25 April 2022 10:41

Céline Gittens appointed as RAD International Ambassador

We are very pleased to announce that Céline Gittens has been appointed as our newly created International Ambassador. Céline is Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet and trained in the RAD syllabus. The role will draw on her personal experience of training with RAD with teachers around the world, and seeing first-hand the positive impact the RAD has upon local communities.

Celine Gittens. Photo by Johan Persson.

Both the RAD and Céline are passionate that ballet is something that a dancer from any background can be successful in. Recognising the barriers there can be in accessing dance, Céline will help us and our network of teachers around the world to removing as many of those barriers as possible. Céline will mentor and inspire young dancers in their pursuits and open a space for them to share their stories and experiences. The role will help us to understand more fully the way that we are viewed by a diverse range of young people, to better understand how we can support them in accessing dance training, and their experience as aspiring dancers.

Speaking of the appointment, Gerard Charles, RAD Artistic Director said: "I am so happy that Céline has agreed to be our International Ambassador to help shine a light on the wide variety of people around the world who are finding personal fulfilment of all types with their dancing. As a very successful dancer with an inspiring story of her own to tell she is also extremely interested in connecting to the young dancers of today, to learn from their experiences and help to give them a voice in our deliberations as we strive to make the RAD an ever more welcoming place for every body to dance."

Watch Céline speak about being our new International Ambassador.