Mid Associate students share what they love about the Associate Programme

Applications for the School’s Mid/Senior/Advanced Associate Programmes, including UK Scholars, are now open, and our current Mid Associate students are eager to tell prospective applicants what they love about the Programme.

Get to know Mid Associates Charles, Lydia, Maisie, Grace, Joshua, Katie and Anya and learn about their experiences at the London, Birmingham, Bath (now Stroud) and Manchester Associate centres.

Charles – Birmingham centre

Charles smiles in front of a birmingham royal ballet 'the nutcracker' poster. He wears an associates tracksuit with his hands on his hips. — *Charles performing in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s* The Nutcracker

Charles stands to the left of his sister, charlotte, in junior associate uniforms in a studio. Charles wears a white t-shirt and blue tights. Charlotte wears a white leotard with a blue belt. — *Charles with his younger sister, Charlotte*

I have been an Associate for two years, starting as a Junior Associate before progressing to Mid Associate. It has been a truly transformative two years for me. Moving to the UK from Hong Kong was a big change, but joining the Associate Programme gave me an immediate sense of belonging. It gave me a place where I could continue doing something I loved while adapting to a completely new environment. I have learned so much about classical ballet technique, but I have also grown in confidence and met some incredible people along the way.

My favourite part about the Programme is definitely the camaraderie, especially meeting other boys who share the same passion for ballet. Before joining the programme, I didn’t know many boys who danced ballet. Stepping into The Royal Ballet School studio and seeing boys working hard, learning together and supporting each other was amazing. One of my favourite experiences has been the Boys’ Workshop in London. I get to meet boys from different parts of the country who all have the same passion. Learning from each other and sharing our experiences is a wonderful feeling. It reminds me that I am part of a much bigger community of young male dancers.

One of my favourite memories was my first performance of The Nutcracker with Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome. It was special that the School gave me the opportunity to audition for the children’s roles that year. Being selected through that audition made me realise what a privilege it was to be part of the Associate Programme and to have opportunities like this.

I made another unforgettable memory this past July when I attended The Royal Ballet School’s Summer Intensive at White Lodge. It was an incredible privilege to train alongside boys from more than ten different countries. Being able to learn from people with different backgrounds, cultures and experiences, while training in such a historic place, was a truly rare and inspiring experience.

The biggest lesson I have learned as a Mid Associate is to step out of the shadows and take ownership of my dancing. I used to focus mainly on getting the steps technically correct and sometimes felt more comfortable staying in the background. My teachers have taught me that ballet is not only about technique — it is also about artistry, confidence and expression. I am learning not to be afraid to take up space, to project my personality and, most importantly, to enjoy the movement. I want the audience to be able to see the joy I feel when I dance.

My ultimate goal is to dance professionally with a major ballet company and to keep refining my technique and artistry every day. I want to become a stronger, more versatile performer and continue challenging myself to improve. I also want to challenge stereotypes about boys in ballet. I am a very sporty person and play field hockey for Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club. I want to show other young boys that athleticism and artistry can go hand in hand. I also hope to become a dance teacher in the future. I want to use my own experiences to inspire and encourage more boys to take up dancing. I believe a good teacher can have a lasting impact on someone’s life, and I would love to pass on the joy, discipline and confidence that ballet has given me to the next generation.’

Lydia – London centre

Lydia stands in b+ position in a blue leotard standing next to amber doyle in the studio. — *Lydia with Associate Teacher Amber Doyle*

Lydia stands between two taller girls while balancing on pointe in 5th position. Her friends stand in fifth on flat. They all wear blue leotards and pink tights. — *Penelope,* *Lydia* *and Adeline* *after a Mid Associate class*

‘I have absolutely loved being a Mid Associate. I enjoyed all the brilliant classes taught by Ms Doyle. She makes every lesson enjoyable, and I have learnt so much from her throughout the year.

I feel very lucky to have made so many lovely friends through the School. They have made attending events such as YAGP and intensives, including the Spring and Summer Intensives at White Lodge, even more special and enjoyable.

Although I am sad to be leaving my lovely class to start full time at White Lodge in September, I know I will stay in touch with many of the friends I have made, and I really hope to see Ms Doyle at the School again soon.’

