Royal Academy of Dance receives funding to train the next generation of dance teachers

The Royal Academy of Dance has been awarded funding from The Headley Trust to support the next generation of dance teachers. The funding will enable the RAD to provide bursary support to trainee dance teachers, giving vital financial support to aspiring dance teachers in the UK.

Dance teachers have a powerful influence on their students, building confidence, nurturing creative expression, and instilling discipline and teamwork. Through this positive impact, a career in dance teaching becomes deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to shape young lives, enrich local communities and share a true passion for dance.

The funds from The Headley Trust grant, which is for two years, will be used to offer bursary support for UK students on the Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) and Professional Dancers Graduate Teaching Diploma.

The Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) programme is for those taking their first steps towards a career in ballet teaching. The Professional Dancers Graduate Teaching Diploma is for professional dancers looking to transition from performing to a new career in teaching.

Elizabeth Honer, Chief Executive of the RAD said: “We are profoundly grateful to The Headley Trust for its generous support. Dance teaching is the heartbeat of the Royal Academy of Dance, and each day our dance teachers across the world nurture talent, showcase excellence and share dance’s transformative power. This funding will allow aspiring dance teachers in the UK to begin their own journeys into dance teaching – a hugely rewarding career that changes lives and inspires communities.”

RAD Higher Education currently has around 1,000 students from across 54 countries studying its dance education and teacher training programmes. It offers six programmes of study which include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees validated by the University of Bath, and Awards of the RAD. RAD graduates go on to work in a variety of teaching settings such as private dance schools, vocational schools, primary and secondary schools, community settings and in higher education.