

The Academy's patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Today the RAD has a presence in 79 countries, with 36 offices and over 13,000 members worldwide. We support our membership base of professional dancers, students, teachers, benefactors and friends through the knowledge, support and technical expertise of our highly qualified staff and the social interaction of like-minded enthusiasts at RAD conferences, workshops, training courses or summer schools. 

Ten years ago, in recognition of the RAD’s  increasing commitment to higher education, they created the Faculty of Education department, dedicated to meeting the needs of current and future dance teachers by providing dance teacher education programmes and qualifications.

Education & Training

Since 1920 the RAD has been educating and training dance teachers and students and is firmly established as a leader in dance education and training. Whilst ballet remains central to the work of the RAD, the range of education and training programmes on offer reflect the diversity of dance, dance training and dance education worldwide. As an international organisation, the RAD recognises that dance and dance teaching takes place in a wide range of contexts and is committed to addressing the training and education needs of students, teachers and members wherever they are located throughout the world.

Regardless of whether you are a first time dance student, an experienced dancer wanting to try something new or returning to dance after years away from a dance student RAD Training programmes, courses and activities have something for you. Age and ability are not barriers to you enjoying dance Training. The RAD  will have something for you.

Are you interested in studying for a dance related degree or award? Perhaps you are thinking about initial dance teacher training or are looking to upgrade your current dance knowledge and skills? The RAD’s Faculty of Education offers programmes of study designed to help you realise your career aspirations wherever your starting point may be.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. We seek to accomplish our mission through promoting dance, educating and training students and teachers and providing examinations to monitor and reward achievement.

The Academy has a strong heritage and stands at the forefront of international dance education. With over 13,500 Members spread across 82 countries, the Academy is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations in the world, with a worldwide staff of 155 and 182 examiners and 190,792 children take RAD examinations each year.

The Academy is internationally recognised and respected. Our teachers inspire dancers all over the world every day and to our Members, friends and students the Royal Academy of Dance is a symbol for excellence in dance education - an organisation in which they place their trust.

Also based at the Academy's headquarters in London, the RAD Dance School offers an extensive programme taught by highly experienced teachers. The classes cater for all levels of experience from age two and a half up to adults in Ballet and Jazz and we now offer Yoga classes too. So there are plenty of options for all dance enthusiasts of all ages.

NEW RAD Regulation Examination Uniform

Girl’s RAD Grades Pre Primary and Primary Grades

The RAD changes the colours of the uniform periodically. The acceptable RAD examination wear colors are now pink, lilac and Marine Blue.  RAD examination candidates can wear a short sleeved leotard or a sleeveless leotard in blue, pink or lilac.  A wrap-over ballet skirt in a matching color can be worn. The fabrics are normally Voile, Georgette or Chiffon. Pink ankle sock are worn with pink satin Ballet shoes. In the Winter months a matching ballet wrap cardigan in pink, marine blue or lilac can be worm before and after the examination.

Grades One and Two RAD Grades

Grades one to grade eight examination wear is a pink, lilac, red, navy, mulberry  or Marine Blue short sleeved or sleeveless leotard. Pink 60 Denier ballet tights and pink satin shoes are worn.

Higher Grades

Students at higher graded; intermediate and advanced can wear a black or navy camisole style leotard with 60 denier ballet tights. From grades 6 a practice skirt in navy, black, burgundy and lavender is required.

Boy’s and Men’s RAD Regulation Dancewear.

Boy’s and Men RAD examination students were navy or black and white or pale blue.

Black leather ballet shoes are worn with either black tights or white socks. The boy’s wear navy or black shorts with a blue or white sleeveless leotard. Older boys and men can wear navy blue stirrup tights with a white sleeveless leotard.

It is possible to buy a complete RAD examination uniform for less than £20.00 from Dancewear-UK.com