Why Dance Matters

In its podcast series, the Royal Academy of Dance asks remarkable people from the world of dance and beyond and all corners of the globe, why dance matters.

Why Dance Matters is a series of conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. It traces the impact of dance on their lives and asks why dance matters to them – and why it might matter to us all. The RAD inspires the world to dance, and we hope these insightful personal conversations – hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, the RAD magazine – will delight and even surprise.

Ways to listen

Find our podcast on all the platforms listed here. Or, you can also listen by selecting an episode below.

Episode 7: Ralph Heimans

Broadcast: Thursday 11 November

For the final episode of Series 2 we meet portrait artist Ralph Heimans as the RAD prepares to celebrate a landmark in its 100-year history- a move to a new purpose-built headquarters- with a brand new portrait competition. The competition will invite artists of all abilities to create a portrait of world-famous ballerina and founding President of the RAD Dame Adeline Genée. Ralph sits on the judging panel of this competition and will be responsible for selecting the new commission, which will hang pride of place for all to enjoy in the new building when it formally opens in 2022.

Known for high-profile commissions of royalty, how would Ralph approach the portrait of a dancer? And what’s the point of portraiture in this selfie-ridden age? Join us for this portrait of the artist.

Find out more abour Ralph Heimans below.