Awards Day

Awards Day celebrates the achievements of graduates and postgraduates from one of the Academy’s Faculty of Education programmes of study. The next ceremony will take place on Wednesday 10 July 2013 at St Mary's Church, Battersea.

The last graduation ceremony was held on 11 July 2012 at St. Mary Church, Battersea (London). Over 179 students and guests travelling from 32 countries to collect their certificates, from as far and wide as Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Mexico and USA were in attendance.

RAD Chief Executive, Luke Rittner, began the proceedings by introducing the award categories, which were presented by Director of Education, Dr Anne Hogan and Chairman, Kerry Rubie. Read Luke Rittner's speech.

The guest speaker was Julia Farron, OBE, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance. An iconic dancer and teacher, Julia was the youngest student to gain a scholarship to the Vic Wells Ballet School under Dame Ninette de Valois and went on to enjoy a 25 year career with The Royal Ballet, during which time she created roles in ballets by Frederick Ashton, Ninette de Valois, John Cranko and Kenneth McMillan. The distinguished artist and teacher, celebrates her 90th birthday this year and offered some inspirational words of wisdom and invaluable advice to the newly qualified dance teachers. Read Julia Farron's speech.

Additionally, the President’s Award was presented to Miss Kathleen Burdon, Mrs Harriett Croft and Mrs Irene Hand, and the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Dance was awarded to Professor Joan White CBE (posthumous), former Director of Education of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Following the ceremony, afternoon tea was enjoyed in the courtyard at RAD headquarters, accompanied by music from the Java Saxophone Quartet from the Royal College of Music.

Read the full press release.