For decades, The Royal Ballet School has been a training ground for some of the world’s finest dancers. Now, its teaching graduates are set to gain wider recognition and access to international networks, thanks to new pathways linking the School with two of the most influential names in dance education: the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
The announcement marks a significant moment for the School’s Diploma of Dance Teaching (DDT), introduced just over a decade ago to professionalise and support the next generation of ballet educators. Graduates from 2014 onwards will now have the chance to step directly into professional membership with the RAD and ISTD, as well as becoming Affiliate Teachers with The Royal Ballet School itself.
In practical terms, these partnerships mean that DDT graduates can be fast-tracked into respected professional networks, gaining access to international resources, student examination systems, and professional development opportunities that enhance both their reputation and employability. In a field where teaching pathways can often feel fragmented, the recognition of the DDT by these organisations signals a powerful vote of confidence in the programme and in the importance of high-quality ballet teaching worldwide.
Three new pathways for DDT graduates
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The Royal Ballet School Affiliate Teacher status: Through a condensed course of online, onsite and self-study training, graduates can gain Affiliate Teacher status, offering direct access to the School’s resources, professional development opportunities and tutor expertise.
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ISTD Full Teaching membership: The ISTD will now recognise the DDT as a qualification leading to Full Teaching membership. This includes access to syllabi across 13 dance genres, exclusive CPD training, teaching resources and a global community of professional dance educators.
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RAD Registered Teacher Status (RAD RTS): Graduates will also be eligible to apply for RAD RTS, opening the door to the RAD’s international register of teachers, student exam entry, tailored professional development and the benefits of belonging to a global membership scheme.
Karen Berry, Head of Teacher Training at The Royal Ballet School, said: ‘We’re thrilled that our Diploma of Dance Teaching (DDT) now offers even more to our graduate teachers. Graduates can now apply for Affiliate Teacher status with The Royal Ballet School, permitting them to gain access to support in student training and student assessment materials. In addition, we’re also proud to share that both the RAD and ISTD are now offering teaching membership opportunities to DDT graduates, acknowledging the strength of the DDT qualification and the value our graduates bring to the dance education community. These new partnerships reflect our belief that outstanding teaching belongs in every studio and we’re proud to support our graduates in shaping the future of dance wherever they teach and whoever they inspire.’
Gemma Matthews, Director of Membership and Communications at ISTD, added: ‘We’re delighted to welcome alumni of The Royal Ballet School’s Diploma of Dance Teaching into the ISTD community, offering them a seamless route to access our world-class resources and support. At ISTD, we’re proud to champion excellence, diversity, and inclusivity in dance education, putting our members at the heart of everything we do.’
Penny Cotton, Director of Membership at the Royal Academy of Dance, also welcomed the announcement: ‘We are delighted to accept The Royal Ballet School’s Diploma of Dance Teaching as a route to Registered Teacher Status and look forward to welcoming its graduates to our prestigious and highly regarded network of dance teachers. Our dance teachers are transforming lives throughout the world and inspiring others with their love for the artform and excellence in dance teaching.’
What it means for dance education
The new pathways highlight the recognition now being given to the Royal Ballet School’s teaching graduates. By opening routes to RAD and ISTD membership, the DDT offers added value beyond the qualification itself, giving alumni the chance to strengthen their professional standing, access global resources and join wider teaching networks, while bringing that expertise back into their own studios and schools.