New dance partner

The Royal Academy of Dance and AUT have formed a partnership which will allow graduates to earn an internationally recognised teaching qualification

Britain’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and AUT have formed a historic partnership, the first of its kind internationally. The RAD operates in more than 80 countries.  

The partnership means AUT Bachelor of Dance students who pass optional RAD-specific papers will graduate with the RAD’s “Registered Teacher Status”, which is recognised internationally. 

AUT Senior Dance Lecturer, Dr Alice Knappstein says the partnership is significant for New Zealand’s dance movement.

“Graduates who have passed the RAD-specific papers as part of our degree and complete the year-long Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching will be qualified as NZ Registered Teachers and RAD Registered Teachers. They will be able to teach in both public sector secondary schools and in private sector dance studios.” 

The RAD’s Chief Executive, Luke Rittner, signed the agreement with AUT Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Max Abbott in August.

“The fact that the Royal Academy has chosen AUT for this world-first partnership shows how highly-regarded our dance programme is and means even more employment opportunities for AUT students,” says Professor Abbott.

The RAD will oversee the RAD-specific papers’ content, delivery and assessment.