History of the RAD: The 1930s

1930

First edition of Dance Gazette – this publication is free to members and consists of six pages with no pictures. The main feature is ‘The Story of The Association’.

Photo: Cover of the first edition of Dance Gazette.

1931

The first Genée International Ballet Competition is held in 1931, called the ‘Adeline Genée award.’

Photo: The Adeline Genée Gold medal.

1932

Publicity for a Gala Matinée performance at Drury Lane Theatre in June 1932, in aid of the British Hertford Hospital in Paris.

Photo: Dame Adeline Genée with young RAD scholars: Beryl Laverick (left), Cynthia Clifford and Pamela Standish, 1932. Photo by Photopress

1935

The RAD gains its Royal Charter and is presented with armorial bearings (coat of arms) in 1937.

Photo: The Adeline Genée Gold medal.

1939

The last great social occasion before World War II, was a ball in aid of the building fund.

Photo: Phyllis Bedells, Dame Adeline Genée and Jean Bedells in the ‘Three Generations Polka’, performed at the RAD Ball. Photo by Douglas.