Certificate in
Dance Teaching (Ballet)

  • Programme summary
  • Programme breakdown
  • Entry requirements
  • Programme fees
  • Student voices
  • Programme details
  • Duration
     2 years part-time
  • Apply by
     1 August 2024
    1 July 2024 (concessionary entry)
  • Location:
     Online learning, 5 day in-person intensive study period and teaching placement.
  • Application
     Via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD or National Offices
  • Start
     January 2025
  • Language
     English, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Level/Credits
     Level 4 (120 credits)

Our certificate programme enables you to specialise in the teaching of ballet and gain a teaching qualification. You will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you for your first steps in teaching ballet to a wide range of learners across different dance contexts.

Delivered through a combination of guided independent study, online learning and studio-based teaching practice, you will gain essential dance teaching skills and establish a foundation for lifelong learning.

You will be provided with one-to-one tuition and mentoring from our leading experts in dance teaching, as well as benefiting from collaborative learning opportunities with your fellow students as part of our worldwide student and teaching community.

On successful completion students are eligible to become Registered Teachers of the Royal Academy of Dance and may also choose to progress to one of our Higher Education programmes.

 

Your student experience

Year 1 starts with a five-day online induction in January. You will study three modules by distance learning, and begin practice teaching. You will also attend a five day Intensive Study Period (ISP) in August/September and be asked to identify a Mentor for your teaching placement. In Year 2, you will attend a two-day online induction in January ahead of an extended teaching placement of 38 weeks between January and October.

Over the course of the programme you will explore models of learning and the cognitive and physiological development of learners. You will be introduced to theories of learning and teaching, as applicable to the teaching of dance, and explore how these theories are applied in practice to the teaching of ballet. You will also cover the importance of health, wellbeing and safe practice for every student who takes ballet classes, whether they be children, young people or older learners.

You will learn to analyse and evaluate ballet vocabulary for teaching, prepare teaching materials tailored appropriately to meet learner needs and employ a range of techniques and skills to review, consolidate, reflect and extend knowledge of ballet and pedagogical principles.

In your teaching practice, you will learn how to evaluate student learning needs and plan and deliver effective and inclusive learning experiences. You will learn how to teach ballet effectively and safely through sound demonstration as a ballet teacher, manage diverse dance class environments and respond effectively and meaningfully to individual learner needs. By the end of the programme you will have the knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence in taking your first steps as a qualified ballet teacher.

As a part-time student teacher you should expect to study a minimum of 20 hours per week which includes guided study tasks, independent research and preparing classes.

 

 

 

 

 

Year 1

Intensive Study Period (ISP) attendance in August/September at a UK venue or at one of our teaching centres throughout the world.

  • Compulsory modules:

    • Learning to Learn (20 credits)

    This module explores how learners interact differently as they progress through the development stages and in different environments. The study tasks and observations will allow you to consider the cognitive, physiological and social development of learners and to apply this to practical teaching experiences. You will be required to reflect on your own experiences as learners and observations to compile case studies of learners across various developmental stages.

    • The Dancing Body (20 credits)

    This module will examine basic physiological and anatomical principles and consider legislative requirements as applied to safe practice in dance teaching. You will be required to reflect on your own personal experiences and to relate these to what is considered safe and healthy practice in dance.

    • The Fundamentals of Teaching: Principles & Practice (20 credits)

    In this module you have the opportunity to begin to develop your knowledge and understanding of dance pedagogy through practical application.  You are required to attend a five-day Intensive Study Period (ISP) to support your practical learning of fundamental teaching skills.

    • Work-based practice

    During Year 1 of the programme, you will need to have access to at least one dance teaching context in order to undertake a series of observations (six observations per module). There is no formal approval process for these contexts, and you will need to independently organise the observations. In Year 1 you also be asked to identify a Mentor for your Year 2 teaching placement and you will begin working with your Mentor whilst completing the module The Fundamentals of Teaching: Principles & Practice in order to prepare for Year 2.

     

What do Intensive Study Periods involve?

