Full-time training

Dancer training

In its full-time training, the School fosters artistic and academic excellence. It nurtures its extraordinary students holistically, preparing them for future careers with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, other leading UK and international companies and beyond.

The School’s full-time training combines a comprehensive classical ballet education with a broad academic curriculum. We equip students with the skills and experiences needed to propel them to bright futures in and beyond dance.

The Royal Ballet School is also committed to a process of continuous improvement to protect the health, happiness and continued well-being of our talented and dedicated young students.

Alumni include dancers and choreographers of international renown: Darcey Bussell, Margot Fonteyn, Matthew Ball, Francesca Hayward, Steven McRae, Yasmine Naghdi, Marcelino Sambé, and Christopher Wheeldon, to name a few.

Classical ballet training

The School’s Artistic training comprises four programmes. Each programme represents a distinct phase in a young dancer’s development, with a dedicated Artistic Manager.

We invite students to audition for the next programme ahead of the end of their current programme.

The first stage of a student’s vocational training journey. A broad dance curriculum with a classical ballet focus.

Age: 11-14 years

Years: National Curriculum Years 7-9

Academic level: An extensive curriculum offer based on the KS3 National Curriculum.

Increases specialised classical ballet training from the Foundation Programme. Students will show the potential to progress to Upper School and other top vocational schools.

Age: 14-16 years

Years: National Curriculum Years 10-11

Academic level: National Curriculum KS4 (GCSE/iGCSE)

For students with the potential to progress to a career in classical ballet at the highest level.

Age: 16-18 years

Years: National Curriculum Years 12-13

Academic level: Foundation Degree and additional post-GCSE courses

The final year of training at the School, focusing on professional repertoire (particularly new and heritage repertoire of the Royal Ballet Companies) and preparing for entry into a professional career. Opportunities for work experience with The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet are a key component.

Age: 18-19 years

Academic level: Top-up to full BA (Hons) degree (for those who have completed the Vocational Programme).

In all programmes, students are taught The Royal Ballet School’s System of Training, which equips them with the technique and artistry required to perform the distinctive and sought-after English style of classical ballet initiated by the School’s founder Dame Ninette de Valois.

Alongside classical ballet, students practice disciplines to give them a wide-ranging movement vocabulary, cultural knowledge and the physical skills for classical ballet performance.

Areas of teaching

Classical

Pointe work (introduced in Year 7 and evolved through the years as feet and ankles strengthen)

Character

Contemporary

Folk dances

Variations and repertoire

Improvisation and choreography

Pas de deux (from Year 11 up)

Pilates

Strength and body conditioning (from Year 10 up)

Upper body programme (Upper School only)

Dancer training - full time

Wider dance education

The School delivers supporting programmes to equip students with the tools they need for performing careers and foster creative instincts and skills beyond dance performance. We aim to nurture curious, thoughtful, well-rounded artists with a wide knowledge of and appreciation for their art form.

Choreographic Programme

Dancer training - full time

Performance opportunities

Dancer training - full time

Creative Artist Programme

Jerome anthony barnes (scottish ballet principal)

Healthy Dancer Programme

Dancer training - full time

Are you interested in auditioning for our full-time programme?

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