Professional Dancers’
Graduate Teaching Diploma

  • Programme summary
  • Programme breakdown
  • Entry requirements
  • Programme fees
  • Student voices
  • Programme details
  • Duration
     10 months, part-time
  • Apply by
     1 November 2023
  • Location:
     Online induction, distance learning, onsite intensive study period and teaching placement
  • Application
     Via Registry, RAD
  • Start
     UK & Australia - February 2024
  • Language
     English
  • Level/Credits
     Level 6 (80 credits)

The Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma will allow you to prepare for a new career in teaching and gain an internationally renowned RAD teaching qualification.

This innovative and industry-relevant Graduate Teaching Diploma is delivered by distance learning over 10 months (February-November) with a two week onsite Intensive Study Period, and a mentored teaching placement, that can be studied around your rehearsal, performance and other work commitments.

By studying the Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma you will gain a secure platform for a lifelong career in dance teaching.

To find out more book to attend one of information webinars running throughout September and October 2023.

Your student experience

At the start of the programme, you will attend an online induction with cohorts from both the UK and Australia. You will be guided through the essentials of the programme as well as introducing you to key study skills to prepare you for your studies. Two modules, delivered by distance learning will follow where you will be supported by experienced tutors with online tutorials. Mid-way through the programme, you will attend a two week onsite Intensive Study Period (in the programme location). The ISP will comprise of practical sessions, practice teaching opportunities, lectures, seminars, discussion groups and tutorials. You will complete the programme with a teaching placement in a dance school/teaching context of your choice, where you will be supported by a Mentor and RAD Practical Teaching Tutor.

Dance Teaching as Professional Practice (20 credits)

Delivered over 10 weeks February – April via distance learning and virtual tutorials.

This module will develop your understanding of dance teaching as a profession through an in-depth exploration of some of the widely held values, beliefs and attitudes of what it is to be a dance teacher. You will examine these values, beliefs and attitudes against professional and regulatory expectations of dance teachers and teaching more generally. Through self-reflection and independent research, you will consider how the roles of dance teachers are influenced and shaped when teaching in non-formal, formal and informal dance education and training settings. You will be introduced to reflective practice, a core skill for effective learning and teaching, as a cognitive framework through which you will be able to engage in critical evaluation of your own teaching and your future role as a professional dance teacher.

Dance Teaching as Educational Practice (20 credits)

Delivered over 10 weeks April – end July via distance learning and virtual tutorials.

In this module you will develop knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching in dance education and training by critically engaging with selected educational and training theories, approaches and strategies. You will consider how these approaches and strategies can be applied to different types of learners, different age groups, and different learning experiences and contexts. You will identify and critically evaluate how educational theories can inform and support effective teaching, in both planning and the practice of teaching.

Dance Teaching as Applied Practice (40 credits)

Delivered over 20 weeks July – November to include a two-week Intensive Study Period (normally July in London or Sydney) and a Teaching Placement of 10 weeks.

In this module, you will draw on the knowledge, understanding and skills from Dance Teaching as Professional Practice and Dance Teaching as Educational Practice and topics covered in the Intensive Study Period.  You will devise and deliver effective dance classes which are progressive, safe and creative. You will be expected to seek opportunities to extend and refine your teaching skills in your selected dance teaching context with increasing independence and professionalism, informed by your knowledge of current educational and training theories and practices.

Entry requirements

You will need to have significant professional performance experience as a dancer with an established dance company, theatre organisation or dance production.

Appropriate English Language Proficiency test for students whose first language is not English.

Assessment mode

Modules are assessed through a range of written and practical tasks, including a recorded presentation, a practical teaching examination and viva voce, and a written essay.

Employment prospects

Graduates are well placed to work in the private, vocational and community dance sectors, or in a range of international teaching contexts with many becoming mentors and tutors for the RAD. The programme includes some study of the syllabi and examinations of the RAD, so that graduates are eligible for Registered Teacher Status.

Award

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma, and eligibility for registration as a dance teacher with the RAD.

Further study and career development

Graduates may apply for the Master of Arts in Education (Dance Teaching), providing they meet the English Language requirements and successfully complete an Access Module.  The RAD engages graduates from its professional dancers programme for teaching on summer schools and other events.

More information

www.royalacademyofdance.org/pdgtd

Validated by:

  • Duration
     10 months, part-time
  • Apply By
     1 November 2023
  • Location:
     Online induction, distance learning, onsite intensive study period and teaching placement
  • Application
     Via Registry, RAD
  • Start
     UK & Australia - February 2024
  • Language
     English
  • Level/Credits
     Level 6 (80 credits)

Fees for 2023/24

Fees for 2023/24 will be published in due course 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.

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.

For information on planning your budget and typical programme costs, such as dancewear, equipment, accommodation and travel, please see HE Fees.

Distance learning (part-time)

UK

£6,000

for the academic year, plus £120 registration fee on enrolment.

