About us

We are one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations. With our global headquarters in London, our work takes us into diverse communities, locally and around the world, to widen access to dance and to share the benefits and wellbeing that it brings.

While we maintain close ties to ballet with our internationally-taught RAD Syllabus, our outreach programmes provide opportunities for dance to secondary school pupils across the London area, classes for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and for older dancers to keep active with our popular Silver Swans classes. Our newly-opened global headquarters in London will allow us to welcome more people into our home of dance and for us to to strengthen our connection with our community.

We empower people through dance education and enjoyment, and believe that ‘every body’ should have the opportunity to learn to dance.

Facts about the RAD

  • Established in 1920, we have over 100 years of experience in teaching the world to dance.
  • Our President is Dame Darcey Bussell, DBE, one of the most famous ballerinas of her generation.
  • We have a strong global membership in 85 countries.
  • We have offices in 36 countries around the world.
  • Over 1,000 students are enrolled in our full- and part-time dance teacher training programmes.
  • Around 250,000 students take our exams every year.
  • Our youngest student is 3 years-old and our oldest is 93.
  • Our most recent Ofsted inspection found us to be an ‘outstanding’ provider of initial teacher education.
  • Our examinations are recognised by Ofqual, and contribute to UCAS points.

Our home of dance in London

In 2022 we moved to our new headquarters in the heart of Battersea. Our new home of dance is the centre of our local and global communities.
Find out more

People

Learn more about our president, vice presidents, trustees and senior management team.
Who's who at the RAD?

Corporate governance

Corporate documents, reports and financial statements.
Read our corporate publications

History

Learn more about the 100-year history of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Delve into our 100-year history

Support us

We are a charity, relying on donations from trusts and foundations, corporations, and individuals. Support us in our mission to bring dance into communities.
How you can help