Inside the studio: Julia Ellis on preparing for auditions and our Associate Programme
Auditions to The Royal Ballet School are currently open, and there’s much to think about. Whether you’re considering auditioning for full-time training or our Associate Programme, auditioning can be an intimidating process. At the School, we want to make your audition process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
To support you, we’ve introduced two new Audition Insight classes on our online platform, Intensive Courses on Demand (ICOD), led by Julia Ellis, one of our Associate Teachers. Julia, who has been with us since 2011, plays a key role in mentoring our Senior Associates and shaping the future of ballet.
We spoke with Julia about the online class and the benefits of joining the Associate Programme.
Could you share a bit about your background and your role at the Royal Ballet School?
I trained at the Royal Ballet School Teacher Training Course under the Direction of Valerie Adams, worked internationally in Los Angeles and set up a Body Conditioning Studio based on the Pilates Method for dancers in Hong Kong. After returning to England, I rejoined The Royal Ballet School, where I now teach for the Associates Programme as a Senior Associate Teacher. My role also involves preparing students for professional training with specialised classes tailored to their developmental needs.
You recently taught an ICOD class on auditioning for the School. Can you tell us a bit about the class?
The class is designed to demystify the audition process for students. We concentrate on both technical skills and mental preparation, guiding students through the expectations of a Royal Ballet School audition. The class helps them understand performance qualities, showcase their individual strengths, and approach auditions with confidence and professionalism.
Why should dancers consider taking your online class?
The online class offers students a unique opportunity to see exactly what is expected in a Royal Ballet School audition. By watching the exercises and hearing the explanations, they can approach their audition more confidently. It’s not just about the steps but also about understanding the mindset and preparation needed. We want students to feel that an audition is a positive experience, not something to fear.
We also offer Audition Insight classes where students can come to the School and experience this in person. For those who can’t, the online class provides an accessible alternative. It’s important to me that auditions feel supportive and positive, and students often leave saying how much they enjoyed the experience.
What can students expect from a typical Senior Associate class?
The class structure is designed to challenge and support students’ development. The class starts with conditioning exercises and a general warm up. We provide each student with personalised feedback and general feedback for the group.
We also incorporate goal setting into the programme. This helps students focus on what they want to achieve and gives them a sense of direction in their training. They are encouraged to take the exercises seriously and integrate them into their weekly practice, remembering to always warm up and cool down. The goal is not just to improve their technique, but also to prepare them mentally for the demands of a professional career.
The syllabus for the Senior Associate programme is incredibly close to that of the full-time students at The Royal Ballet School. This alignment ensures that our Associates are learning at the same standard as their peers, giving them a strong foundation if they choose to pursue a career in ballet.
What are the key benefits of joining the Associate Programme?
We strive to teach good classical ballet while also fostering life skills. We follow the standards and etiquette of The Royal Ballet School, which instils discipline and pride in students.
Students who join the programme get more than just a good class—they receive conditioning exercises and training that support their development beyond just a Saturday class. The programme is structured to enhance what they’re already learning during their week in other dance forms, whether it’s jazz, hip-hop, or modern. We want to help students reach their full potential and give them a supportive environment where they can thrive.
The best part is seeing the journeys these students take. Ballet doesn’t just prepare them for dance but for life. One of my former students became a doctor and is now blending her medical background with her love of dance, helping dancers with psychological and physical support.
I always tell students to take every opportunity. Whether they stay in ballet or pursue another path, the skills they learn prepare them for anything. That’s what makes this work so special.
Discover Julia’s Audition Insight classes on Intensive Courses on Demand.