Australia

Contact the Australia national office.

for the academic year, plus £120 registration fee on enrolment.

A fee of £60 is payable if the applicant is invited to interview (including video/written submission).

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.

Valentia Dimitriou

  • Graduate

    My name is Valentia Dimitriou and I am a dancer based in  Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

    Before starting the programme, I was a freelance artist working and performing as a contemporary dancer. In addition to my contract work, I have experience teaching within the private sector. My early training was through the RAD syllabus where I had a continuous appreciation for my ballet teachers, the work and where it has guided me. I’ve always known that this inspiration would hopefully take me to an RAD certification of my own.

    The Professional Dancers’ programme originally interested me for its flexible and realistic timeline to completion, as well as a travel opportunity and engagement in a different environment with other professional dancers, who were also looking to develop their teaching skills within higher education. I have learned throughout my studies that self-directed online learning can be a heavy task. One of the best parts of this programme is the people you meet at the Induction Seminar, who then become your peers and moral support. Having that connection with others has been of great importance, as you use each other to share information and provide support. Everyone in the RAD wishes for your success, and the positive environment online, and in person, has been motivating as a learner.

    This programme has also been useful in guiding me to become more aware of certain concepts that may or may not have always been present, but have allowed me to acknowledge and reflect from different perspectives. After graduation, I hope to pursue dance teaching long term, as I would like to further my career beyond dancing and performing. It is my hope that the education I received through the programme will open professional doors, and enhance my knowledge of pedagogy to become a valuable teacher. To all of the prospective students who are considering applying to this programme or any other RAD programme, you will be challenged. Be prepared to think, review, read, and schedule your time accordingly. You will explore some intricate and complicated subjects, debates and conversations. If you are looking for that challenge as I was, it will also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, with educators and faculty that are kind and supportive.

    The programme has been a wonderful learning opportunity.

Bethan Smith

  • Graduate

    On graduating from Elmhurst, I joined the Slovak National Ballet Company. In my final year with the company, I decided to develop my career and teach so commenced the Professional Dancers’ Programme. As the programme only took a year to complete and was aimed at professional dancers, it was the right choice for me. I could do the programme while still dancing with the company and then go straight into teaching.

    I wanted to teach the RAD syllabus as I had enjoyed the examinations at school and felt that it provided a professional and disciplined approach to teaching, areas I feel are important. The area I found most useful was the breakdown of syllabus work and practical assessments as for someone who had not taught before this was essential. The Intensive Study Period was also good for me as it allowed me to network and meet my fellow students and learn from their experiences.

    Having had a vocational education, I was worried about the academic areas of the programme as I had never done anything like it before. I learnt that I could focus on the academic side, complete the written elements and this gave me a great deal of satisfaction.

    After completing the programme I moved back to the UK to teach on a freelance basis. I had the opportunity to teach on associate programs, workshop programs, at dance Xchange and many others. I then moved to China to teach at a ballet academy for a year. In 2018, I started my own school and my aim is for the school to keep expanding and produce students who not only love to dance but also gain confidence and achieve in exams, competitions and performances. I definitely think the programme enhanced my career as it gave me the confidence to believe in myself and what I could achieve.

    In 2019, just a year after starting my school, I entered my students from B Ballet Studios into their first RAD exams. It was a fantastic and confidence building experience for all. I even had one of my adult students travel up to London HQ to take her Intermediate. I didn’t face any specific challenges as the RAD team and fellow friends and teachers were so helpful in guiding me through the process. I have been so pleased and proud that the students all achieved Merits and Distinctions for my first set of exams.

    I would highly recommend the programme to prospective students considering to apply. It works in conjunction with your professional experience as a dancer and so much fun joining together to discuss, listen to lectures and work together.

    Dance is in my bones and will be forever. It has given me so much joy, discipline, freedom, strength and confidence. I wish to give all students these feelings to take into their daily lives.

Cooper Rust

  • Graduate

    I spent ten years dancing in professional ballet companies across the United States and in 2012, I travelled for the first time to Nairobi and fell in love with the country and the people. I spent multiple “off-seasons” teaching in the slums here, and then finally decided to stay and set up my own school in 2015.  I could see that while it was incredibly enriching for the children to take ballet in local communities, we would need proper dance floors, mirrors, and barres to be able to get any of them to a professional level and out of poverty.

    In Kenyan culture examinations are very important and when trying to introduce a foreign art form like ballet, I’ve found that being able to provide the dancers’ parents with a syllabus and examination system helps them get behind it. The programme made the most sense with my teaching schedule and my overall goal.

    I found the ISP to be the most useful.  Doing distance training is great, but often time as a working-student, you don’t set everything aside and just focus on one’s studies.  Being forced (in a good way), to stop teaching and come and focus on learning was excellent. I also really enjoyed the networking that went on throughout the programme with the other students.