Our 2024 Summer Intensive, from a student perspective  

Over the past five weeks, from July 9 to August 9, the School has hosted aspiring young dancers from around the globe at our White Lodge and Upper School studios for this year’s Summer Intensive. 

The Summer Intensive is designed to introduce dancers to The Royal Ballet School’s System of Training while offering them the chance to receive top-notch coaching from our Artistic faculty and distinguished guest instructors. 

We spoke to students who attended our Intensive at Upper School about their training and boarding experience in the heart of Covent Garden. 

Highlights of the training intensive

During the Summer Intensive, students attended classes taught by the School’s Artistic staff and renowned guest teachers. The comprehensive training covered everything from classical ballet to contemporary styles, immersing students in our unique System of Training. 

Sara: Every teacher comes to class with a lot of energy and care, making me want to do my best even if I’m tired, because their enthusiasm drives me.   

Mackenzie: I’ve appreciated the contemporary classes because I’m not experienced in that genre. It’s also cool to have musicians in class, and I’ve found a love for a contemporary that I didn’t have before.   

Audrey: The intensity of the programme was something else. I’ve learned more in these five weeks than I have all year. The unique repertoire at the School exposed me to a whole new side of ballet. We’ve learned a new repertoire each week, which is so interesting because you’re exposed to so much in a short time.  

Boarding life  

Staying in Covent Garden or our historic White Lodge location in Richmond Park is a special part of our Intensives.  Our boarding houses are not just a place for students to stay during the Intensives, but a home away from home. From weekly movie nights to selfie competitions, boarding at the School allows students to feel a sense of community and home while they are here. 

Mackenzie: We’ve all become great friends and take classes together, so it’s been a good experience. We’re in the heart of Covent Garden, and I’ve never been to London, so it’s great to be so central and have easy access to sightsee around the city.  

Julius: Evening pool tournaments were a big hit for us. We’d often gather for friendly competitions, which was a lot of fun.  

Sara: I have many memories of spontaneously going out and exploring with everyone; we have so much freedom to do what we want.   

Why The Royal Ballet School?  

Sara: The reputation of the School was a huge draw. It’s surreal once you’re here to be training in the same studios as the full-time students. We danced in the studios at the Royal Opera House, which was incredible.  

Jack: I’ve attended an Intensive here before and returned because of the opportunity to train at such a renowned place. The historic studios, like those at the Royal Opera House, are a significant attraction.  

Audrey: The comprehensive nature of the training was a big factor. We are introduced to a new piece of repertoire every week, which gave me exposure to a wide range of techniques in a short time.  

Community   

Our Summer Intensive brings together students from all over the world with a shared passion for dance. Getting to dance, meet, and live amongst other cultures is an essential aspect of the Intensives, and the students appreciate it.  

Sara: All the students motivate me because everyone here is so good. You have to motivate yourself, and I feel the push to be good because everyone is so incredible at what they do.  

Audrey: You meet people from all these schools across the world that you have heard of, and some of them are your dream schools. It’s amazing to be in class and train alongside them.

Mackenzie: When you go to different places with different teachers, you also get different perspectives. It’s very helpful for improving, hearing everyone’s different points of view, feedback, different ballet classes, ways of teaching, and repertoire. Variety is very helpful, and it makes you a more well-rounded dancer.

Advice for future intensive attendees  

Deciding to attend an intensive, whether for one week or five weeks, can be difficult. Our students have some advice for anyone considering applying for an intensive course with the School.   

Jack: My advice is to be open-minded. Embrace the different teaching styles and feedback, even if they differ from what you’re used to.  

Sara: View feedback positively. It’s meant to help you grow, not to be critical. It’s all part of the learning process.  

Julius: I appreciate the supportive environment. Teachers are understanding and adjust their approach if you’re tired. This respect for our well-being makes a big difference.  

Audrey: Take everything you learn here; it will stick with you. The experiences, the people you meet, and the lessons will stay with you as you progress in your training and career.  

The Royal Ballet School’s Summer Intensives offer much more than top-tier ballet training. They provide a nurturing environment where young dancers can develop, grow, and create lasting memories. From the diverse and high-quality instruction to the enriching boarding life, every aspect of the programme contributes to the participants’ development, making it a coveted opportunity for aspiring dancers worldwide.   

Thank you to the students who chatted with us about their experiences; your knowledge is invaluable to future attendees.