We guide our most promising pupils towards a range of exciting opportunities that run alongside and complement their regular classes. This furthers their dance training and supports their development as dancers.
Associate Dance Schools
Many prominent, vocational dance schools have Associate Schemes to attract young, talented dancers. Places are won by successful audition.
Attending an Associate School is a way for pupils interested in becoming a professional dancer to learn with like-minded children who are also focused on their dancing. It’s a big step for both pupil and parents, and it’s important for those families considering this option to get help and advice from their dance teacher.
To maximise success, we can help prepare your child for the audition with private tuitions if needed. Associate schools often ask for photos as part of the application process and we can help organise them.
Over the years many of our pupils have successfully auditioned for Associate Schools at the Royal Ballet School, Central School of Ballet and London Junior and Senior Ballet. Several have also gained places and attended associate classes and additional training at Elite Ballet Project.
For example, here is one of our hard working young dancers, who currently enjoys her classes at Central School of Ballet‘s Saturday Associate programme. Her passion is to be a professional dancer. She hopes to successfully audition for vocational ballet school and then begin the next stage of her training, full-time, after her GCSEs.
Children’s Ballet Companies
There are several prestigious children’s ballet companies that offer fantastic performance opportunities for interested pupils. Companies such as London Children’s Ballet, English Youth Ballet and National Youth Ballet offer different schemes throughout the year, all focused around producing and performing a full-scale ballet.
Again, becoming a member of these companies is by audition. If successful, children can find themselves learning choreography from famous ballets, as well as ballets created especially for younger dancers.
These experiences build confidence and desire to improve, as the children continue their regular dance classes.
Summer and Easter Holiday Dance Courses
Most vocational dance schools offer holiday ‘intensive’ courses. These are another way for keen dancers to build technique, strength and confidence.
Such courses are often taught by members of the School’s faculty, as well as guest teachers who are famous professional dancers. Most include additional talks and Q&A sessions on dance-related issues.
The courses offer a real taster of what it’s like to attend a vocational ballet school.
Full-time Vocational Dance Schools
The ultimate prize for any aspiring ballet dancer is to gain a place at a vocational ballet school.
With limited places available and very high expectations of ability and talent, these schools are hard to get into. The most famous schools are Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst Ballet School and Tring School of the Performing Arts. There are other options, such as English National Ballet School and Central School of Ballet, for Year 13 entry.
Although auditions can be tough, schools aim to make these experiences as enjoyable as possible, so candidates are relaxed and perform to the best of their ability.
If your child is interested in any of these opportunities, get in touch with our Principal, Tamara, for advice.