Showing 12 results

The Pavlova collection includes a number of programmes from 1912 – 1930 and publicity and performance photographs and postcards from 1902 onwards. There are also commemorative brochures, magazines and press cuttings, plus some personal documents relating to contracts and tour arrangements.

The collection comprises original, personal letters from several luminaries in the ballet world including Anton Dolin, Margot Fonteyn Peggy van Praagh and Anthony Tudor. Mostly dating from the 1980s, the correspondence also includes some photocopies of letters relating to work issues from company directors. Photographs taken during Dai Ailian's visits to the RAD in 1981 and 1993 are incorporated into the collection along with a small number of colour photos also donated by Daryl Ries.

An eclectic collection of photographs and ephemera acquired from various sources. There are photographs and correspondence that relate to her activities for and with the RAD, as well as interesting correspondence about her life on the farm in Panama with her husband, as well as a significant number of photographs of her dancing.

The RAD Heritage archive dates from 1921- the first year of the Association’s operations and these early records include notes and reports for the earliest AGM’s as well as some examinations correspondence and certificates signed by all the original members of the committee from the very first examinations sessions on 9 and 10 May, 1921.

The 1920s was a period of intense activity including development of both the Major and Children’s examination syllabi; the first public performances by members of the Association, the purchase of our first premises; the introduction of the first scholarships; the first overseas examinations and our first Royal Patron. This period was well documented in the Dancing Times but is supported by some early original documents in the archive.

In the 1930s activities continued to expand and the introduction of the Gazette in November 1930 meant that much was documented and is available in published form. Archive material from this period is concentrated on the setting up of a Grand Council, petitioning for a Royal Charter and establishing the byelaws.

From then on, the main records series and types of records preserved in the archive are:

• Premises & Buildings
• Minutes from various committees and sub-committee meetings
• Annual reports and associated documents
• Examinations syllabi material (publications)
• Syllabus development material
• Artistic projects files
• Programmes from special events, awards and performances
• Teacher training programme course materials & brochures
• Photographs & video footage
• Overseas development
• Regional activities