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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Alexandra Chiapuris O'Donnell
ALEXANDRA CHIAPURIS O'DONNELL, A.R.A.D., graduated from the National Academy of Arts, a professional dance school, and then studied with Marika Besobrasova at the Princess Grace Academy in Monaco, Monte Carlo. Alexandra has successfully completed the Advanced Executant Exam of the Royal Academy of Dancing. She subsequently danced with New York Theatre Ballet for several years. In 1997 Alexandra received a degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and has worked for Washtenaw County since 2002. She is married, with three sons.
Camilla Chiapuris
CAMILLA CHIAPURIS, A.R.A.D.(Dip. PDTC 78) studied with Olga Preobrajenska in Paris and at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo School in NY. As a child she had started her training with Ludmilla Schollar and Mikhail Mordkin. She appeared as a soloist with the Baden State Ballet, the Oran Opera Ballet, and in NY at the Radio City Music Hall as well as in concerts and TV. She trained as a teacher at the Royal Academy of Dancing and received a teaching diploma from the Professional Dancers' Teaching Course (1977-1978).
John Chiapuris
JOHN CHIAPURIS trained at the Ballet Russe School, the School of American Ballet, with Vincenzo Celli in NY and Rouseanne Sarkissian and Ana Ilic in Paris. He was soloist with the Baden Ballet, the Oran Opera Ballet, Marvin Gordon's Ballet Concepts, Radio City Music Hall, and in musicals and touring productions. He retired from dance at 34 and studied anthropology, receiving a PhD. from the University of Michigan. In 1997 both John and Camilla were given the Annie Award for Dance in the individual performing arts category from the Washtenaw Council for the Arts.
Fernando Gorab Leme
FERNANDO GORAB LEME is a Ph.D. student in Classical Studies at the University of Michigan. He began his ballet training as an adult at the Community School of Ballet with Camilla Chiapuris and Alexandra O'Donnell. He attends all of the open and syllabus classes and is preparing for the RAD Vocational Exams. In addition, Fernando demonstrates and assists with classes of all levels.