The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is warming up for an open day in their brand new, state of the art home in Battersea. On Sunday 8 May, the organisation will throw open their doors and host a range of free activities from 10am-4pm. The RAD recently moved to their new home for dance on York Road in Battersea, so this is an exciting opportunity for the local community to explore everything the RAD has to offer. All ages and abilities are welcome, there is something to suit the whole family.
Activities scheduled to take place on the day include:
- A special screening of new animation and live action film Coppelia, which stars RAD President Dame Darcey Bussell, who will lead a Q and A about the film at the event
- Dance performances in the 193 seat Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre
- Taster workshops for children in a range of dance styles, including hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre and more
- Ballet and Storytelling workshops for younger children aged 3-6, the perfect introduction to movement and dance, whilst exploring the story of a ballet classic
- There’s opportunity for adults to get moving too, with pilates taster classes, African dance and drumming workshops, and a Move to the Musicals class– a jazz inspired class specially designed for over 55s
- Visitors will also be able to explore the RAD’s archives, with objects and images to be displayed which celebrate over 100 years of dance history
- The RAD shop will be open for all to stock up on dance related goodies, as well as specialist dance wear for anyone inspired to keep dancing
In a first for the RAD, there will also be an open audition taking place on the day. Young people aged 4-17 who live in Wandsworth are invited to take part in an open class, observed by Dame Darcey Bussell and a panel of dance professionals. Up to three dancers will be selected to have free dance tuition at the RAD’s new state of the art home and will have the cost of uniform covered.
The Royal Academy of Dance’s new global headquarters in Battersea is not designed to be just the charity’shome but to be a cultural hub, a destination for dance, and a place where local residents, partners and artists can feel at home too. Through a cultural engagement plan and partnership with Take a Part, the RAD is growing their programme of outreach and wellbeing initiatives while exploring how they can best serve and work together with community artists and partners, as well as residents.
When: Sunday 8 May, 10am-4pm
Where: Royal Academy of Dance, 188 York Road, London SW11 3JZ
How much: Free. To see the full schedule for the day and to book on to workshops visit www.homefordance.org