Class of 2024

Sir Wayne McGregor was the guest speaker at the RAD’s graduation ceremony.

Dance Gazette | Inside RAD | Issue 12 - Feb 2025

RAD graduates, faculty and friends were thrilled to come together on 1 October last year for our 2024 graduation ceremony at Cadogan Hall, London.

Graduates assembled from around the world to receive their awards from Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, President of the RAD, and to hear from guest speaker Sir Wayne McGregor, the award-winning British choreographer and director.

At the RAD, we are incredibly proud of our students, and it was wonderful to be able to come together and watch as they prepare to move on to the next stage of their careers, joining the global network of RAD members and alumni.

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REST OF Issue 12 - Feb 2025

reports

Bodies of work

As disabled dance artists find greater visibility, Emily May meets choreographers who are breaking down barriers for other disabled dancers – and for the dance world as a whole.

features

Family matters

From nappy changes to juggling childcare: Rosemary Waugh discovers how RAD dance teachers balance professional and family life.

features

Close encounters

Helping dancers feel safe in sexual or violent scenes is ever more important to ballet companies. Jane Albert explores the crucial role of intimacy coordinators.

RAD Q&A post

Elizabeth Honer

The RAD has appointed a new CEO in Elizabeth Honer CB. In her first interview, she tells Dance Gazette about the paths that led her to the RAD – and the joy of being a Silver Swan!

reports

Where are the silver foxes?

Silver Swans is one of the RAD’s most popular projects, bringing women over 55 to dance. But why do so few men embrace dance as they grow older? Sanjoy Roy goes in search of the silver foxes.

Director’s cut post

A story of success

Artistic Director Alexander Campbell begins his new Dance Gazette series by asking: what does the RAD actually do?

Why Dance Matters post

Pia Sutaria

In Mumbai, an inspirational performer and RAD teacher is broadening access to ballet.

Advice Bureau post

Barak Marshall

‘Don’t dance’? Bold advice from the American-Israeli choreographer.

Playlist post

John Macfarlane

John Macfarlane has designed many classic ballets. But what music means most to him?

Big Picture post

Kenneth MacMillan archive

The RAD has received Kenneth MacMillan’s archive, giving insight into a pioneer of 20th- century ballet.

features

Shock of the new

What does an encounter with the unexpected feel like for artists or audiences? How do choreographers surprise themselves? David Jays asks daring dance makers about the art of the unknown.

000 at the Phyllis Bedells Bursary 2024. The competition allows young dancers to display their range and strengths. Photo: Roswitha Chesher
features

The launchpad

Impressive dance careers have begun at the RAD’s Bedells Bursary. Catja Christensen visits the 2024 Bursary to hear how the competition can propel a young dancer.