13 March 2020 13:15

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Guidance for students, examiners, tutors and teachers.

Posted: July 22

Exams

• The 2020/21 Exam Guide will be available online in early August. This annual publication, produced by RAD Canada, provides a quick reference for the most frequently asked questions – closing dates, exam dates, fees, timings, studio requirements, contacts, and uniform information; including, where to Find A Mondor Retailer, plus much more.
• We are excited to be adding a new Early Fall Session (September-October), which may be a convenient option for schools that missed the Late Spring session due to COVID-19. Teachers who are interested in entering candidates for this session should contact their Exam Planner for more information.

SunDance 

• The Academy’s annual 3-week summer intensive in association with the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre will conclude on Friday (July 24). SunDance is the only RAD summer program in the world to combine RAD ballet and Limón modern.
• This year was a historical first, with the entire experience conducted virtually.
• Internationally renowned faculty, including Special Guest instructors, Rachael Hunt, PDTD and RAD Examiner, Ilara Lopes, ARAD, Zoomed in from England and Brazil to deliver their classes, all with live piano accompaniment from Dimitry Zabrotsky in Toronto.
• Increased emphasis was placed on the Healthy Dancer, with Discussions focused on Injury Prevention and Management, Psychological Skills for Performance, Addressing Racism: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Dance, Optimal Nutrition for Dance, Safe and Effective Stretching as well as the Art of Stress Management. Established dance educators, researchers, and health professionals from Healthy Dancer Canada led these stimulating and informative workshops.
• Thank you to all of the wonderful dancers who participated, their families and supporters, the incredible faculty and in particular, Artistic Director Deborah Lundmark, along with the entire SunDance team who worked tirelessly to make it a truly remarkable SunDance 2020!

 

Posted: July 8

There has been a lot of activity these past couple of weeks: in-person and video exams, the start of our summer intensive, as well as various Zoom sessions with teaching members.

Exams

• We are in full swing with rescheduling spring and late spring exams, scheduling new summer entries, and accepting late summer entries (both in-person and filmed).
• Our digital Exam Guide is currently being worked on and will be available in a few weeks. The Guide is a helpful reference for closing dates, fees, exam wear and much more!

SunDance

• Our annual summer intensive, in partnership with the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre began on July 6, and runs until July 24.
• We have gone virtual this year, with students fully embracing the online experience.

Zoom

• RAD Canada hosted two Town Halls for teaching members, with each addressing the administration of Membership, Enterprise, CPD and Exams.
• Additionally, three Q&A Sessions with Chief Examiner, Jennifer Hale also took place; giving teachers the opportunity to ask questions that will assist with the planning and preparation of exams over the next few months.

Current viewing

• The RAD has partnered with award-winning beauty and well-being brand, This Works, to co-curate an 8-week series of free online dance classes, aimed at creating moments of connection with our bodies and with each other.
• ‘A Moving Summer’ encourages you to take time for yourself and your family, slow down, and connect with your inner dancer through ballet-inspired exercises. The series airs each Wednesday on both the RAD and This Works Instagram channels.

Coming up!

• A 9-week digital series will be launched next week, Zoom in on The Fonteyn, providing insight and inspiration for prospective Fonteyn candidates, teachers, members and the wider dance community.
• Although we cannot replace the experience of the competition, we can provide access that highlights much of what makes The Fonteyn such a unique event, by drawing on the first-hand knowledge and experiences of dancers and artistic leaders.

 

Posted: June 24

Members’ Area

• Be sure to regularly visit the Members’ Area, which is exclusive to RAD Members. There is something for everyone, including special promotions. This month, check out the valuable offer from Mondor, the Academy’s official licensee for dancewear in North America!

Zoom Sessions

• RAD Canada is continuing to offer free Zoom sessions for teaching members.
• Upcoming live forums will include RAD Canada Town Halls, as well as Q&A sessions with Jennifer Hale, Chief Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance. Information, including dates and times is being directly emailed to teaching members, so look for the invites in your in-box.

