25 November 2019 14:44

Dame Monica Mason DBE Appointed Vice President of the Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) today announced that Dame Monica Mason DBE has been appointed as Vice-President with immediate effect.

As one of the most distinguished figures in British Ballet as both a Principal and as Artistic Director Dame Monica has a passion for ensuring young people have a chance to discover the world of dance, making her a natural choice to join the Academy’s already prestigious roll-call of Vice Presidents. She will bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the role, drawing on her vast experience as a dancer, and as former Director of The Royal Ballet.

This appointment comes at a key time for the RAD, as the organisation prepares to mark its centenary with an exciting programme of events and initiatives designed to bring the joy of dance to children and adults everywhere.

Luke Rittner CBE, Chief Executive of the RAD said:

“I am delighted that Dame Monica Mason has honoured the Academy by accepting our invitation to become a Vice President. Dame Monica’s unstinting support of the Academy over many years together with her unique contribution to dance both as a performer and as Director of the Royal Ballet make her a natural choice to be a Vice President of the Academy.

Dame Monica’s current role in leading the Academy’s newly launched Centenary Appeal further emphasis the debt of gratitude we owe her and I am truly delighted that our admiration has been expressed so publicly by this appointment.”

Dame Monica Mason said:

“Having accepted the role of Centenary Appeal Chair to help the RAD secure their new global headquarters I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the Royal Academy of Dance beyond 2020."

Monica Mason first encountered the RAD - and dance - as a four-year old girl in South Africa, through her first dance teacher who was an RAD Registered Teacher. She has since played a very important role in a number of RAD events, judging the Genée International Ballet Competition (now the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition) in 2014, 2017 and 2019. In 2011, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, the Academy’s highest honour.

For further information about Dame Monica, read her biography here.