Congratulations to our new ATAP teachers
Our Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP) exists to inspire a love of the process of learning ballet more than the end result, to drive forward the standard of teaching and keep pace with the changing needs of the art form. And it all starts in the studios with teachers.
Our programme empowers teachers to guide and assess their own students’ learning and have autonomy in their approach, stretching them professionally and offering more creative and career satisfaction.
We launched the programme last February, and invited 29 recreational dance teachers to begin their training with us. The training prepares teachers to adopt a uniquely holistic approach. Alongside performance skills, students with ATAP-accredited teachers learn about the art form as a whole, including repertoire, choreography and appreciation.
How do you become an ATAP teacher?
Selected candidates participate in the initial training programme, followed by additional online training. Once they’ve completed those two, candidates are awarded probationary affiliate status.
Following this, Provisional Affiliate Teachers put their teaching into practice in their school and submit a video of a sample lesson which The Royal Ballet School will assess.
As an organisation, we strive for excellence in everything we do, and we were so happy with the high standard of teaching and the engagement the students had in their practice in the submissions of this first cohort. We’re delighted that all of this year’s cohort passed the rigorous assessment, and have gone on to become ATAP-accredited teachers.
Head of Training and Access, Mark Annear, said:
I am thrilled with the positive response that the Affiliate Programme has received in it’s first year of operation. The quality and enthusiasm that the teachers have demonstrated throughout their selection and training has been wonderful, and I’m delighted that our first cohort have all been awarded affiliation. I’m excited to welcome the next group of teachers to the programme, and for them to become part of the growing ATAP family.