Exams

• June 19 marked the first day of in-person exams (held in BC) since the pandemic began. We are diligently working on re-scheduling all exam entries that have been affected by COVID-19 across the country.
• At the same time, we are accepting new entries for any schools in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario that would like to have video or in-person exams this summer.
• The closing date for Late Summer (August) exam entries is July 20, 2020
• A reminder to teachers: watch your in-box for information on the Q&A Session with Jennifer Hale, Chief Examiner. Specifically relating to examinations and artistry, these Live sessions have been designed to help teachers with the planning and preparation of their examinations over the next few months.

 

Posted: June 17

SunDance

• This year’s summer intensive is going virtual!
• July 6 – 24, 2020
• The only one of its kind in the world to combine RAD Ballet and Limón Modern
• Space is still available, with the video audition deadline being extended to June 29^th
• https://www.theschoolofccdt.ca/sundance-2020

Global Jobs Board

• For those looking for employment opportunities, either domestic or international, don’t forget about the RAD’s Global Jobs Board.
• To review what’s available for RAD teachers, visit the Benefits section in the Members’ Area.

Exams

• Spring and Late Spring exams are currently being rescheduled in many parts of the country through a combination of in-person and video assessments. As each entry has to be treated separately, please be patient if it takes your Exam Planner longer than usual to get back to you; we are prioritizing questions about exams that are imminent.
• Note: regardless of which method of video recording you are planning to use, you must complete a Practice Run before starting to film your exams. Speak to your Exam Planner for more information.
• Additionally, if you plan on recording your exams using our Zoom option, there might be restrictions on the days available to you. Please reach out to your Exam Planner to coordinate before finalizing your plans.
• Summer (July) entry deadline is June 22, 2020
• Late Summer (August) entry deadline is July 20, 2020

 

Posted: June 10

Exams

• Canada completed its very first day of video exams on Sunday, June 7, 2020, followed by two additional days on Monday and Tuesday.
• We are greatly encouraged by this start to the ‘light at the end of a tunnel’ while we continue to work towards slightly ‘more normal’ operations.
• For teachers and studios that would like to utilize video exams as an alternative to in-person assessments, please reach out to your exam planner, so they can provide you with the necessary guidelines to proceed.
• The Exam Portals are now open for Summer (July) and Late Summer (August) exams in BC, AB, and ON.
• Winter exam results will be sent out as soon as the RAD Canada office reopens.

RAD Canada Shop

• While many provinces are moving closer and closer to fully opening up businesses, Ontario still has emergency measures in place. As a result, the RAD Canada office remains closed.
• If you are interested in purchasing material from the RAD Canada Shop, please note we are not able to fulfill any orders until the RAD Canada office reopens (TBA).
• RAD Video Android / iOS App is a viable option should you require syllabus material immediately. Each title can be purchased individually within the application, and the video content replicates that seen on the DVDs.

 

Posted: June 3

Dance Safe

• The Ontario Workplace Guideline for Dance and Performing Arts Studios Committee has created a document setting out specific guidelines that dance studios are willing to implement in an effort to persuade the Ontario government to allow dance studios to re-open immediately, similar to recognized Provincial Sports Organizations. In support of this initiative, RAD Canada sent out an appeal to Ontario Teaching Members on June 1, encouraging them to bring this effort to the attention of their studio owners.
• If you are an Ontario studio owner, and have not yet reviewed the Ontario Dance and Performing Arts Schools Workplace Guidelines for COVID-19, please do so: these include a separate Cover Letter and Guidelines document.
• The Committee submitted their proposal to the Ontario Government on May 28, 2020; however, to show the strongest possible united front as a dance community, the more signatures collected, the better the chances for dance studios being allowed to reopen in June!
• If you wish to add your signature to this document, please contact us and we will send you the necessary link. (Note: only School Owners in Ontario may sign and support this document).

