I am delighted to report that the reconvened Annual General Meeting which took place on Thursday 19th June 2008 in London was very successful. Well over a hundred members attended including an almost full complement of the Academy’s Trustees.

As you know this Annual General Meeting was of particular importance because the Trustees where recommending for approval an amended Supplemental Charter and Bye-Laws. This document is our constitution and it was in need of updating, clarifying and amending – not to change our original objectives but to give us a constitution that is fit for purpose now and for the foreseeable future.

I am delighted to be able to tell you that following a healthy robust debate the amended Supplemental Charter and Byelaws was approved by a significant majority.

We are very grateful to all those members who attended the AGM, many at considerable personal expense and inconvenience, in order to express their views about the future of the Academy. As a result of the overwhelming approval given to the new Charter in future every single member, wherever you reside will be able to express your view at an AGM by virtue of your proxy vote. This is an important development for the Academy and shows how seriously we take our international responsibilities.

The next step for the amended Charter is for it to be given formal approval by the Privy Council. Once that is done we can move forward in the secure knowledge that the Trustees and the management have the instrument with which to steer a forward looking, progressive and financially sound organisation, dedicated to you and your profession.

Best wishes

Luke Rittner
Chief Executive

Royal Academy of Dance