19 November 2021 08:57
International Men’s Day 2021
Today at the RAD, we are marking International Men's Day and looking at the challenges and triumphs of men in dance.
The three core themes for the day are:
- Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
- Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
- Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity
We have contributions from the RAD's Artistic Director, Gerard Charles on men in ballet, and Aiden Truss from the Marketing and Communications team shares his personal journey discovering dance.
We also feature Jason Thomas, a RAD Registered Teacher based in Cornwall on teaching boys to dance, and Joshua Royal, a gay man living with HIV, whose drive and ambition have helped him regain his self-love and to become a professional ballet dancer.
Finally, there are two video interviews; with Steven McRae, Principal at The Royal Ballet on his career, training and recent recovery from major injury; and Romàn Baca, Artistic Director of EXIT 12 Dance Company in New York, about how he and his company are using dance to support military veterans. Also, watch Carlos Acosta give his advice to those who might be the only boy in their ballet class.
Men in ballet
Real men don’t lift weights…
Project B teaching case study
"“We need to change that mentality and see recovery time as actually investing in a better performance”"Steven McRae
""My wife, who is a ballerina, suggested I go back to dance as a way to reconnect with those around me and use art to soften the blow of the transition from the military to civilian life.""Romàn Baca, Artistic Director of EXIT 12 Dance Company
""Nobody should have the power over you to frustrate your dreams and your goals.""Carlos Acosta CBE