Exams

• The Summer and Late Summer exam portals will open at the end of this week (June 5) for anyone wishing to submit a new entry for exams taking place in July and August.
• Summer exams are being offered in BC, ON and AB this year.
• For studios with plans to organize a summer intensive, either a Summer (July) or Late Summer (August) exam could help provide focus for your session, while re-energizing your students and minimizing the impact of the lockdown on their progress.
• Note: these exams will be AEC only: both video and in-person assessment options will be available in many areas; filming of exams should not begin until things have been coordinated with your Exam Planner; and exams with an examiner attending in-person will require symptom-free declarations from all Candidates. Adherence to all local health board requirements is mandatory.

 

Posted: May 27

Media Library

• For teaching members, and those enrolled on a Faculty of Education program, the video recording of last week’s online session with RAD Teacher Geraldine Grace Johns, Engaging Young Dancers in Online Classes is now available to view in the Members’ Area.

Silver Swans

• The last in the Academy’s free online Silver Swansâ ballet class series was made available today (May 27). You can go back to the beginning, and find the full online series on our social media channels (Facebook, YouTube and Instagram).
• For experienced dance teachers interested in expanding their expertise and offering adult ballet through branded Silver Swans classes, RAD Canada is planning to offer Licensee training across the country, once the loosening of regional restrictions are in place to accommodate this workshop.

 

Posted: May 20

Exams

• We are thrilled to announce that the re-scheduling of exams has begun in British Columbia, with some studios opting for video submissions and others arranging for in-person assessments. We look forward to working with RAD teachers to determine the best course of action to meet their studio’s needs. If you require any guidance as to the various options available to you, please reach out to your Exam Planner.

Studio Re-Openings

• As businesses gradually begin to re-open, albeit at different times and in different ways, depending on each province’s re-launch strategy, the RAD is working on a series of online members’ meetings. We are aware that RAD Teachers require support in planning for a safe return to the dance studio, and, we look forward to discussing the forthcoming RAD guidance with our members. Dates and times for Canadian sessions are still to be determined. It would be greatly appreciated if you could complete the survey sent to members in the weekly e-communication that went out yesterday (May 19), as your feedback will help shape these sessions.

Online Conditioning Exercises

• More content has been added to the Academy’s collection of online exercises for younger ballet dancers practicing at home. These videos can be found on our YouTube channel, Facebook page, and website.

 

Posted: May 13

Exams

• Due to Ontario’s continued State of Emergency, the Solo Seal examinations that were scheduled for June 17, 2020 have been postponed. We are hoping to reschedule the exams for late summer or early fall, and will be in touch with all registered candidates as soon as we are able to confirm a new date with the theatre.
• Examination certificates from the Winter exam session are not able to be sent until our office reopens. Currently, Ontario’s State of Emergency is in effect until June 2, and government measures have yet to be lifted for office re-openings.
• Reminder to all teachers that anyone interested in conducting some form of exams this Summer should put their entry into the Late Spring portal, accessible through the Members’ Area. Please contact your Exam Planner to discuss your options for holding exams in the next few months.

Media Library

• The recording from Anuschka Roes’ Zoom session, Syllabus Stitching: Grades 1-3 is now available in the Members’ Area for teachers and those enrolled on a faculty of education program. The next free online forum will be taking place on Thursday, May 21 at 1:30 pm EST with Geraldine Johns, covering how to engage young dancers online. An invitation to register will be sent to all teachers and FoE students later this week.

 

Posted: May 6

As Canada moves forward with loosening restrictions, and opening up some businesses, RAD Canada continues to help the dance community cope and navigate through COVID-19.

Exams

• The Summer Exam portal will remain closed until we know that local restrictions have been lifted to the extent that examiners can visit schools. In the meantime, if you have students who would like to ensure that they will be able to take their exam in the coming months, including by the newly available video submission, please put an entry in for the Late Spring session. This portal is still open. We are committed to rescheduling, or accepting filmed exams, for all students entered in the Spring and Late Spring sessions. Contact your Exam Planner for further information.
• Note: the Session dates in the Late Spring entry portal are no longer relevant. Therefore, anyone using the entry portal should ignore the scheduling calendar.

