Royal Academy of Ballet
Honolulu's only RAD-certified classical ballet school
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Vivienne Lim (Dr. Viv) via Google
Before your first class
Every child is welcomed and supported to progress, regardless of whether they aim for professional training or dance simply for enjoyment.
Free 2 hours customer parking available.
About this studio
Royal Academy of Ballet is Honolulu's only studio certified by the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Under the direction of Dr. Vivienne Lim, who holds RAD RTS (UK) certification and serves as a Fulbright Specialist, the school teaches the RAD syllabus with a focus on sound technique, discipline, and confidence. Dr. Lim entered the RAD syllabus as a small child, beginning formal training at three and growing up inside its graded structure. She studied with Valerie Taylor Barnes, whose roots lay in The Royal Ballet School, and later spent time observing classes at The Royal Ballet School itself and training at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London. Her academic background includes doctoral studies in Geneva and training in multilateral diplomacy and human rights.
Gillian Davis, ARAD (UK), RAD RTS (UK), and RAD Dual Examiner (UK), offers advanced classes to students preparing for RAD examinations. Davis was trained and danced professionally at the Royal Ballet, London, and with the Rhodesian National Ballet. She has directed and owned dance studios in Rhodesia, South Africa, and the USA, and taught at a renowned vocational school in England. For 34 years she has been an R.A.D. Tutor and the only Graded and Vocational Examiner in the USA. She has entered students for RAD examinations every year for 53 years and is a recent Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Classes are designed to enhance technical training, rhythm, musicality, artistic self-expression, discipline, and performance confidence. The studio welcomes children arriving with languages and family stories from across the Pacific and beyond; classical vocabulary sits alongside talk of island life. The school offers annual RAD examinations as a roadmap for student development and progress tracking. Some students have gone on to scholarships at European schools and international summer intensives.
Services include private lessons, dance notation, etiquette training, pointe shoe fitting, and audition taping. The studio is located at 560 N. Nimitz Hwy, Suite 203, Honolulu, with Saturday hours 8:00 AM–6:00 PM and Sunday 7:30 AM–7:30 PM; weekdays by appointment only.
What to expect
Your first visit
Contact the studio to arrange an appointment or attend weekend classes. You'll work with RAD-certified teachers who combine rigorous classical training with a warm, supportive approach. The focus is on building technique, musicality, and confidence in a studio that values both individual progress and collective discipline.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Dr. Vivienne Lim (Founder & Artistic Director, RAD RTS (UK), Fulbright Specialist) and Gillian Davis (ARAD, RAD RTS (UK), RAD Dual Examiner, 34-year RAD Tutor) teach at the studio. Davis, trained at the Royal Ballet London, has examined students for RAD for 53 years and is a Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Every child is welcomed and supported to progress, regardless of whether they aim for professional training or dance simply for enjoyment.
Studio history
Dr. Vivienne Lim founded Royal Academy of Ballet in Honolulu as home to Hawaiʻi's only faculty certified by the Royal Academy of Dance. The RAD syllabus serves as a clear backbone for the school's work.
Styles offered
2 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Royal Academy of Ballethasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Royal Academy of Ballet, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Royal Academy of Ballet
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Royal Academy of Ballet teach?
Royal Academy of Ballet teaches Ballet, Classical Ballet. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Royal Academy of Ballet located?
Royal Academy of Ballet is located in Honolulu, HI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Royal Academy of Ballet offer private lessons?
Contact Royal Academy of Ballet directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Royal Academy of Ballet teach kids and adults?
Royal Academy of Ballet welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Royal Academy of Ballet?
The fastest path is to visit Royal Academy of Ballet via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Royal Academy of Ballet?
Free 2 hours customer parking available.