Our auditions

Auditions

We hold annual auditions for our full-time and Associate programmes. We seek young dancers with a passion for classical ballet and the potential and motivation to pursue a career in dance.

We welcome applications from all, and no student should be discouraged from applying. Admission to the School is based solely on potential in classical ballet, not personal circumstances or academic ability. Dancers are welcome to re-apply if they have auditioned before. We offer all applicants a preliminary audition.

Preliminary auditions are held in the UK for all age groups and internationally for ages 14+. If successful at the preliminary stage, applicants will be invited to The Royal Ballet School in London for final auditions.

We also accept video auditions from international candidates under 14 or those who cannot attend an in-person audition.

When do auditions happen?

Applications for our full-time and Mid/Senior/Advanced Associate programmes open in September and close in October. Preliminary auditions take place from November to January. All auditions are for courses which start the following September.

Applications for our Junior Associate programme open in February each year and close in March. Auditions are held in the Summer Term and are for courses which start in September.

Preliminary auditions

The preliminary audition is a classical ballet class tailored to each age group. The class lasts between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes and includes a gentle warm-up.

Applicants do not need to prepare anything in advance and should expect to take part in a classical ballet class similar to that which they already attend regularly. Applicants should not feel anxious about the content of the class or worried if they encounter steps or terminology they are unfamiliar with, but be prepared to participate, give things a try and enjoy the experience. No applicant will be disadvantaged for not having previously learned steps or terminology and should ask the class teacher to explain and demonstrate anything they are unsure of.

The preliminary audition panel usually consists of two or three people, including one of our Intensive Courses and Auditions Artistic Managers and members of the Artistic staff. Our team is looking for dancers who show potential, artistry, musicality and a love for what they do and aspire to pursue classical ballet as a profession.

Semi-final and final auditions

Semi-final auditions take place for those aged 10-11 years applying for female training in Year 7 at White Lodge and for all Upper School students. Upper School semi-finalists will be asked to provide a video of classwork after their successful preliminary audition.

Final auditions will be held following successful preliminary or semi-final auditions, and the panel will consist of the Artistic Director and members of the Artistic staff.

Requirements

Find out which courses you are eligible for.

All applicants must submit photographs.

Any other questions?

Contact us

If you have any questions about our auditions, get in touch at [email protected].

Want to be the first to hear about our auditions?
Shopping Basket