The Intensive Study Period (ISP) gives you an opportunity to work face-to-face with an experienced RAD tutor, musician and fellow student teachers. During the five days you will examine the key principles and practice of teaching classical ballet covering topics such as the foundations and progressions of classical ballet, working with music (both with pianists and recorded music), enchaînment construction and teaching pointe work. You will also explore important aspects of dance pedagogy including classroom and behaviour management, teaching strategies, the use of vocal dynamics and lesson planning, with opportunities for peer teaching, allowing you to put theory directly into practice in the ballet studio.

 

Year 2

  • Compulsory modules:

    • Dance Teaching in Practice (60 credits)

    This module requires you to undertake a teaching placement throughout the duration of the module. Working with an approved Mentor, you will be required to complete observations, assistant teaching and solo teaching during the three phases of the module: Establishing Practice, Enhancing Practice and Consolidating Practice. Each phase will culminate in a component of the summative assessment being completed. Throughout the module, you will engage in structured study tasks to support preparation for and reflection on your teaching practice.

Entry requirements

You should hold RAD Intermediate, or a recognised equivalent examination in ballet. Applicants must be aged 18 or older by the start date of the programme. Entry onto the programme is subject to an enhanced DBS or equivalent criminal record check.

Assessment mode

Assessment is through a variety of assessment modes including case studies, presentations, lecture demonstrations and practical teaching.

Employment prospects

The combination of developing educational best practice together with intensive training in practical teaching skills enables our graduates to become informed, independent and articulate ballet teachers able to take up employment within the private dance studio sector and community settings where ballet is taught.

Former RAD graduates have gone on to work all over the world as ballet teachers. Many are offered employment within their placement schools or are successful in establishing their own dance school businesses.

Award

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) and eligibility for registration as a dance teacher with the RAD, which will allow you to enter students for RAD ballet examinations.

Further study and career development

Following successful completion of the Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) you may wish to progress to study one of our other Higher Education programmes.

Languages of delivery

The Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) is delivered internationally, via distance learning, in nine different languages, providing access to teacher training and eligibility for registration as a dance teacher with the RAD. For information on this programme please contact the RAD National Office in your country. If you wish to study as part of the UK cohort, please contact Registry in the Faculty of Education, faculty@rad.org.uk.

More information

www.royalacademyofdance.org/cdt

Validated by:

  • Duration
     2 years part-time
  • Apply By
     1 August 2024
    1 July 2024 (concessionary entry)
  • Location:
     Online learning, 5 day in-person intensive study period and teaching placement.
  • Application
     Via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD or National Offices
  • Start
     January 2025
  • Language
     English, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Level/Credits
     Level 4 (120 credits)

Fees for 2024/25

Fees for 2024/25 are also published on our website at HE Fees.

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.

Distance learning (part-time)

£5,350

per programme, plus £120 registration fee on enrolment.

International students Fees available from national offices.

We are very proud of our students and graduates here at the RAD.

Read about the different experiences of students and graduates from our former Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies programme.

Bronwyn Young

  • Graduate

    My favourite thing about studying on the certificate level programme was learning! The programme was pedagogy-based, and I loved learning about the science of teaching and how we learn. I also loved the in-person ISP (Intensive Study Period). This gave me a chance to connect to and learn from the tutor and other teachers-trainees, reflect on and find value in my experiences, and to apply what I had learned within my own context.

    The flexible nature of the programme allowed me to study when it fit my schedule. This could be during the day, in the evening, or on the weekend. It did not have to be at the same time week-to-week which meant I never had to take time off work or miss activities with my children.

    Working with an experienced teacher as a mentor was great! They encouraged me to try different teaching strategies and gave me the opportunity to find my own voice as a teacher. If something was not going well, such as dancers struggling with learning some of the ballet vocabulary I was introducing, they would share their experiences and insight with me which helped me to be reflective, allowed for me to problem solve, and ultimately work towards solutions that reflected the needs of the dancers. My mentor-mentee relationship was a close and trusting one. I felt privileged to learn from them and towards the end of the programme, I felt like I was becoming their peer.

