The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has launched a global Register of Teachers.
Inclusion in the register will mean the dance teacher has met eligibility criteria, including relevant dance teaching qualification and agreeing to comply to RAD’s Code of Professional Practice for teachers and follow RAD’s Safeguarding Good Practice Guidelines.
The launch follows a YouGov survey conducted by RAD which found 89% of adults in the UK were unaware there is no legal requirement for dance teachers to have a relevant dance qualification to lead a dance class or school.
RAD hopes the register will help employers, prospective students, parents and guardians to “find RAD registered teachers with confidence”.
In the YouGov poll, 79% of parents and guardians surveyed said they agreed it would be useful to have access to a service which allowed them to check a dance teacher’s credentials.
RAD Chief Executive Tim Arthur said unqualified teachers devalue the whole art form because a bad experience can put people off dance for life and potentially cause injuries.
“Conversely, a great experience with an experienced and knowledgeable teacher, can be life changing,” he added.
“I hope that the RAD’s new Register of Teachers will allow the public to make informed decisions when finding a dance teacher.”