BA (Hons)
Ballet Education
- Programme summary
- Programme breakdown
- Entry requirements
- Programme fees
- Student voices
- Programme details
-
Duration
3 years full-time -
Apply by
31 January 2024 -
Location:
RAD, London and teaching placements -
Application
Via UCAS, audition and interview -
Start
September 2024 -
Language
English -
Level/Credits
Levels 4-6 (360 credits)
This programme has a unique focus on both ballet and education, making it one of the only programmes of its kind within the UK which combines dance training with preparation for the professional world of teaching.
This three-year full-time taught degree focuses on ballet and contemporary technique and performance, dance histories and analysis, dance science, choreography and education studies. The programme attracts both UK and international students, who make the most of their time in London with its diverse, innovative, and world-class arts and theatre culture.
The BA (Hons) Ballet Education programme is delivered across two semesters each year, with a compulsory Undergraduate Induction taking place for new students prior to the start of your studies in Semester 1. Modules integrate practical and theoretical study as well as hands-on practical teaching experience.
Book on our January information webinar to find out more.
*This programme will be under-going its statutory five year review in January 2024. Any changes to the programme will be effective from September 2024.
Your student experience
In your first year you will spend most of your time in technique and practical classes covering dance repertoire, choreographic practices and applied dance science. You will also observe dance teaching in
practice across a range of contexts.
In your second and third years, the focus shifts to developing your skills as a dance teacher while continuing to develop your performance and choreographic practices. You will also undertake a
number of practical teaching placements supported by experienced mentors.
Level 4
Level 4 is a year in which you study both theoretical and practical modules. These will prepare you for studying at higher education and entry into the professional dance teaching world.
You will study modules that will allow you to expand your practice in both ballet and contemporary techniques. You will study dance histories practically through lectures/seminars and through independent research and explore dance science and somatic practices to understand both your body and the bodies of those you will teach. You will discover and perform dance repertoires; engage in various dance analysis skills; and learn dance education theory through observations, discussions and lectures.
The assessments for all modules are inclusive, offer variety, and have been praised for their robustness and creativity. You will be assessed through group and solo practical dance performances, in essays and case studies, presentations and poster presentations, and written reflections.
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Compulsory modules:
- Ballet: Fundamentals of Ballet Technique
- Introduction to Dance Science and Somatic Practice
- Frameworks for Dance Analysis
- Ballet Repertoire
- Dance History: Repertoire, Techniques and Styles
- Introduction to Dance Teaching
Level 5
At Level 5, you will increase the knowledge and understanding that you have gained, continue to work on your own dance skills, develop your choreographic skills, and study dance from historical, scientific and critical perspectives.
You will have the opportunity to explore technique and performance through the learning of ballet and contemporary repertoire. You will learn how to choreograph dance pieces on other bodies, study ballet history critically and engage in a deeper understanding of dance science and somatic practices through the lens of a teacher. You will deepen your knowledge in education theory and undertake three professional placements (across two modules) in which you will teach different groups of students in three dynamically different contexts. Throughout your experience, you will be supported by qualified, experienced mentors from the variety of partnerships we have, as well as the wide professional expertise of the staff at the RAD.
Assessments range from group and solo dance performances; essays and case studies; performance of choreographies, and practical teaching assessments.
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Compulsory modules:
- Technique and Performance
- Ballet: Genre and Style
- Choreography: Craft and Form
- Dance Science and Somatic Practice for Teaching
- Dance Teaching: Theory and Practice
- Teaching Placement 1
- Teaching Placement 2
Level 6
At Level 6, you will be able to choose whether to focus on performance, choreography, dance science or critical studies for your elective.
In selecting your elective, you will gain an enriched and in-depth experience in your chosen area. Alongside your modules you will also undertake a dissertation which is individually tutored and draws on knowledge and skills gained at previous levels. Teaching skills are developed through a final professional placement, supported by theoretical study of education, policies and practices relevant to the dance teacher. The Professional Placement and Career Preparation modules prepare you for entry to the world of work and today’s professional dance environment, and allow you to remain in one teaching placement through the duration of the year. This will allow you to watch your students’ progression from start to finish.
Assessments can include: performances, essays, case studies, practical teaching assessments, viva voce; and one final dissertation.
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Compulsory modules:
- Dissertation
- Education Studies
- Professional Placement (Part 1) and Career Preparation
- Professional Placement (Part 2)
- Plus one module option
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Module options:
- Performance Practice
- The Creative Teacher / Choreographer
- Ballet Practices: An International Perspective
- Dance Science – Optimising Performance
Entry requirements
Three GCE A level passes (Grades B, B, C). RAD Intermediate or equivalent examination in ballet. Appropriate English Language Proficiency Test for students whose first language is not English. Candidates with two GCE A level passes and a strong dance background will be considered (candidates wishing to apply on this basis should contact Registry for further information).
For applicants who reside in countries that do not have the equivalent of A levels, the Faculty of Education offers a Foundation Module that meets the entry criteria for undergraduate access. For more details, please visit www.royalacademyofdance.org/foundation-module.
Assessment mode
Modules are assessed through a variety of practical examinations, written assignments, presentations and teaching assessments.
Employment prospects
Students from this programme go on to work in a range of careers in dance teaching, both in the public and private sectors, all over the world. Many of our students also go on to postgraduate studies here at the RAD or at other universities.
Award
Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the BA (Hons) Ballet Education. Graduates are eligible for registration as dance teachers with the RAD.