    My experience on the certificate level programme was positive. While the knowledge gained during year one was more theoretical, it provided a solid base for the practical teaching that came in year two. When I completed the programme, I felt that my teaching education was well rounded, and that I was prepared to address a variety of situations that can arise in the ballet studio.

    Becoming a registered teacher with the RAD has allowed me to make teaching ballet my career, and I have entered many successful candidates into RAD exams. It has also opened many doors to continue to learn and develop as a teacher. I have access to local, online, and distance learning opportunities with the CPD scheme. After completing my studies at the certificate level, I was able to continue on to the MA in Education (Dance Teacher) programme. I have been fortunate to connect with teachers from around the world, which has helped me feel like I am part of an international community.

     

     

Julia Pearce

  • Graduate

    As a mother of four, with my children in the thick of their education, I decided to progress my own knowledge and skills and study to become a Ballet teacher. Perusing various marketing materials for different courses, I was apprehensive: where were my peers hiding in this world of further study? I feared that my situation would be seen as a hindrance to my progress. Gladly, the Royal Academy of Dance was not only open to flexible study but positively encouraged it. As a mature student with a family and a business, my experiences were welcomed as part of what I can contribute to the RAD community and the industry.

    The professionalism I encountered at every step was exceptional and my tutors were extremely reassuring, allaying my concerns about returning to education. Their efficiency is impressive and very welcome: prompt and clear communication, a supportive and collaborative approach and of course, unrivalled experience and knowledge. The programme itself is accessible and manageable; the work is presented online and I can complete tasks without compromising on my family and work commitments. The content is thorough and thoughtful: I feel confident and armed with tools to encourage my students to excel in creativity, musicality and technique.

    Naturally, hard work and perseverance are essential prerequisites before embarking upon a RAD programme; my advice to prospective students would be to dedicate time, prior to the start of the course, to learning the content of the RAD syllabus grades – the more familiar you are with the syllabus, the more you can focus on how to teach, inspire and motivate your students.

    The CBTS reignited my passion for classical ballet and I am excited to accompany my students on their own journeys with the RAD. Ultimately, my goal is to qualify as an RAD examiner but for now, I am eager to continue working hard, amongst the very best in the industry.

Yağmur Hazal Oğuz

  • Current student

    Before I started the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies I was a first-year undergraduate dance student. Although I loved my undergraduate course, I felt that it was lacking in formal training for aspiring dance teachers. Upon research, I found the CBTS – a perfect combination of ballet teaching theory, through a virtual learning environment, with a practical intensive study period.

    My favourite memory on the programme is when I met so many aspiring ballet teachers from all over the world and got to share our passion during the Intensive Study Period. I learned not only the RAD syllabi and its progressions, but also the fundamentals of ballet technique and how to cater to students of all ages and capabilities and provide the best education for every student. I believe as dance artists we never stop learning, and the programme increases my passion for teaching this beautiful dance style more and more every single day.

    I have wanted to become a ballet teacher since I was a little girl, and because of the Royal Academy of Dance, I finally have the tools to fulfil my wish of teaching. I cannot recommend this programme enough for prospective students with a passion for teaching. In one word, this programme is sensational!

Jasmine Harrison

  • Current student

    Before starting at the RAD, I was completing a Level 3 diploma in performing arts, coaching gymnastics as well as assisting dance classes at my dance school. I chose to enrol on the CBTS as I love teaching and as it can be studied by distance, this was the most practical choice for me. If you have a busy schedule then this programme is perfect as it allows you to continue to work around your studies.

    Since starting, I have learnt about children’s development as well as safe dance practice and anatomy and this has given me a greater understanding about my own body and the problems and injuries I have faced when dancing, and why. I now know how to prevent them and am always excited to see what the next unit of study will be.

    Every time I have been to the RAD in London, every staff member has been lovely and the tutors are amazing! If I had to describe my experience so far, it would be; welcoming, understanding and exciting.