Maisie – London centre

Maisie smiles at the camera in front of a white wall. She wears an associates tracksuit with her dark hair in a bun. — *Maisie in her Associates sweatshirt*

Maisie poses in fifth position on releve in flat shoes in front of a window at white lodge that overlooks the green gardens and fountain. She wears a black leotard and a long black skirt. — *Maisie* *in the Pavlova studio at White Lodge*

‘I have been a Mid Associate since September 2025. Being a Mid Associate has helped me become a more well-rounded performer. The Programme has shown me how music, acting and singing can work together with dance to tell a story and create a performance. I feel that my musicality has improved, which has strengthened my rhythm and expression in ballet classes.

My favourite part of being an Associate is meeting dancers from different places who share the same passion for ballet. The teachers are very encouraging, and I learn something new every time I attend. Being part of the programme has helped me become a stronger dancer and has taught me the importance of dedication, hard work and perseverance. I have particularly enjoyed the weekly conditioning classes, which have helped me build strength and understand how my body works more effectively.

Another exciting milestone was starting my pointe preparation classes. I have really enjoyed learning more about the strength and technique needed for pointe work, and it has made me even more excited about my ballet journey. One of my biggest achievements this year has been improving my confidence, technique and artistry. I also had the amazing opportunity to attend a workshop at The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden during the February half-term. It was a really special experience. It was inspiring to dance in such an iconic place and learn from fantastic teachers.

I feel very proud to be a Mid Associate, and I look forward to continuing to improve, learn new things and make more wonderful memories next year.’

Joshua – London centre

Joshua stands in first position in the foyer at upper school. He wears a white shirt, blue tights, white socks and shoes, and glasses. — *Joshua in first position next to a bronze sculpture of Rudolf Nureyev and* Strength and Grace: Portraits of The Royal Ballet School

Joshua stands with friends in winter coats in the reception area at upper school. — *Joshua with fellow Mid Associate boys*

‘I have been privileged to be dancing with the Associate Programme for three years now, having first started as a Junior Associate. It’s been great to meet other boys who love dance and to grow with them on this journey. It is fabulous to have teachers directing and encouraging us in such beautiful studios.

In the past two years as a Mid Associate, it has also been fun to explore some cool repertoire. I especially enjoyed Alice in Wonderland with Mr Walters. Shout out also to Ms Wildor and Ms Harrison who work tirelessly to deliver the best!

As a non-vocational student, I have found that the Zoom conditioning classes I do with Miss Ellis on a Thursday have been so helpful. They really work key areas that have helped my pirouettes, especially whilst I’ve been going through a growth spurt.’

Grace – London centre

Grace smiles at the camera in front of a blue-grey backdrop. Her hair is in a bun and she wears an associates tracksuit. — *Grace wearing her Associates sweatshirt*

Grace stands with amber doyle in the studio. She wears a blue leotard and pink tights. Amber wears a black rbs t-shirt with a blue long-sleeve shirt underneath. — *Grace posing with Amber Doyle*

I have been a Mid Associate for one year. I first applied for Junior Associates and then took online Associate classes the previous year.

My favourite part is leaving school early on a Friday and travelling on the train up to London with my mum. We have either a packed lunch on the train or, if we have time, we get noodles once we’re in Covent Garden. I love walking into the building and lining up for the register. It fills me with so much excited anticipation of arriving at The Royal Ballet School and having lessons there. I get butterflies in my tummy every week! I also have enjoyed dancing with the girls I’ve met in the class. We all come from different places and schools, so I find everyone really interesting to talk to.

One of my favourite memories was performing a showcase for our families on the last day of term. I was so excited to perform for my parents. My ballet teacher, who lives far away, managed to come up to watch the class also. I felt so immensely proud to be dancing there and to have people in the audience watching me. It was a really special moment.