Further study and career development
Students enrolled on the BA (Hons) Ballet Education may apply for the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance programme and study for this award alongside their degree at a discounted fee.
Following successful completion of the BA (Hons) Ballet Education, graduates may wish to apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Dance Teaching (with Qualified Teacher Status) or Master of Arts in Education (Dance Teaching).
More information
www.royalacademyofdance.org/babe
Validated by:
-
Duration
3 years full-time -
Apply By
31 January 2024 -
Location:
RAD, London and teaching placements -
Application
Via UCAS, audition and interview -
Start
September 2024 -
Language
English -
Level/Credits
Levels 4-6 (360 credits)
Fees for 2024/25
The following information relates to fees for entry in Academic Year September 2024/25.
Faculty of Education graduates who go on to study for a postgraduate award delivered by the RAD or further study of an RAD award can benefit from a discount in tuition fees. Tuition fees are invoiced in instalments for each programme as appropriate.
Awards, bursaries and hardship funds
We are committed to providing support to students who wish to develop their skills and knowledge through study and we offer a limited number of awards, bursaries and hardship funds for specific purposes. The application forms and submission deadlines can be found under ‘Fees and funding’ on the RAD website.
For information on planning your budget and typical programme costs, such as dancewear, equipment, accommodation and travel, please see HE Fees.
Concessionary entry
A fee may be payable for programmes where applicants can submit a concessionary entry task. Further information on concessionary entry and associated costs can be found at How to Apply.
On-site (full-time)
UK/Home students
per academic year, plus £120 registration fee on enrolment.
International students
(including EU)
per academic year, plus £120 registration fee on enrolment.
We are very proud of our students and graduates here at the RAD.
Read about their different student experiences and where they are now through our Student Voices.
Sohvi Päällysaho
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Graduate
I am originally from Vantaa, Finland, which is where I began dancing aged five at my local dance school. I kept dancing while growing up in Latvia and the Netherlands, and upon returning to Finland as a teenager I began to realise that I wanted to turn my life-long love of dance into a career. I believe that dance can instil values of diligence, perseverance and self-discipline in everyone; my love of dance draws from all dance has taught me through the total freedom of expression which it allows. Making the decision to, therefore, pursue a teaching career was easy: I wanted to share my love and appreciation of dance with others.
The BA (Hons) Ballet Education appealed to me as the only on-site undergraduate programme at RAD’s London headquarters, with a wide range of modules encompassing not only dance technique, teaching theory and teaching practice, but also dance history and analysis, dance science, performance and choreography. The opportunities to choreograph in the second and third years, and choreograph on other students, are definite highlights from my time at the RAD.
I feel very lucky to have studied at the RAD. The tutors have students’ best interests at heart and have ensured that I am equipped with the skills needed for both postgraduate study and a career in dance teaching. I hope to benefit from the global recognition of RAD qualifications as I begin teaching ballet and other dance styles, and in the future aspire toward postgraduate study.
I would advise any future students to keep an open mind throughout their studies, whether that be in the studio, in lectures or on teaching placements, because the RAD will challenge you with the new and unfamiliar for your benefit! Being an RAD student in London offers a unique wealth of opportunities to take advantage of, in picking up assisting and teaching jobs, alongside your studies and enjoying the vast cultural offerings of London.
Belinda Roy
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Graduate
Originally from Canterbury, I moved to London in 2016 to study BA (Hons) Ballet Education at the RAD. Prior to my studies, I was a teaching assistant in a variety of styles at my local dance school. Inspired by my teachers, who were knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging, I successfully auditioned for the Ballet Education Programme with the aim to follow their path.
What I enjoyed most about the programme was the eclectic mix of modules; including choreography, performance, dance histories and dance science, which gives you a rich and holistic understanding of ballet education. Although the course is primarily ballet focused, the inclusion of contemporary dance lessons and learning about key dance artists, I discovered a passion for contemporary dance, alongside an ever-present interest in ballet and ballet teaching. Therefore, after graduation I joined Transitions Dance Company, the postgraduate contemporary dance company of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where I am working towards an MA in Dance Performance.
The Ballet Education degree is challenging physically as well as academically. However, the tutors are incredibly supportive and have a wealth of experience in the industry, making the journey rewarding and enjoyable. As there is a small cohort of students, you become very close and encouraging of one another, making lifelong friends whilst sharing a very special and unique experience. There is an undeniable warm community feeling when studying at the RAD, and I am very proud to be a Ballet Education Graduate. I am incredibly grateful to the RAD for supporting me through my teacher training and confidently preparing me for my career.
Lauren Lidstone
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Current student
I started dancing at the age of four and from having the opportunity to assist for my teachers at my local dance school in Essex, I soon realised that I would love to become a dance teacher. By having a detailed insight into the range of opportunities for students studying at the RAD at the open day, without a doubt, I applied for the BA (Hons) Ballet Education programme and I am very glad that I made this decision.
I like how the programme is challenging with a variety of theory based and practical modules, so that you can develop both as a teacher and a dancer. I have enjoyed studying dance science and how I can relate learning in this module to my skills as a dance teacher. The most rewarding aspect of the programme so far is feeling a growing confidence in my understanding of dance education.
From the support and knowledge I have gained so far, including experience at placements, I feel that I will be fully equipped for the world of dance teaching when I graduate. My aspiration is to teach ballet in the private sector but I am also looking forward to exploring all the other options, which will be available to me as a RAD dance teacher.