Honouring commitment. Recognising excellence.
The RAD Awards recognise individuals who have made a lasting impact on the dance world. They honour the depth of the work taking place across diverse communities and celebrate significant, sustained contributions to dance education.
Every year, a panel of judges reviews nominations from around the world, and selects the recipients of these highly respected awards. This year, the RAD Awards ceremony will take place during the RAD Members’ Conference on 25 July.
Nominate a dance teacher for an RAD Award
Great teaching deserves to be seen, and our awards for RAD Registered Dance Teachers shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond, inspiring curiosity and confidence, and changing their students’ lives every day. Discover this year’s categories and help us recognise teachers whose impact inspires us all. Nominations may be submitted by anyone (members and non-members), but only RAD Registered Teachers can be nominated – until 5 March.
Early Career / Emerging Teacher
This award highlights outstanding teachers in the first five years of their career.
For example, a teacher who introduced new teaching methods for young learners that colleagues have started adopting
Community & Learner Impact
Recognises the tangible impact on learners or the wider community.
For example, a teacher who developed initiatives that strengthened learner progression and long-term engagement with dance.
Wellbeing & Inclusion Champion
Celebrates teachers prioritising learner wellbeing, accessibility, and inclusive practice.
For example, a teacher who established a nurturing studio culture where learners report increased confidence, belonging, and wellbeing.
Innovation & Creativity in Dance Education
Recognises new teaching approaches, creative curricula, or novel outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring the love of dance.
For example, a teacher who developed inventive lesson structures that integrate music, imagery or storytelling to deepen students’ artistic understanding.
Mentorship & Advocacy
Acknowledges teachers who mentor, inspire, or advocate for dance education at regional, national, or global levels.
For example, a teacher who mentored early-career teachers, supporting their confidence and professional growth.
In recognition of lifelong service to dance
We also present up to four awards to individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to dance or made a significant contribution to the RAD. These awards recognise outstanding contributions and are presented to honour those whose impact is noteworthy.
Past recipients include Tamara Karsavina, Phyllis Bedells and Sir Frederick Ashton, as well as more recent honourees such as Sir Matthew Bourne, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Carlos Acosta.
Honorary Fellow of the RAD (FRAD)
The highest honour conferred on dance teachers. Since 1960, it has been awarded in recognition of lifelong service to both dance and the profession.
President’s Award
Awarded to those who are not teachers, but who have made an outstanding contribution to dance, or given exceptional service to the RAD beyond the expectations of their role.
Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Choreology (FIChor)
Awarded to Benesh members of the RAD who have made an exceptional contribution to Benesh Movement Notation.
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award (QEII)
Recognising outstanding services to the art of dance at a national or international level. Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of the Royal Ballet, was the first winner back in 1953.
Don’t miss the RAD Awards ceremony this summer!
The awards will be presented on Saturday, 25 July 2026. The ceremony will be part of the RAD Member Conference 2026 taking place in London on 22-26 July. More details and bookings for the conference will be available soon. Take a look (below) at some photos from last year’s ceremony.
(Photos by Donna Ford.)
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