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The RAD celebrates the next generation of dance teachers at its 2026 graduation ceremony
Yesterday, the Royal Academy of Dance held its annual Faculty of Education graduation ceremony at Cadogan Hall in London, celebrating the achievements of its international student body as they embark on careers as dance teachers. The event featured a welcome address from RAD Chief Executive, Elizabeth Honer CB, with Artistic Director, Alexander Campbell, and President,…
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Step into Dance celebrates 20 years of transforming lives through dance
The UK’s largest inclusive dance programme for secondary school students marks two decades of empowering over 60,000 young people across London and Essex. Step into Dance, the pioneering flagship programme delivered by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Since 2006, Step…
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Celebrating 90 years of exams in New Zealand
A remarkable weekend of dance in New Zealand brought together past, present and future as the Royal Academy of Dance celebrated 90 years of examinations in New Zealand. Held at Te Whaea in Wellington, the three-day celebration opened with the prestigious Solo Seal, providing an opportunity to witness the exceptional artistry, musicality and technical accomplishment…
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Sir Richard Alston RIP
At the RAD, we are saddened to learn of the passing of iconic contemporary dance choreographer and teacher, Sir Richard Alston. Sir Richard was committed to young people’s dance, through his outreach work, as a former chair of Youth Dance England. He was also an ambassador for the U.Dance programme, and other educational projects. Sir…
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Christopher Wheeldon OBE presented with the RAD’s prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award by RAD Patron Her Majesty The Queen
Today, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) presented its highest honour, the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, to director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE. The award was presented by Her Majesty The Queen at a special ceremony and visit to the RAD’s headquarters in Wandsworth, London. Christopher Wheeldon OBE was awarded this prestigious honour for his remarkable services…
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Silver Swans Celebration 2026
On Sunday 16 August, the RAD hosted over 150 dancers as part of the 2026 Silver Swans Celebration. Aligning with the theme of the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons, the Celebration honours the Silver Swans community, their passion for dance and its powerful benefits. This year, we welcomed 14 Licensees to host a…
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Dr. Adesola Akinleye, the new National Director of RAD USA
We are pleased to share that Dr. Adesola Akinleye will be joining the RAD as National Director USA following Patti Ashby’s retirement at the end of August. Adesola has worked in dance education in the USA, Canada, UK, and the Caribbean for over 30 years. She joins RAD USA from directing the PhD in Dance…
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Looking back on the RAD Members’ Conference
At the end of July, we welcomed members and dance professionals from around the world to our headquarters in London for an inspiring week of learning, creativity and connection, as our Members’ Conference took place alongside the launch of our new Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD). The week brought together our global dance community for…
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Winners of the RAD Awards 2026
The RAD is proud to announce the winners of the RAD Awards 2026. The awards celebrate global excellence, lasting impact and sustained contributions to dance and dance education. The awards honoured dance teachers and professionals across the world for their commitment to and excellence in dance teaching. The judges were Yaël Owen, Shevelle Dynott MBE,…
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The RAD helps preserve traditional Brazilian dances
Here at the RAD, the home of Benesh Movement Notation (BMN), the team from Benesh International were asked to get involved in producing a book that records and preserves traditional Brazilian dances. Dancebook Brasil is published by Banco Bradesco and was curated by choreographer Carlinhos de Jesus. It was created as part of a cultural…