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The collections comprise the institutional heritage archives alongside the personal archives of notable figures in the history of British ballet, and special collections arranged by subject or material type. Together they represent a rich source of material predominantly covering the development of British ballet teaching and performance from the 1920s onwards. Earlier material may be found in some of the personal archives and special collections.
The catalogue is a work-in-progress and more records will be added on a regular basis.
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RAD Heritage Archive
Identity area
Reference code
Publication status
Published
Level of description
Sub fonds
Extent and medium
200 boxes
Date(s)
- 1920- (Creation)
Context area
Name of creator
Royal Academy of Dance
Repository
Royal Academy of Dance
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The RAD Heritage archive dates from 1921- the first year of the Association’s operations and these early records include notes and reports for the earliest AGM’s as well as some examinations correspondence and certificates signed by all the original members of the committee from the very first examinations sessions on 9 and 10 May, 1921.
The 1920s was a period of intense activity including development of both the Major and Children’s examination syllabi; the first public performances by members of the Association, the purchase of our first premises; the introduction of the first scholarships; the first overseas examinations and our first Royal Patron. This period was well documented in the Dancing Times but is supported by some early original documents in the archive.
In the 1930s activities continued to expand and the introduction of the Gazette in November 1930 meant that much was documented and is available in published form. Archive material from this period is concentrated on the setting up of a Grand Council, petitioning for a Royal Charter and establishing the byelaws.
From then on, the main records series and types of records preserved in the archive are:
– Premises & Buildings
– Minutes from various committees and sub-committee meetings
– Annual reports and associated documents
– Examinations syllabi material (publications)
– Syllabus development material
– Artistic projects files
– Programmes from special events, awards and performances
– Teacher training programme course materials & brochures
– Photographs & video footage
– Overseas development
– Regional activities
Conditions of access and use area
Notes area
Note
Temporary outline
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