Media Library

• RAD Canada is offering a free online session with RAD Examiner Anuschka Roes on May 7. While registration for her session, Syllabus Stitching: Grades 1-3 reached capacity in less than 3 hours, a recording of the session will be made available in the Members’ Area for those teaching members who are not able to participate live.
• There will be additional opportunities to attend Free Online sessions in the coming weeks, so watch your in-box for an invitation.
• The Silver Swans ballet class series that takes place each Wednesday is still going strong, with the full series available through our social media channels, as well as on our website.

Seenit

• Are you taking online classes? Are you dancing around your living room? Would you like to send a message to the dance community?
• Whatever you are feeling and however you are keeping busy, we would like to give you a platform to express your situation, so please share your experiences with us on video using RAD@Home in Seenit.
• Our favourite submissions will be edited into a compilation video to be shared with our audience online.
• To get involved, download the free Seenit Capture app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone and type in the Project ID: radathome.

 

Posted: April 29

The Prime Minster announced yesterday that the curve is flattening in Canada. However, as each province prepares the framework for reopening, and finding ways to lift current measures in a safe way, the RAD Canada office remains closed. We do not know when we will be allowed to open our doors, and return to some form of ‘new normal’. For the time being, we will continue to update Members and the dance community through our various communication methods: targeted emails, website, e-news, Members’ Area, and social media.

Exams

• To date, all of the exams that took place prior to the COVID-19 interruption have had results processed, with summaries provided to teachers. Once the RAD Canada office reopens, we will begin printing certificates and distributing them with the accompanying medals.
• Teachers and Studio Owners will be receiving an email by the end of this week regarding our policy for interrupted exam services due to COVID-19.

Government Programs

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) portal is now open
• Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
  • This is a new program announced last week to help small businesses: those paying less than $50,000 per month in rent; and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop in revenue as a result of COVID-19.
  • CECRA provides forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of the lease payment from eligible tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May and June.
  • If eligible, tenants would pay 25% of the rent, with 50% covered through CECRA, and the landlord responsible for 25%.
  • It is up to the landlord to decide whether they want to participate in this program. If they do, then tenants will benefit.
  • Expected to be available mid-May

• Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
  • Provides support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program.
  • Provides $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities.
  • Available from May to August 2020

Media Library

• To help with the additional stress that COVID-19 has brought to our lives, RAD Canada hosted Dance Health During Challenging Times with Dr. Blessyl Buan last week. Dr. Buan, a chiropractor, dance artist, and mom of four, who specializes in the health of performing artists, conducted the one-hour online session for RAD teaching members and CBTS students. For those not able to participate in the live forum, the recorded video is now available in the Members’ Area.
• RAD Canada is planning to offer more free information sessions in the coming weeks. If you have any requests for topics, please let us know, info@radcanada.org
• Remember, there is a plethora of information in the Members’ Area, including guidance for safeguarding students while delivering online classes.

 

Posted: April 23

RAD@Home

• A collection of online exercises for younger ballet dancers has been compiled, which includes three ballet conditioning videos for different levels (Primary – Grade 2; Grade 2-4; Grades 5+) that are suitable for both male and female dancers. The videos include cardio warm-up, floor exercises for strength and flexibility, as well as foot exercises.

Members’ Area

• The RAD has launched new youth content in the Members’ Area for dancers aged 7 – 14, to help the Academy’s youngest members through this challenging time. Included in the Youth Hub are quizzes, activities, videos, articles and more.
• RAD Canada will be hosting a free online forum with Dr. Blessyl Buan tomorrow for RAD teachers and CBTS students. While registration for the 1 hour session on Dance Health During Challenging Times is at capacity, a video recording of it will be available in the Members’ Area by next week, latest for those not able to participate during the live event.

