Gerard Charles arrived at the Royal Academy of Dance as its new Artistic Director in 2018, having been in leadership positions at some of America's liveliest ballet companies. As the RAD prepares to move to a new purpose-built headquarters in London's Battersea, we ask Gerard how a new home will help it grow, and reach into the community. As a seasoned director, how did he reconfigure the RAD's flagship event, The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, as an online experience? And in these uncertain times, we ask how he sees the future of dance and dance teaching.About Gerard CharlesBorn in Folkestone, England, Gerard trained at the Royal Ballet School, then spent most of his professional career in America. He danced at Ballet International, Milwaukee Ballet and BalletMet in roles ranging from corps de ballet to Principal. He then served as Education Director for Ballet Met Columbus; Ballet Master for BalletMet and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens; Artistic Director for BalletMet and most recently Director of Artistic Operations at Joffrey Ballet. Gerard has choreographed and staged works internationally and received an NEA Choreographic Fellowship. He was appointed as Artistic Director of the RAD in 2018.Find out more about World Ballet Day and how you can tune into the RAD's section: https://bit.ly/2YFqbogFind out more about RAD’s new home for dance: https://bit.ly/3wfVnoNDiscover more about the work of the RAD at www.royalacademyofdance.orgFollow the RAD on social media, and join the conversation with host David JaysInstagram @royalacademyofdanceFacebook @RoyalAcademyofDanceTwitter @RADheadquartersYouTube / royalacademydanceDavid Jays @mrdavidjaysSign up to our mailing list: https://bit.ly/3frWPh9RAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign: https://bit.ly/3fnxEwm or make a donation: https://bit.ly/3bxA6z5 Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.