Panel History and Founding
History and Founding
In February of 1992, David Watchman, (former CEO of The Royal Academy of Dance) called a meeting to introduce the idea of regional panels throughout the U.S. In April of 1992 Sylvia Druker was named Chairperson of the 1st Mid-Atlantic Regional Panel along with Anne Roman as Treasurer and later that year Phyllis Blake was co-opted onto the panel as Secretary. With members representing MD, VA, PA, and the District of Columbia, the first regional advisory panel was instituted and the following mission statement was developed.
Inaugural Mission Statement
The primary purpose of this panel is to provide a supportive communication and interactive network for area dance teachers. By creating such a network teachers will be better able to serve both their own students and the goals of the Academy.
The Panel seeks to improve the quality of the Royal Academy of Dancing teaching in the area by:
• Acting as a communication link with the US office of the Academy in CA.
• Providing educational opportunities for teachers and their students.
• Disseminating information throughout the dance-teaching community.
To support these goals, the Panel engages in modest fundraising activities which are also educational in themselves. Our mission therefore is
educational in nature with an eye toward the constant betterment of the standard of Royal Academy of Dance teaching while we contribute to the enrichment of our students and our communities through the beauty and spirit of dancing.
---Karen Kruger
In order to remain relevant to the constantly evolving demands of the professional and recreational dance community,
it has been necessary to modify some of these aims from time to time.
Panel Membership Criteria
All regional panels established by the Royal Academy of Dance are governed by the rules and regulations laid out in the 'Constitution of Regional Advisory Panels'. Accordingly, it consists of teachers who have been certified by the Royal Academy of Dance (in London, England), after successfully completing one of their validated teaching programs. Individuals who have become eligible for full membership, after passing the required level of executant examination, may also be elected to the panel. Any interested individual who is not a certified teacher or member is welcome to attend meetings as a "Friend" without voting priveleges.
Current Situation
Ms. Patti Ashby has been appointed as the new US National Organizer for the Royal Academy of Dance.
The office is now located in California at the following address:
Royal Academy of Dance USA
1412 17th Street, #259
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tel: 661-336-0160
Fax: 661-336-0162
To contact the panel directly, please select the 'Contact Us' option on the side-bar.