Royal Academy of Dance

News

  • Darcey Bussell becomes RAD President

    Darcey Bussell, courtesy of Darcey BussellWorld-renowned Prima Ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE has been elected President of the Royal Academy of Dance, becoming only the fourth President in the organisation's 92 year history.  This is especially exciting news in New Zealand where we have the opportunity to meet Darcey and hear her speak about her life on 1 June at the wonderful Gala Dinner in Wellington (see below for booking details).

    Darcey follows in the footsteps of Dame Antoinette Sibley who retired in April after 21 years in the role. She joins the RAD, one of the world's most influential dance training organisations, at a time of growth and increasing public interest in all forms of dance.

    Darcey commented: "It is a privilege to be asked to be President of the Royal Academy of Dance, an institution which consistently makes such an outstanding contribution to the art of classical ballet and to so many forms of dance.

    Find out more…..

  • A Gala Dinner with Darcey Bussell
    This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet internationally acclaimed ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE and hear her speak about her life and career.
    Friday 1 June 2012
    6.30 - 11.30pm
    Intercontinental Wellington, 2 Grey Street, Central Wellington 
    $175 per seat, or buy a table of 10 for $1500 (ticket price includes seated dinner, wine/juice and entertainment.
    Dress code: lounge suit/cocktail dress
    Book here

    This dinner is presented by the Royal Academy of Dance and the New Zealand School of Dance. It will raise funds both for the RAD Genée International Ballet Competition (Wellington, December 2012) and the New Zealand School of Dance on its 45th anniversary this year.

       Many exclusive items have been kindly donated to be auctioned at the dinner:

       LIVE AUCTION        

    • Partridge Jewellers: An exquisite, 18 carat yellow gold contemporary pave diamond pendant, set with 0.20 carat of diamond on an 18 carat yellow gold chain from renowned Partridge Jewellers.
      Item valued at $920 - bidding starts at $460
    • Wharekauhau: A 2 night luxury weekend at Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate, Wairarapa, including 4 course gourmet dinner (includes pre dinner drinks and canapés) and a country style breakfast each morning.  Valid until 31 July 2012.  Wharekauhau Wine and Food Society.
      Winter rack rate $2990 - Society Members Special at $1500
      Item valued at $1500 - bidding starts at $750
    • Australian Ballet Package with House of Travel flights and InterContinental Hotel Accommodation: Australian Ballet's Icons Season in Sydney 
      - Two "A" reserve tickets for 17 November 2012
      - Lana Jones (principal dancer) signed pointe shoes and poster
      - Two nights accommodation in a King Superior City Side including buffet breakfast for two in Café Opera at the InterContinental Hotel, Sydney 16 & 17 November 2012
      - Air NZ return flights, Wellington to Sydney 16 - 18 November 2012 from House of Travel
      Item valued at $2900 - bidding starts at $1450
    • Logan Brown & RNZB Package: Bistro dinner for two at Logan Brown followed by two premium tickets to the the Royal New Zealand Ballet in The TelstraClear Season of Giselle at the St James Theatre, and the opportunity to meet RNZB Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel, during the interval. (date to be confirmed)
      Item valued at $300 - bidding starts at $150 
    • Alison Blain Jewellery: A beautiful necklace of Amethyst, Freshwater Pearls and Murano Glass from Wellington designer Alison Blain.
      Item valued at $750 - bidding starts at $375 
    • Wairarapa Holiday courtesy Gazley Tory Motors: 2 nights accommodation for up to 4 people at Budva House, Riversdale plus drive there and back in the new Alfa Giulietta from Gazley Tory Motors.  Voucher valid up to December 2012.
      Item valued at $1000 - bidding starts at $500 
    • Hawthorn Lounge:  Enjoy the character, style and service of the Hawthorn Lounge.  Gather six friends together for a Cocktail making class.
      Item valued at $450 - bidding starts at $225 
    • NZSO & Shed 5: Two "A" reserve tickets to the NZ Symphony Orchestra together with a dinner voucher to Shed 5.
      Item valued at $300 - bidding starts at $150
    • Martin James Painting: Original oil on canvas painting by Martin James (ex Royal New Zealand Ballet Principal Dancer and graduate of the New Zealand School of Dance).
      Item valued at $500 - bidding starts at $250
    • Darcey Bussell: A limited edition copy of Darcey Bussells new photo biography.  There will only be 200 printed, the book will be available in July.
      Priceless - bidding starts at $100