 

Posted: April 15

Since RAD Canada emailed teaching members last week with an overall summary of the various federal programs available to Canadians, the government has made some further amendments.

Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) – For Employers

While the subsidy still covers 75% of an employee’s wage, changes now include:

• Employers need to show a drop in revenue of at least 15% for March 2020, replacing the previous requirement of a 30% decrease in revenue. However, employers will still need to show the 30% decrease when applying for the subsidy in April and May.
• There are now two ways of calculating the decrease in revenue. Employers can either choose to compare year over year or an average of January and February 2020.
• A new 100% refund for employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance, CPP, QPP and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan has now been introduced.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – For Employees

For those individuals who have lost their income due to COVID-19:

• The government has expanded eligibility to include:
  • those earning less than $1,000 per month;
  • seasonal workers;
  • individuals whose EI ran out January 1, 2020.
• Do not apply for the CERB if you have already applied for EI.
• If you have received more than $2,000 as part of your first CERB payment, continue to budget for the $2,000 per month; adjustments will be made by the government as only a total of $8,000 will be allotted over the 16-week program.

Connect with Us

• As a result of our invitation to contact us should further clarification be needed surrounding the federal programs, a few members have already reached out to us. They were happy and relieved we were able to provide the individual guidance they needed.
• Email: info@radcanada.org if you would also like assistance.

 

Posted: April 8

The federal government has noted that British Columbia’s COVID-19 numbers have been slowing in the last few days. This is encouraging news, but still inconclusive. As Canadians, our efforts to slow the spread should not stop. We need to continue practicing physical distancing, proper hand washing, and to stay home as much as possible.

RAD Canada Office

Our office remains closed until further notice. Although staff continues to work from home during regular business hours (9 am – 4:30 pm EST), Friday, April 10 is Good Friday, and therefore we will be observing this statutory holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, April 13.

Communication

The RAD continues to work on keeping members and the wider dance community informed throughout this pandemic, without overloading you with information. Here is a summary of our current communication plan:

Weekly

• RAD Canada Website – Each Wednesday COVID-19 Updates are posted in Latest News
• RAD will begin sending a weekly e-communication to the global membership, every Tuesday for the foreseeable future. This was announced in yesterday’s monthly e-news

Monthly

• 2 the POINTE! and Turnout Canadian e-publications, with back issues available in the Members’ Area
• Global E-News

We will continue to contact members directly, should specific information need to be disseminated to a particular group. As well, we continue to keep you engaged through posts on the RAD Canada Facebook page.

Should you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to email info@radcanada.org

 

Posted: April 1

As you’ve probably noticed in news coverage and social media posts lately, there’s been a shift in the way COVID-19 is being covered. There’s now a tremendous focus on community, and helping one another through social/physical distancing. Here are some initiatives and resources that may interest you as we get through this challenging time together:

#RAD@Home

• launched this week
• created to keep teachers, students and the wider community, dancing and learning in their homes.
• https://ca.royalacademyofdance.org/rad-at-home/

RAD Dance-Off

• Friday, April 3, 2020
• https://ca.royalacademyofdance.org/rad-at-home/rad-dance-off/
• All are welcome to participate
• Use the hashtag #RAD@home
• Perfect platform for those originally registered for the RAD Dance Challenge to showcase their solo moves! 

Wider Community

• Whether its engaging with the wider community (Toronto Online Dance Collective) or teachers offering their own online classes for students to keep the ‘rust’ off, here are what some RAD members have been doing while hunkered down at home.
• For teachers still looking to bring online classes to their students: Zoom seems to be the most popular and offers free access for classes of shorter than 40 minutes.

Looking to the Future

• Amy Bowring, Executive and Curatorial Director of Dance Collection Danse posted on social media a call for the dance/arts community to record this extraordinary time in journals or computer entries so that a contemporary record will exist long into the future.
• Let the dance artists of the future know how you coped in extraordinary times, perhaps how art somehow got you through the crisis, how your work was affected, how you found connection through virtual pathways…

Personal Wellbeing

Health

• Public Health Advisory Canada

Finances

• Canada.ca
• An email will be sent to RAD teachers this week regarding government assistance programs and how to navigate through applicable programs; watch for it coming to your inbox.