The biggest lesson I have learnt is to never give up. When I first applied for the Junior Associate Programme, I didn’t get a place. The second time I applied, I was offered online classes, and I was so excited that I’d been given that opportunity. When I applied for the Mid Associate program the following year, I never expected to get a place, but when I was offered it, I was in total shock! This made me believe in myself, and I realised that you don’t always get what you want the first time you try. I had to work hard at this and build my confidence to keep going and not give up. Even now when I still go to classes, I sometimes don’t think I’m always the best in the class, but I’ve learnt to trust what my teachers tell me and go for it.

I would love to dance at the Royal Opera House one day and work on stage as a dancer or a performer. I do many different types of dance in addition to ballet, including musical theatre. I have realised that training in all of these different dance styles has helped me improve my technique and understanding. I hope to be able to use this one day to audition and get a place performing on stage.’

Katie – Stroud centre

Katie wears a black t-shirt and shorts over pink tights with her left leg in tendu back. She stands next to karen paisey, who wears a black coat and holds a bouquet of flowers. — *Katie with longtime Associate Teacher* *Karen Paisey*

Katie dancing at a White Lodge intensive

‘I joined The Royal Ballet School’s Junior Associate Programme in 2022 and later progressed to the Mid Associate Programme. Being an Associate has been a very important part of my training and has helped me develop both technically and artistically.

My favourite part is the high standard of teaching and the opportunity to train with other dancers who share the same love of ballet. I particularly enjoy working on the details of classical technique, musicality and performance. Being an Associate has also encouraged me to attend intensives at White Lodge, where I have experienced more of the School’s System of Training. These opportunities have challenged me, inspired me and made me even more determined to improve.

One of my favourite memories was having the opportunity to watch the Balanchine programme at the Royal Opera House. It was inspiring to see the dancers’ musicality, precision and energy, and how George Balanchine’s choreography uses classical ballet in such a distinctive way. Watching the Company perform onstage helped me appreciate the artistry and detail involved at a professional level. It was a very special experience and made me feel even more motivated about my own training.

The biggest lesson I have learned is that improvement comes from paying attention to the smallest details and working consistently. I have learned not just to hear a correction, but to also understand and continue applying it, even after the teacher has moved on to something else. Being a Mid Associate has also taught me to be patient with myself and to see corrections as something positive that will help me grow as a dancer.

My goal is to continue developing my classical ballet technique, artistry and confidence and to eventually train full-time at a vocational ballet school. In the future, I would love to become a professional ballet dancer and perform with a classical ballet company. I know this will take a great deal of dedication and hard work, and I am excited to continue learning and see where my training takes me.’

Anya – Manchester centre

Anya poses with her left arm up in fifth and her right arm in second position to the side. She wears a blue leotard and pink tights and smiles at the camera. — *Anya poses in her Mid Associate uniform*

‘During my first year as an Associate, I have learned a lot and developed my ballet skills. Being a Mid Associate has given me the opportunity to train in a professional environment, meet new people who share the same passion for dance and gain a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in ballet.

My favourite part is travelling to Manchester every Saturday to do what I love most. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of each school week and allows me to focus completely on dancing. The Programme has helped me improve my technique and confidence, and I enjoy being surrounded by other dancers who are passionate about ballet.

My favourite memory was learning repertoire from The Nutcracker at Christmas. I really enjoyed it because it was different from the usual classwork and gave us the chance to learn choreography from such a famous ballet. It made the festive season feel extra special, and it was exciting to perform this in front of my family.

The biggest lesson I have learned as a Mid Associate is the importance of discipline and hard work. Being part of the Associate Programme has shown me how much dedication is needed to improve as a dancer. I have learned that progress comes from consistent effort, listening to corrections and always trying my best, even when something feels challenging.

My future dance goal is to keep studying ballet and improve as much as I can. After I finish my GCSEs, I’d love to go to a vocational ballet school for sixth form so I can get professional training and keep developing my skills. I’m really passionate about ballet, and I hope to keep learning, growing and taking every opportunity I can to work towards a career in ballet.’

Applications are now open for 2027 entry into our Mid, Senior and Advanced Associate Programmes.

Learn more and apply now

Catja Christensen is the Marketing and Communications Executive at The Royal Ballet School and joined the School in 2025. She enjoys interviewing students, staff and guest artists for news stories and crafting eye-catching newsletters.