Inside our Autumn Intensive: highlights from Leanne Cope and Sabina Westcombe
This October, we hosted our annual Autumn Intensive, welcoming young dancers for a one-day immersive experience exploring the art of performance and dynamics, and stagecraft using repertoire from Giselle.
We caught up with two of our teachers from the Intensive, Leanne Cope and Sabina Westcombe, to get their reflections.
A day in the studios
Throughout the day, students explored not only the technical foundations of classical ballet but also the expressive elements of performance. Sabina Westcombe, one of our guest teachers, shared her thoughts on the day:
It’s wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and love of dance in these young students. For many, it’s their first time in the building, and there’s so much for them to absorb—from the photographs on the walls to the rich history that surrounds them. If I were their age, I’d feel so lucky to experience this place!
Leanne Cope noted the unique connections formed among students, adding:
By the end of the day, students who started out shy and reserved were supporting each other and building friendships. Dance brings people together, and it’s incredible to watch them create a community in such a short space of time.
Learning through the lens of a heritage
The Autumn Intensive’s focus on Giselle gave students a rich cultural experience, allowing them to learn both the choreography and the story behind this beloved ballet. Leanne emphasised that understanding the history of Giselle is essential to performing it with depth:
We aren’t just teaching the steps. We’re exploring the ballet’s origins, learning about the choreographer and composer, and understanding how this history shapes the way we dance it. This immersive learning lets students connect with the past as they develop their own artistry.
For Sabina, the day also provided an opportunity to explore the nuances of performance and dynamics with her group of students, inviting them to consider what it means to bring a character to life:
We discussed performance and dynamics collaboratively, allowing each student to interpret them in their own way. It’s exciting to see their individuality emerge.
Making dance accessible to all
The Autumn Intensive is open to all young dancers on a first-come, first-served basis, creating an inclusive environment where dancers of different backgrounds can grow together. Leanne praised this approach:
Opening these doors to everyone makes ballet accessible and approachable. Students may or may not pursue dance professionally, but this experience builds a connection to the art form that can last a lifetime. In the future, they might become our audience members, patrons, or advocates for dance.
The day offered each student a valuable look inside The Royal Ballet School, challenging them to grow as dancers while also giving them a sense of the supportive community that sustains their love of ballet.