Personal Growth

Course Providers for both Academic and Self-Motivational learning:

• Alison (IT, Language, Science, Health, Humanities, Software Development, Marketing, Business, Math, Lifestyle, Healthcare, Life Science, Operations, Software Engineering, Skilled Trades, Finance)
• Coursera (Arts & Humanities, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, IT, Health, Math & Logic, Personal Development, Physical Science & Engineering, Social Sciences, Language Learning)
• edx (Architecture, Art and Culture, Biology & Life Sciences, Business & Management, Chemistry, Communications, Computer Science, Data Analysis & Statistics, Design, Economics & Finance, Education & Teacher Training, Electronics, Energy & Earth Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Ethics, Food & Nutrition, Health & Safety, History, Humanities, Language, Law, Literature, Math, Medicine, Music, Philanthropy, Philosophy, Physics, Social Sciences)
• Future Learn (Business & Management, Creative Arts & Media, Healthcare & Medicine, History, IT, Language, Law, Literature, Nature & Environment, Politics & Society, Psychology & Mental Health, Science, Engineering, Maths, Study Skills, Teaching)
• Harvard University Online (Art & Design, Business, Computer Science)
• kadenze (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Design, Music, Math)
• Khan Academy (Math, Science & Engineering, Art & Humanities, Computing, Economics & Finance)
• Linkedin Learning (Business, Technology, Creative)
• MIT Online (Business, Energy, Engineering, Fine Arts, Health & Medicine, Humanities, Math, Science, Social Science, Society, Teaching & Education)
• Open Classrooms (Business, Career Coaching, Data, Design, Development, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Pedagogy, Project Management, Systems & Network)
• Open Learning (Art & Design, Business & Economics, Computers & Technology, Education, Engineering, Health & Medicine, Humanities, Language & Communication, Law, Lifestyle, Math & Science, Self-Improvement, Sports & Fitness)
• Udemy (Development, Business, Finance & Accounting, IT, Office Productivity, Personal Development, Design, Marketing, Lifestyle, Photography, Health & Fitness, Music, Teaching & Academics)
• Yale University Online (Education & Teaching, Health & Medicine, Humanities, Math, Programming, Science, Social Sciences)

 

Posted March 24:

Hopefully, everyone is staying safe and healthy while heeding government advice to stay at home and continue practicing social distancing. As our office remains closed until further notice, there are additional decisions that have recently been taken for the various RAD activities, which may affect you, including;

Exams

• While RAD examiner travel is currently suspended until the end of April, we are planning to reschedule all of the exams in the Spring tour. This includes those that were originally scheduled to take place in the first two weeks of May.
• Even though government advisories are preventing us from organizing a new exam schedule for teachers and their students at this time, we believe we should still begin the process.
• Teachers will be asked by planners to identify dates where you may be able to proceed with exams in each of the following months; May, June and July in order to swiftly reschedule late March, April and early May exams when the time comes.

Dance Challenge

• This has now been cancelled.
• We will process refunds (at 100%) as soon as possible, via the same payment method used with the initial registration.
• While we will not be rescheduling the Dance Challenge, we are exploring different options to recognize the hard work that teachers and students have put into preparing for it.

CPD

• Many of you may have already completed your CPD requirement. However, we recognize that the current exceptional circumstances mean that some of you may face difficulties in fulfilling the required CPD hours. If this is the case, when it is time to declare your CPD please indicate that you are Eligible for Exemption.

RAD Canada Shop

• Orders placed on the RAD Canada Shop will not be filled until our office reopens.
• If you are looking to purchase RAD resources, we encourage you to visit the apps page on radcanada.org, and if applicable, make your purchases there. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but appreciate your understanding. 

