Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet)

Our new certificate programme* enables you to specialise in the teaching of ballet and gain a teaching qualification. You will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you for your first steps in teaching ballet to a wide range of learners across different dance contexts.

Delivered through a combination of guided independent study, online learning and studio-based teaching practice, you will gain essential dance teaching skills and establish a foundation for lifelong learning.

You will be provided with one-to-one tuition and mentoring from our leading experts in dance teaching, as well as benefiting from collaborative learning opportunities with your fellow students as part of our worldwide student and teaching community. On successful completion, students are eligible to become Registered Teachers of the Royal Academy of Dance and may also choose to progress to one of our Higher Education programmes.

Further information is available in the programme factsheet.

Your student experience

Year 1 starts with a five-day online in January. You will study three modules by distance learning, undertake a series of teaching observations and begin practice teaching. You will also attend a five day Intensive Study Period (ISP) in August and be asked to identify a Mentor for your teaching placement. In Year 2, you will attend a two-day online induction in January ahead of an extended teaching placement of 38 weeks between January and October.

Over the course of the programme you will explore models of learning and the cognitive and physiological development of learners. You will be introduced to theories of learning and teaching, as applicable to the teaching of dance, and explore how these theories are applied in practice to the teaching of ballet. You will also cover the importance of health, wellbeing and safe practice for every student who takes ballet classes, whether they be children, young people or older learners. You will learn to analyse and evaluate ballet vocabulary for teaching, prepare teaching materials tailored appropriately to meet learner needs and employ a range of techniques and skills to review, consolidate, reflect and extend knowledge of ballet and pedagogical principles.

In your teaching practice, you will learn how to evaluate student learning needs and plan and deliver effective and inclusive learning experiences. You will learn how to teach ballet effectively and safely through sound demonstration as a ballet teacher, manage diverse dance class environments and respond effectively and meaningfully to individual learner needs. By the end of the programme you will have the knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence in taking your first steps as a qualified ballet teacher.

As a part-time student teacher you should expect to study a minimum of 20 hours per week which includes guided study tasks, independent research and preparing classes.

Delivery

The programme is delivered part-time over two years through distance learning, enabling you to study alongside other commitments. You will receive one-to-one tutorial support from experienced tutors, with opportunities for collaborative study through online student forums. Each module is supported by a comprehensive module study guide and online materials.

Students are required to attend a 5 day Intensive Study Period in Year 1 and complete a mentored Practical Teaching Placement in Year 2.

What do intensive study periods involve?

The Intensive Study Period (ISP) gives you an opportunity to work face-to-face with an experienced RAD tutor, musician and your fellow student teachers. During the five days you will examine the key principles and practice of teaching classical ballet covering topics such as the foundations and progressions of classical ballet, working with music (both with pianists and recorded music), enchaînment construction and teaching pointe work. You will also explore important aspects of dance pedagogy including classroom and behaviour management, teaching strategies, the use of vocal dynamics and lesson planning, with opportunities for peer teaching, allowing you to put theory directly into practice in the ballet studio.

Entry requirements

You should hold RAD Intermediate, or a recognised equivalent examination in ballet. Applicants without formal qualifications may be considered on submission of video evidence. (Please refer to the How to Apply section for guidance on the content of the video). Applicants must be aged 18 or older by the start date of the programme. Entry onto the programme is subject to an enhanced DBS or equivalent criminal record check.

Course language

The Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) is delivered internationally, via distance learning, in nine different languages, providing access to teacher training and eligibility for registration as a dance teacher with the RAD. For information on this programme please contact the RAD National Office in your country. If you wish to study as part of the UK cohort, please contact Registry in the Faculty of Education, faculty@rad.org.uk.

Please note that if the language of delivery is not your first language; it is your responsibility to ensure that you are able to read, write and speak proficiently in that language. If you are considering studying in English, and this is not your first language, please visit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) website. Although the test is not required for Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) it is a good indicator of the standard of English required for the programme, students should achieve a score of 6.5 on the IELTS test.

Employment prospects

The combination of developing educational best practice together with intensive training in practical teaching skills enables our graduates to become informed, independent and articulate ballet teachers able to take up employment within the private dance studio sector and community settings where ballet is taught. Former RAD graduates have gone on to work all over the world as ballet teachers. Many are offered employment within their placement schools or are successful in establishing their own dance school businesses.

Further study and career development

After successfully completing the Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet), you may wish to progress to study one of our other higher education programmes.

Assessment

Assessment is through a variety of modes including case studies, presentations, lecture demonstrations and practical teaching.

Award

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) and eligibility for registration as a dance teacher with the RAD, which will allow you to enter students for RAD ballet examinations.