From Leeds to London – meet Junior Associate alumna and Artist of The Royal Ballet, Scarlett Harvey
Since its creation in 1948, our Junior Associate Programme has been a pathway for many young dancers who go on to lead successful careers. Scarlett Harvey is a shining example — beginning as a Junior Associate in Leeds, she later progressed to the School for full-time training before joining The Royal Ballet in 2022.
We caught up with Scarlett to discuss her time as a Junior Associate and how the programme prepared her for her dance journey that followed.
What led you to applying for the Junior Associate Programme in Leeds?
I initially applied for the programme because I thought it would be fun to be part of something with The Royal Ballet School. Living in Cleethorpes, I didn’t think I would ever be able to train with them, so it was exciting when I found out they had a centre in Leeds. I took my application photos in the living room with my mum and the next thing I knew we got the letter saying that my application had been accepted!
Do you remember how you felt arriving for your first Junior Associate class?
I remember being super nervous when I first arrived at my Associate class. I started in year four when I was only eight and I had never done anything outside of my local dance school before. However, as soon as I arrived at the studio and saw all the other new starters, I felt much more relaxed and excited to meet my new teachers.
Do you have a favourite memory from your time as a Junior Associate in Leeds?
I think my favourite memory was probably the demonstration classes. Every term there would be one Saturday where our parents were allowed to come into the studio and watch a class. I loved having my mum there to see what we had been working on and it often felt like a performance too which I enjoyed.
You joined The Royal Ballet School after your time as a Junior Associate. Did you know about the School before becoming a Junior Associate or did the programme help you realise this pathway?
Yes, I joined White Lodge in year nine after two years at Elmhurst Ballet School. I knew about the School before becoming a Junior Associate but had never really thought about vocational school being a goal or a possibility for me. I got a feel for what a ballet school was like through my Associate classes and decided, after three years in Leeds, that it was somewhere I would love to go.
How did the Junior Associate Programme prepare you for your transition to the School?
We did lots of body conditioning exercises at the beginning of our classes that helped me gain a deeper understanding of my body and the muscles I needed to be working during class. This helped me when I went to vocational school because I had a strong foundation to build on. I also think meeting other kids who loved ballet like I did and wanted to do the same things as me was lovely, especially coming from a small town like Cleethorpes.
What skills did you learn or pieces of advice you received from your Junior Associate teacher that you carry with you today?
I learnt some of the key fundamentals of ballet technique, like turnout and how to use my feet, that have stayed with me to this day. I also learnt how to stay focussed and disciplined while also having fun in the studio which is an important balance to find at a young age. My teachers were incredibly supportive and genuinely cared about my journey after leaving the Junior Associates.
What would you say to young dancers considering joining the Junior Associate Programme?
I would say definitely apply! I really enjoyed my time as a Junior Associate, and I think it’s a great learning experience. I also think it’s so important for children in regional areas like Leeds to make full use of having a Royal Ballet School training programme closer to home. I met lots of amazing people during my three years in Leeds who all kick-started my journey to eventually joining The Royal Ballet.
Applications for our Junior Associate Programme are now open
This programme is for students aged 8 to 10 who wish to take class with The Royal Ballet School, alongside their regular ballet classes.
Classes run from September to June at centres in Bath, Birmingham, Eastleigh, Edinburgh, Eastleigh, Leeds, London, and Manchester. All classes are held on Saturdays apart from our Edinburgh centre, which run on Sundays.
Auditions will take place in the summer term and are run like a regular ballet class. Students are not required to prepare anything, but should have some prior ballet experience.
Applications close Wednesday 2 April 2025. For more information and to apply, click here.
Cover image: Scarlett Harvey and Takumi Miyake in PreSentient by Wayne McGregor at Opera Holland Park ©2022 The Royal Ballet School. Photographed by Photography by ASH.
