Certificate in
Ballet Teaching Studies

  • Programme summary
  • Programme breakdown
  • Entry requirements
  • Programme fees
  • Student voices
  • Programme details
  • Duration
     2 years part-time
  • Apply by
     1 August 2023
    1 June 2023 via concessionary entry
  • Location:
     Distance learning, 10 day intensive study period and teaching placement (in your country of residence)
  • Application
     Via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD or National Offices
  • Start
     January 2024
  • Language
     Chinese, English, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Level/Credits
     Level 4 (120 credits)

Our certificate programme provides you with an excellent foundation in the knowledge and skills required to embark on a career as a ballet teacher.

Focusing on RAD syllabi, you will explore the development and progression of ballet technique alongside acquiring teaching skills appropriate for the private dance studio. The programme also provides an excellent stepping stone for further study as a dance teacher.

The Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies is studied part-time over two years, enabling you to combine personal and professional commitments alongside your studies. The programme begins in January of each year, and as a part-time student you should expect to study for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

*The CBTS programme will be reviewed in 2022/23 as part of the quinquennial periodic review process. The aim of such a review is to ensure quality enhancements are made to the programme. The review will affect the programme from January 2024.

Your student experience

In Year 1, you will study three modules through distance learning, focusing on developing your observation skills as a teacher, understanding safe practice and professional responsibilities as well as building on your understanding of progression in the RAD syllabi and analysis of ballet vocabulary. You will attend an Intensive Study Period, ten consecutive days in duration, at a UK venue or at one of our teaching centres throughout the world in August/September. You will be supported by a detailed study guide, and tutors with whom you will have regular contact with via online forums, email and telephone.

In Year 2, you will undertake a practical teaching placement over a minimum of 30 weeks. You will be supported by an approved mentor in a dance school local to you, as well as an RAD appointed practical teaching supervisor. In this module you will gradually work up to teaching a full ballet class.

You will also study the importance of continuing professional development, marketing tools and knowledge of market trends in the ballet teaching profession.

Year 1

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

  • Compulsory modules:

    • How We Learn: The Stages of Development
    • Safe Practice and Professional Values
    • Ballet and Teaching

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. The focus is Pre-Primary in Dance, Primary in Dance, Grades 1–5, Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate vocabulary. You will need to know the settings in these syllabi prior to attending, and should factor this into your preparation for your studies. Students attending the ISP participate in three practical sessions a day, exploring the fundamentals of ballet technique and Character Dance, how teacher demonstration can be used as an effective teaching tool, different teaching strategies, the value of music in dance education, learn how to create training exercises fundamental to the RAD syllabus and learn to work with pianists and recorded music.

Year 2

  • Compulsory modules:

    • Practical Teaching
    • Career Development and Management

Entry requirements

You should hold RAD Intermediate, or a recognised equivalent examination in ballet.

Assessment mode

Assessment is through case studies, practical demonstration, written assignments and practical teaching.

Employment prospects

The combination of the intensive development of both practical teaching skills and enhanced knowledge of the RAD syllabi, means that graduates who have completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies 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.

Award

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies 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 Ballet Teaching Studies, those who are able to study in English may wish to progress to the Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies. Alternatively, you have the option of the Diploma in Higher Education: Dance Education by undertaking the BADE Access Module.

Translations

The Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies 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 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/cbts

Validated by:

  • Duration
     2 years part-time
  • Apply By
     1 August 2023
    1 June 2023 via concessionary entry
  • Location:
     Distance learning, 10 day intensive study period and teaching placement (in your country of residence)
  • Application
     Via Registry, Faculty of Education, RAD or National Offices
  • Start
     January 2024
  • Language
     Chinese, English, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Level/Credits
     Level 4 (120 credits)

Fees for 2023/24

Fees for 2023/24 will be published in due course on our website at HE Fees.  Meanwhile the 2022/23 fees are listed here for guidance.

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)

£6,375

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 their different student experiences and where they are now through our Student Voices.

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.