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The special collections encompass materials that have been artificially grouped to provide a convenient resource on a particular subject (usually an individual artist or company), or a collection of material types such as photographs, programmes or rare books. Subject-based collections include resources on Tamara Karsavina and Margot Fonteyn, both important figures in the RAD’s history. Collections of material relating to Anna Pavlova and Serge Diaghilev and their companies provide important contextual information about the ballet scene at the time the RAD was founded. Photographs include portraits of individual artists and international companies while the programme collections provide comprehensive coverage of UK and overseas ballet and dance company performances.

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

The collection includes scrapbooks, notebooks, articles and illustration alongside Richardson's personal collection of ballroom and charity matinée programmes. Photographs were added to the collection in 2021 and given by the Dancing Times who also donated Richardson's typewriter and bookcase.

The archive contains a variety of materials – programmes, press cuttings and photographs – which provide a comprehensive record of Bedells’ professional dancing career as well as some personal papers and correspondence relating to her work for the RAD and teaching activities. The complete manuscript of her autobiography, My Dancing Days (1954), is housed alongside several other interview transcripts and scripts for radio programmes or magazine articles presenting a very detailed profile of her life and career.

The dinner was held at Claridge's Hotel on Sunday 16th December, 1956, to commemorate the fiftieth Anniversary of Bedells' first appearance on the stage.

Full length costume portrait. Bedells is standing with her legs in fifth position on pointe. Both arms are raised in a fifth position. The name of the dancer and photographer's copyright stamp is printed on the bottom of the image. Inscription reading 'hope you will like this card. With love, Elsie' is found on the reverse.

Full length costume portrait. Bedells is standing on pointe with her right leg crossed in front of the left. Both arms are bent toward her head, framing her face. The photographer's copyright stamp is given on the reverse.

Half length studio portrait in costume. Bedells is seated with her right arm resting on her lap and left hand placed on her chest. Head is tilted to her left. The name photographer is printed on the bottom right corner of the image. The name of the production, photographer and date is handwritten on the reverse.

The Archive covers the life and career of Kenneth MacMillan. The earliest material relates to his family, subsequent material covers his time as a student and dancer, and his career as choreographer and artistic director in the UK and abroad. There is research material, choreographic notes, production files, photographs and designs relating to his ballets as well as a significant amount of correspondence with dancers and companies around the world. Administrative records include files from his agents containing contracts and correspondence. Following his death, there are details of his funeral and Thanksgiving Service and letters of condolence. Events and conferences addressing his career and legacy are also in the archive. There are collections of programmes, periodicals and press cuttings, as well as some books and other publications.

These include the significant, personal collections of RAD founders Adeline Genée, Phyllis Bedells and Philip Richardson which provide further insight into the lives and careers of these important figures. The GBL Wilson photographic archive provides a unique overview of the British Ballet scene between 1940 and 1980 and includes several RAD functions and events. The author and book designer Peter L. Moldon researched extensively on Margot Fonteyn and his papers include many notes on performances, article proofs and photographs as well as the full unpublished manuscript for his stage biography on Fonteyn. Beryl Grey’s personal collection of photographs and press cuttings provide an overview of her extensive career, while less extensive personal archives include materials from early RAD Members and teachers Dorothy Chaplin, Theresa Heyman and Sissie Smith, which complement the RAD Heritage Archive. Recent acquisitions include the Dancing Times photographic archive which complements and extends the photographic coverage of the existing photo collections, and the Kenneth MacMillan archive collection documenting the life and career of one of British ballets most important and influential choreographers.