Government Aid

• To help ease the immediate financial strain that Canadians are facing, governments have initiated and/or refined programs that could assist teachers and dance studios directly. We have included some useful links below. Please consult your accountant to determine the best course of action for you, personally.

Government of Canada: Financial Aid

News Release: March 25, 2020

This website includes information for Teachers and Studios on:

Teachers

• Employment Insurance
• Emergency Support Benefit
• Income Tax flexibility

Studios

• Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
• Tax Filing Flexibility
• Access to Credit

Provincial Information:

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

Ontario

PEI

Quebec

Saskatchewan

 

Posted March 19:

A message was sent to all RAD Members in Canada yesterday (March 18), apprising them of the actions we are currently taking with regard to the various RAD activities that could be affected for the foreseeable future:

• Exams
  • All RAD exams have been suspended until April 30, with rescheduling of these affected exams now underway
  • Late spring deadline has been extended to March 31, and we will work with studios to accommodate all entries, once a reasonable date to restart exams is known
  • Solo Seal in Toronto is now rescheduled to take place June 17
  • The process for approving and printing recent exam results has temporarily changed; studios need to confirm correct spelling of candidate names as well as confirmation of shipping details
• CBTS
  • PTS and Mentor visits have been suspended until further notice
  • An extension will be given to complete necessary hours (date TBA)
  • Students who have not yet sent their April 1 tuition payment, please contact Carolyn Jones (cjones@radcanada.org)
  • NEW info added as of March 19: deadline for video submissions for 20/21 has been extended to July 1, 2020
• RAD Canada Shop
  • We have halted the shipment of orders from our office until March 30, at the earliest
• Courses
  • The Pre-Primary and Primary in Dance course scheduled in Halifax on April 5 has been cancelled
  • All remaining Examiner Feedback Sessions have been cancelled and refunds have been issued (note: it can take several days for the refund to show)
• Dance Challenge
  • This has not yet been cancelled
  • All affected teachers will be contacted directly, should this status change
• Communication
  • Our Office is closed until further notice
  • Staff is working from home, so for the time being, email is the best way to communicate with us during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4:30 pm EST
  • To connect with specific RAD Canada staff, please visit our Contact Us page
  • Our General email is info@radcanada.org
  • Messages will be responded to as quickly as possible, but prioritized based on time sensitivity

We continue to appreciate your patience and understanding during this time as we work to keep you updated and continue delivering core RAD services.

Posted March 17:

As a world-wide organization, the Academy has put into place a number of global actions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been communicated to the entire membership through email; in particular, all RAD exams have been suspended until April 30.

In addition, RAD Canada has made a number of important decisions that also puts the safety of our staff, members, students, and supporters first and foremost.

As of March 18:

• RAD Canada will close, consistent with the Federal Government’s recommendation, until further notice
• RAD Canada staff will continue to provide services during regular business hours – Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm EST
• As RAD Canada staff work from home, should you need to reach anyone, please email the appropriate person, or contact our general email info@radcanada.org
• Information relating to individual activities such as the Dance Challenge in May, will be communicated separately to those involved via the Registered RAD teacher. Please note we are still planning to hold the Dance Challenge May 1 – 4, but will closely monitor government advice.
• Further to the April 30 suspension of exam activities, RAD Canada will be extending the Late Spring deadline to March 31.
• For the time being, please do not send shipments to our office until you can confirm we’ve reopened.

We have greatly appreciated everyone’s patience as we continue to navigate through this pandemic as a global, national, provincial and regional community.

Information about coronavirus

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of the virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms include:

• Fever/high temperature
• Cough
• Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, such as older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Posted March 13:

RAD Canada is continuing to operate all core activities as normal. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our members, candidates, staff, and the wider community, and we continue to be vigilant in monitoring the situation day-by-day; following the advice from government agencies. While we cannot predict what will happen, we are working hard to ensure that we have contingency plans in place to avoid cancellations, if possible.

Given the rapidly changing situation with official government responses, we will communicate a plan that will address scheduling implications the week of March 16.