The Royal Ballet School announces new extended Summer Programme
Now in its 30th year, The Royal Ballet School Summer Programme will take a new format for 2017. The Summer Schools at White Lodge, Richmond and the Upper School, Covent Garden will last for four weeks, with students applying to attend up to two weeks each. This extension is in response to the number of applications we receive from talented students each year, who we would like to give the chance to participate in our Summer Programme. In 2016, only 344 students were accepted out of more than 1700 applicants. The 2017 programme will offer almost double the number of places, greatly increasing the acceptance rate for talented classical ballet dancers.
Since its introduction in 1987, the Royal Ballet School Summer Programme at White Lodge and the Upper School has been a wonderful opportunity for young dancers to experience the highest levels of coaching from The Royal Ballet School’s world-renowned faculty and guest teachers. It also enables students to evaluate their ability to cope with intensive dance training over an extended period of time and to begin to determine whether the prospect of vocational training is something they would like to pursue.
This year at Covent Garden there will be a new emphasis for the programme, firstly on experiencing full time training during the first fortnight, then a focus on performance during the second, which is led by current and former members of The Royal Ballet. The age limit has also been raised from 18 to 20, to focus on dancers who may be considering or starting a career as professional dancer.
Artistic Director, Christopher Powney has said,
‘The Royal Ballet School Summer Programme is a fantastic opportunity for gifted ballet dancers from around the world to come to our School and be immersed in our internationally respected System of Training. This year, we are pleased to extend this chance to train with our experienced faculty in world-class facilities to more students than ever. By increasing the length of the programme and raising the age of eligibility, we hope more talented dancers can benefit from world-class training with The Royal Ballet School.
In addition, Director of The Royal Ballet Kevin O’Hare and I are delighted to introduce a new two week summer school in our Covent Garden studios, focusing on Royal Ballet repertoire and taught by their illustrious current and former artists.’
The residential and non-residential courses are located at The Royal Ballet School’s two sites and classes are held in purpose built, spacious dance studios and accommodation is in onsite dormitories. Many attendants of previous Summer Schools have gone on to full-time training with the School or at similar centres of classical ballet training.
Royal Ballet School Summer Programme Teachers’ Observation
Our popular Teachers’ Observation Programme will continue alongside our Summer Schools. This is a unique opportunity for dance teachers to observe our classes at both Covent Garden and White Lodge. Teachers benefit from observing the methods of both The Royal Ballet School faculty, as well as world renowned guest teachers, who in the past have included Darcey Bussell, Leanne Benjamin, Ernst Meisner, Mavis Mazinter, Bim Malcomson, Didy Veldman and Glenn Wilkinson.
For more information, please visit The Royal Ballet School Summer Programme page.
I would like to apply for the summer school. I can’t find the application form. Thank you very much,
best regards
Livia
Hello, the application form for the Summer Programme can be found here: https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/train/apply/apply-for-summer-school-2017/