Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Two ballet instructors leading students.

NAU Community Dance Academy


The NAU Community Dance Academy proudly offers group classes and private dance classes for students ages three and up in the Flagstaff and larger Arizona community. We have several introductory dance classes for our youngest tiny tots and our adult beginners, while also offering a structured ballet program based on schooling taught by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for elementary to high school students.

For adults who are interested in training in ballet and becoming certified, please check out our RAD CDT Teach-Prep Course and Mentoring programs. Our youth ballet programs run after school from August until December, and then again from January until May, with additional summer programs. For more information on our different classes or on our RAD program, please check out the information below.

Four ballerinas posing.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organizations. Founded in 1920 as the Association of Teachers of Operatic Dancing in Great Britain, the program was led by Adeline Genée and held its first exams in 1921. After receiving a Royal Charter in 1936 from King George V, they changed their name to the Royal Academy of Dance.

Our teachers

Our academy is able to teach the RAD program thanks to our RAD-Registered teacher, Mr. Needhammer. RAD-Registered teachers have undergone stringent dance education training to give them the necessary skills and knowledge to teach dance. They are part of an organization that has the protection of the public at the core of its values and strives to empower people through dance. For more information on RAD’s history and impact on the world of dance and ballet, please visit the Royal Academy of Dance.