Awards & Bursaries

Phyllis Bedells Bursary

The annual Phyllis Bedells Bursary was established in 1979 in honour of Phyllis Bedells, one of the founding members of the Royal Academy of Dance. It is a competition open to students who have passed the Academy's Advanced Foundation or Advanced 1 Examination with Commended or Distinction. The winner receives a grant to further his or her education in classical dance training.

SunDance Summer School Scholarship

Each year, Royal Academy of Dance/Canada awards a SunDance Summer School participant with a $1,000 scholarship for use towards his or her future ballet studies, with a guaranteed spot at the next RAD International Summer School of the recipient's choice. For more information about this summer program for students click here

President's Award

This award honours individuals who have given long and exceptional service to the Royal Academy of Dance and the Benesh Institute. Members are encouraged to write to the Chief Executive proposing individuals worthy of the award.

Genée International Ballet Competition

This annual competition is open to students who have passed the Solo Seal or Advanced 2 examination with Commended or Distinction. Achieving the gold, silver and bronze medals, along with cash awards, are the highest accolades that can be gained by a young dancer trained in the Academy Syllabus.

Solo Seal Awards

This performance examination is the culmination of the Academy's Vocational Graded Syllabi and is open to students who have passed the Advanced Examination. Successful candidates receive the Seal of the Institute in recognition of their achievement.

The following awards confer the right for members to use initials after their name, providing current membership is held.

Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance (FRAD)

Fellowships are awarded to Full members who have given outstanding service to the Academy and dance in general. Honourary Fellowships may be awarded to non-members at the discretion of the Academy's Executive Committee. Members are encouraged to nominate and write to the Chief Executive proposing individuals worthy of the award.

Fellow of the Institute of Choreology (FI Chor.)

Fellowships are awarded to Full members of The Benesh Institute who have given outstanding service to the Institute and notation in general. Honourary Fellowships may be awarded to non-members at the discretion of the Academy's Executive Committee. Members are encouraged to nominate and write to the Chief Executive proposing individuals worthy of the award.

Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD)

Licentiateships are awarded to graduates of the BA (Hons) Art and Teaching of Ballet as their professional award, and formerly to graduates of the three-year teacher training Diploma program of the College of the Royal Academy of Dance. The award is recommended by the Faculty of Education Awards Board.

Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD)

Associateships are awarded to students who have passed their Advanced 2 examination (formerly Advanced). Students should apply to the membership department at RAD/Canada following success in the examination. Proper use of the designation is ARAD (Adv). Associations were also formerly awarded to holders of the Advanced Teachers Certificate Award, with proper use of the designation being ARAD (ATC).

Registered Teacher Status (RAD RTS)

Registered Teacher status is awarded to graduates of the following Academy teacher education programs - Teaching Certificate, Teaching Diploma, Advanced Teaching Diploma, BA (Hons) Art and Teaching of Ballet and Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma and formerly holders of the Advanced Teachers Certificate and those individuals prior to 1986, qualifying on the basis of years of experience in teaching and entering candidates for exams. Teachers awarded Registered teacher status are expected to actively teach and enter candidates for the Academy's examinations and hold Full membership with Registered Teacher status. Teachers may use the initials RAD RTS.

Qualifications from the following Academy-awarded and Benesh-awarded programs confer the right for successful graduates to use initials after their name. There is no membership requirement