Darcey Bussell Marks Milestone In Royal Academy Of Dance Redevelopment

Strictly star is president of the RAD which is building new HQ in Battersea

President of the Royal Academy of Dance, Dame Darcey Bussell, and the leader of Wandsworth Council Ravi Govindia launched the first stage of development for the new global headquarters of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in Battersea this week.

Darcey Bussell RAD

Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the Royal Academy of Dance, was joined by (from left-right) Luke Rittner, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Dance, Omer Weinberger, Managing Partner of Avanton, Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council, and dance students today to mark the first milestone in the development of the new Royal Academy of Dance headquarters at Avanton: Battersea.

They both attended the topping out ceremony at Avanton: Battersea. The new building will be completed in 2020, the RAD's centenary.

Darcey Bussell was joined on site by Luke Rittner, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Dance, Avanton’s Managing Partner, Omer Weinberger and Cllr Govindia, along with students of the Academy to mark the occasion.

The ceremony marks an exciting new chapter in the Royal Academy of Dance’s future as a world-class leader in dance education and training. The new 60,000 sq.ft building provides almost double the footprint for the Academy, and will enable the Royal Academy of Dance to meet increasing demand for dance classes and workshops for people of all ages and abilities.

The fully accessible new headquarters will include:

  • Eight full-size dance studios with sprung floors and high specification sound equipment
  • A performance theatre (178 capacity) with full lighting rig and sound desk
  • A library and archive that will house and display many of its original costume and dance artefacts
  • A new retail space and large café for members, visitors and tourists

Ms Bussell said, "Today marks an exciting new chapter for the Academy as we approach our centenary in 2020. This building symbolises a new ‘home’ of dance, that will benefit our worldwide members, staff and partners, and will also enable us to strengthen our links to the local community. As President I am proud of the work the RAD does to promote a love of dance in everyone, regardless of ability or background, and to nurture future generations of talented teachers and dancers."


 

January 25, 2019