29 November 2022 12:36
Open Minds
In Dance Australia, John Byrne recently wrote an article titled Is there a better approach to syllabus? Here, Gerard Charles shares his thoughts and response to the article.
It is a sign of good health that new initiatives stimulate discussion, debate and re-evaluation of the core values in any sector, but particularly in dance and education.
The RBS offering is an affirmation of the same values that the RAD and many others wish teachers to embrace. Although the RAD, as an awarding body, does offer examinations our focus for over 100 years has always been on improving standards of dance teaching. I feel this is a good opportunity to reaffirm that inspiring teaching is, of course, at the heart of happy and successful dancers of all levels.
All RAD teachers are independent and as such, are free to teach how they wish. Our most successful teachers take a student-centered approach, focusing on the student’s personal development and only work on setting the syllabus closer to the time they may take an exam. As a useful comparison, when learning a language, it is important to first understand what the words mean and how they link together before trying to have a conversation; so in dance, we wish our dancers to fully understand how they engage with the movements before they perform the choreography. The process of repeating the same set of exercises over and over throughout the year is far from what I or the RAD would advocate for, and is indeed counterproductive.
Full article is available to Members to read in the Members Area.