        SILENT AUCTION

    • Harry's Fashion, Seatoun: ToyWatch.  Metalic blue wrist watch, luxurious, affordable and trendy.
      Item valued at $450 - bidding starts at $225
    • Leigh Brewer: Bronze sculpture, "l'esprit de Danse" from Songs of the Auvergne by Leigh Brewer (23cm x 16cm).
      Item valued at $1400 - bidding starts at $700
    • Interislander Experience: Where the journey becomes a destination.  Take a trip on the Interislander, return travel for 2 adults, 3 children and a vehicle.  (Travel prior to 30 April 2013, not valid Labour weekend 2012 or 15 Dec 2012 - 26 Jan 2013 or Easter 2013).  Plus World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum, Nelson, family pass. Item value at $650 - bidding starts at $325 
    • Simon Woolf Photography: A Simon Woolf Lifestyle Portfolio, with a 2 hour photography shoot, set either in the studio, on location or using green screen technology.  This could be for an individual or a family and will include a number of images and digital files.
      Item valued at $650 - biding starts at $325
    • Helipro Helicopter Flight: Take a scenic "Wild South Coaster" helicopter flight to view the sights that lie beyond the rugged hills of Wellington with Helipro (1 passenger, conditions apply).
      Item valued at $240 - bidding starts at $120
    • Small Acorns: A two hour Interior Design Consultation from Small Acorns PLUS receive $250 off your next cushion purchase.
      Item valued at $550 - bidding starts at $275
    • Royal Academy of Dance & Tamsin Cooper: Two tickets to the Final of the Genée International Ballet Competition and two Tamsin Cooper Sleeping Beauty Rose Brooches and Sleeping Beauty Bag.
      Item valued at $250 - bidding starts at $125       
    • WETA Statue: Weta collectable statue, Superman and Lois Lane, donated by Weta Limited.
      Item valued at $500 - bidding starts at $250 
    • Blue Cactus Hairdressing & Trilogy: Deluxe Ritual & Special Occasion Blow Wave at the Blue Cactus Hairdressers together with a Trilogy Products Gift Pack.
      Item valued at $230 - bidding starts at $115
    • World of WearableArt Awards Show: A goodie bag of WOW merchandise.
      Item valued at $220 - bidding starts at $110
    • The Roxy: Cinema tickets and a peninsula platter which showcases the best produce from our region from CoCo Restaurant. 
      Item valued at $70 - bidding starts at $35
    • Stephen A'Court Photography & NZSD: Framed photograph of NZ School of Dance students (Jessica Fishburn and Daniel Asher Smith) by Stephen A'Court together with tickets, programmes and drinks for two for the opening night of Graduation Season, at the New Zealand School of Dance.
    • Darcey Bussell: Signed poster of Darcey Bussell.
      Priceless - bidding starts at $50
    • Darcey Bussell: Signed poster of Darcey Bussell.
      Priceless - bidding starts at $50

      Gala Dinner auction items photographs Gala Dinner auction items photographs (227 KB)

      Gala Dinner Auction Supporters Gala Dinner Auction Supporters (270 KB)

ABSENTEE BIDS are being accepted for the above Auction items prior to the Gala Dinner on the 1st June.  Contact Fiona Arbuckle (farbuckle@rad.org.nz) stating which auction item you are interested in and the amount you would like to offer. Successful absentee bids can be paid for by arrangement with Fiona Arbuckle.

SUCCESSFUL BIDS can be paid for by EFTPOS (Debit and Credit Cards) or by cheque on the night.
 

The extra Auction items listed below may have further exciting additions and will be available for bids on the night.

    • 'Best of Wellington' courtesy of Helipro & Kirkcaldie & Stains Ltd.  The Best of Wellington Package includes a 1 passenger "City Panorama" flight over Wellington City courtesy of Helipro (conditions apply) and a shopping spree at the famous Kirkcaldie & Stains Ltd.
    • NZSO: Two "A" reserve tickets to the NZ Symphony Orchestra.
    • Circa Theatre: Two tickets to either Sunset Road 20 June - 7 July or All My Sons 2 Jun - 7 July at the Circa Theatre.
    • Footnote Dance: Two tickets to Footnote Dance - Made in New Zealand 2012 at the Opera House June 12 or 13.
  • Genée International Ballet Competition to be held in Wellington 6-15 December 2012.
  • Australasian International Advisor Appointed - The Royal Academy of Dance appoints International Advisors from Australasia, Asia, North/South America, Europe and Africa to advise the Board of Trustees in a voluntary capacity for a rolling, three year term.  The recently-appointed Australasian Advisor for 2012-2015 is Professor Susan Street from Queensland, Australia.  Professor Street has a long and celebrated association with dance and dance education as educator, administrator, advisor/consultant, guest speaker/lecturer, judge, writer/editor, choreographer and professional dancer.

    Professor Susan Street's CV Professor Susan Street's CV (198 KB)

  • The new Grade 1 – 3 syllabi was launched in January 2012 and will be examined from January 2013. 

    New Gd 1-3 syllabi Teachers' Courses booklet New Gd 1-3 syllabi Teachers' Courses booklet (1205 KB)

  • Professional Dance Teachers' Registration Scheme - Following the publication of the Professional Dance Teachers' Registration brochure, the micro-site created to provide access to the full criteria accompanying each of the new categories of registration as well as providing a platform for members' questions and feedback is now live at www.RADteachers.info