THE LBC VISITS THE 'ON POINT' EXHIBITION

The centenary of The Royal Academy of Dance in December 2020 is being marked by an exhibition entitled On Point mounted by Jane Pritchard, Curator of Dance at the V&A and LBC member, in conjunction with the RAD. The LBC was exceptionally fortunate that Jane found the time to treat two very happy groups of LBC Members to a guided tour on 8th December 2021. 

The exhibit is divided into three parts: the founding, the Fonteyn era, and the 25 years leading to the present day.  The displays are set up so as to give the sense of movement which is so important in an exhibition devoted to dance.  

Jane shared stories about the evolution of the RAD, beginning in 1920 with a group of five dance professionals representing the principal schools of ballet training (Russian, French and Italian) to the highly respected, influential dance training organisation it is today in 89 countries around the world.

The Members were fascinated by the photographs, videos, letters, costumes and other treasures and were even encouraged to practise at the barre!  Jane’s enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge made the RAD come alive and enhanced Members’  experience a hundred fold.  

The RAD exhibition continues until August 2022 and is well worth a visit for any balletomane.