On Point: Royal Academy of Dance at 100

A display at the V&A in London celebrating 100 years of the RAD’s significant contribution to the development of British ballet.

The display will present costumes, designs, photographs and more from the RAD’s archive and the V&A’s Theatre & Performance Collection, exploring the RAD’s story from its foundation to its influence on ballet and dance internationally. It highlights the role of successive presidents, including Nureyev’s first performance in Britain in partnership with Dame Margot Fonteyn.

Original ballet costumes and accessories worn by RAD founders and Presidents will be on display, along with 75 original objects and over 80 supporting images. Other items include busts/sculptures, sketches and drawings, as well as letters, posters, programmes, audio-visual footage and some original photographs.

The opening of the display will coincide with the V&A’s annual Performance Festival (25 April – 3 May), which will celebrate dance in all its forms with a wide range of special events taking place throughout the museum. The programme includes a special RAD Weekender from Friday 1 – Sunday 3 May. The full programme of live performances, workshops and tours will be announced in due course.

The display will open on 1 May 2020 and run until February 2021. Entry is free.