Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is a UK based examination board that specialises in dance education and training, including classical ballet. The RAD was founded in London, England in 1920 as the Association of Teachers of Operatic Dancing, and and was granted a Royal Charter in 1935. HM Queen Elizabeth II is patron of the RAD, with Darcey Bussell elected to serve as President in 2012, succeeding Antoinette Sibley who served as President for 21 years.
The RAD was created with the objective to improve the standard of ballet teaching in the UK and, in pursuit of that goal, a new teaching method and dance technique was devised for the Academy by a group of eminent European dancers. The RAD is one of the largest dance organisations in the world with over 12,000 members in 79 countries including about 7,500 who hold Registered Teacher Status. There are currently about 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the RAD, and each year about 250,000 candidates enter RAD examinations worldwide..
RAD exams are recognised by the national qualifications regulators of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, with selected exams also carrying a UCAS tariff towards university admission. The RAD is also a validated awarding body of the Council for Dance Education and Training. The RAD works in partnership with the International Dance Teachers' Association. Royal Academy of Dance® is a charity registered in England and Wales No. 312826, VAT reg No. GB 603 176371. Royal Academy of Dance Enterprises Ltd (RADE) (http://www.radenterprises.co.uk/) is authorised by RAD to sell products and goods using the Academy's logo and brand name. All profits made by Royal Academy of Dance Enterprises Ltd is gift-aided to the RAD.