The Royal Academy of Dance is a leader in continuing professional development in dance that supports and promotes dance teachers at every step of their career encouraging their innovative contributions to dance and education throughout the world. The RAD helps and encourages teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students
ARAD: After successfully completing the RAD Vocational Advanced Examination, a dancer/teacher may take the title of Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance. ARAD is also awarded after successful completion of any of the professional teaching courses.
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PDTC: Professional Dancers Teaching Course; RAD Rgistered Teacher
The PDTC program is designed for professional dancers wishing to prepare for a career in teaching, or for dancers who are already teaching but wish to gain an internationally renowned RAD teaching qualification. Currently PDTC is arranged for distance learning with an onsite Intensive Study Period as a more flexible program. The PDTC was previously an intensive 6 month, full time training program in London, England which required the study and presentation of the entire RAD syllabus. The students were examined on their knowledge of the syllabus, techniques in effective and safe instruction, and ultimately their ability to do so at all levels (Pre-Primary - Advanced and Solo Seal).
Camilla Chiapuris successfully completed this program in 1978 and continues to maintain active certification as ARAD PDTC.
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RTS: Registered Teacher Status
Teachers who have successfully completed the RAD Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) program may then apply for Registered Teaching Status. The 2 year CBTS program includes distance learning, and an Intensive Study Period with practical workshops and discussion groups with RAD Tutors. As in all of the Teaching programs students are examined on their knowledge of the syllabus, techniques in effective and safe instruction, and ultimately their ability to do so at all levels (Pre-Primary - Advanced). a minimum of 45 classes over the time frame of the module and are provided with additional tutoring and support from a Practical Teaching Supervisor. All programs include required research, class development and written papers.
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RAD Teachers study and are examined in areas including :
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The Code of Professional Practice for Teachers Registered with the RAD.
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Requirements of teachers for safe practice and professional responsibilities.
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Creating and maintaining safe dance environments.
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Government policies such as child protection, equal opportunities and rights for persons with disabilities.
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Functional anatomy, focus on the posture, supplementary conditioning
- The stages of physical, mental and emotional development for appropriate
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Key features and progressions of the RAD syllabi, focusing on Pre-Primary and Primary in Dance, Grade 1-5, Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels. The units cover fundamentals of ballet and Character Dance technique, demonstration as a teaching tool and music for dance teachers.
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The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) graded program begins with two pre-ballet classes followed by 8 graded levels. Both age and accomplishment contribute to the teachers’ placement suggestions. Students in the upper grades may also elect to participate in RAD’s pre-professional (Vocational) syllabus which consists of an additional 6 levels.
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus is taught in all of our children/teen classes. With its headquarters in London, England, and a presence in 79 countries, more than a quarter of a million students worldwide are taught using this teaching system. The Community School of Ballet is an approved center to host the Children's and Vocational RAD examinations. The syllabus outlines a progressive structure for learning and achievement in dance.
What does it mean to be a Registered Royal Academy of Dance Teacher: ARAD, PDTC, and RTS?
THE COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF BALLET
Classes for Children and Teens
Fall Term 2025 and Winter Term 2026
September 8 - January 31, 2026/ February 1- March 30, 2026
(Schedule subject to change based on class size)
Adult Classes
Winter Term 2026 (15 weeks) January 5- April 19
CSB Special Events:
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Royal Academy of Dance Annual Examinations: Spring 2026 (for eligible students)
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Annual Recital/Class Presentations: SATURDAY MAY 30, 2026 3:30 pm
Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI