Diploma of Classical Ballet Teaching (DCBT)

• A minimum of two years’ professional experience as a dancer with a UK  or other internationally recognised company or organisation.   

• A minimum of a Level 4 teaching qualification AND   

• A minimum of two years’ professional experience as a teacher. 

The programme is delivered in English. Applicants should have a level of English that enables them to engage confidently with teaching, discussion, and written assessments.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we typically expect a level of proficiency equivalent to:

• IELTS 6.5 overall (with no component below 6.0), or
• An equivalent English language qualification.

We recognise that applicants may have developed their English skills through professional experience or training. Where formal qualifications are not available, applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, and applicants may be invited to demonstrate their English through interview or written work.

Diploma students will be eligible to gain Affiliate Teacher status with our Affiliate Programme through a condensed course of study, offering a mix of online and onsite training and self-study.

The Affiliate Programme is a unique, holistic and enriching approach to the training and assessment of ballet, ensuring that students can explore the art form fully through the Programme’s diverse components. It offers teachers a direct link to The Royal Ballet School, providing ongoing access to exclusive resources, advice, professional development and tutor expertise.

The ISTD will recognise the obtainment of the School’s Diploma qualification to support graduates on their teaching journey with access to ISTD Full Teaching membership.

Members gain access to a comprehensive suite of syllabi across 13 genres, alongside exclusive CPD training, teaching resources, and business support to enhance their professional practice. As part of a global network, ISTD Full Teaching members benefit from recognition through the registered member logo and are supported in building inclusive, sustainable careers through progressive training, qualifications, and events.

The School will also join the Royal Academy of Dance’s (RAD) list of dance awarding societies to offer Diploma graduates RAD Registered Teacher Status (RAD RTS).

This professional membership offers teachers a host of benefits to strengthen their reputation and employability.

Benefits of RAD RTS include the opportunity to appear on the global RAD Register of Teachers, enter students for RAD exams, enjoy the backing of a professional membership scheme, access tailored professional development, and be part of a vibrant global community of like-minded teachers.

The Royal Ballet School’s Diploma qualification enables graduates to become a Registered Teacher with bbodance. Members benefit from professional recognition and gain access to:

• Six world-class syllabi genres
• Inclusive examination pathways
• Discounted CPD
• Regional support
• Exclusive partnership deals
• Inspiring events and access to an international community
• Opportunity for students to be part of bbodance Scholars Scheme and masterclass programmes.

Whether you can teach after completing the Diploma of Classical Ballet Teaching (DCBT) depends on where you want to teach, because different sectors have different requirements.

In academic schools (for example, primary or secondary education), a teaching qualification such as a PGCE and QTS is normally required. Dance specific diplomas alone are not sufficient for the teaching of dance from an academic perspective in most countries.

In the recreational dance sector (private studios, community classes, after school programmes, dance schools/colleges), there is no formal regulation in the UK or many other countries. Individual schools decide which qualifications they recognise, and our previously offered Diploma of Dance Teaching (predecessor of DCBT) was widely accepted in these settings. The Diploma also allows a pathway into teaching memberships with leading organisations worldwide.

Vocational and pre professional dance schools each set their own entry requirements, and many look for qualifications at Level 6 or equivalent. The DCBT is designed to align with Level 6 expectations in terms of depth, rigour and practical teaching competence, and it is recognised within vocational settings because it is delivered through The Royal Ballet School’s teacher training framework. Our graduates are generally well received due to their Royal Ballet School connection and the depth of training within the programme. As we progress toward higher education recognition and degree level pathways, this will open further opportunities in the future.

Intensives
The intensive weeks run on fixed dates and there is no flexibility to move them for individual applicants. If you are currently employed by a professional ballet company, it is strongly advised that you speak with your Artistic Director or rehearsal management team and request their support. In previous years, companies have usually been very willing to find a way to accommodate short periods of professional development.

If you were to miss a very small portion of an intensive due to unavoidable company commitments, we may be able to provide filmed material to ensure continuity, but this is only suitable for minor absences.

Collegial days
Collegial days take place once a month during term time at White Lodge, Upper School or another linked venue. While attendance in-person is not essential, it is strongly advised that you join as many as possible.

If you cannot attend in-person, a live online connection is required so you can participate fully and remain engaged with your cohort.

These days offer valuable opportunities for peer learning, shared practice and experiencing the School’s teaching culture first-hand. Collegial days help strengthen confidence, professional identity and overall momentum on the programme.

No, RPL is currently unavailable for this Diploma as the curriculum is specific to The Royal Ballet School’s System of Training. We are exploring an RPL framework for alumni of our in-house teacher training programmes for future intakes.

For professional and ex-professional dancers in the UK, you may be eligible for a retraining grant from Dancer’s Career Development (DCD). You can check your eligibility here.

While government funding is not available for this Diploma at present, this may change in the future. Should we introduce a BA (Hons) Top-Up pathway, we will provide updates to reflect any new funding options and course updates.

Yes, you can submit your application via the teacher application route.

We recognise that not all teachers have had access to a conventional training pathway, and we aim to be as equitable as possible in how we assess applicants. Some teachers bring strong studio experience, vocational backgrounds or clear teaching potential that may not be reflected in formal qualifications.

Consideration will be given to your whole profile in order to determine whether your experience prepares you for the level and depth of study required on the Diploma, even if you do not meet every listed requirement.

Yes, the course is for both pre-vocational and vocational ballet teachers. Many of our Diploma graduates teach for or own their own recreational dance studios and work with mixed ability groups.

The programme focuses on classical ballet pedagogy, safe and effective teaching practice and developing a strong technical eye – all of which are essential whether you teach recreational students, aspiring dancers, or those already in vocational training.

Passing Level 5 does not automatically guarantee progression to Level 6. To progress from the Foundation Diploma (Level 5) to Year 2 of the DCBT (Level 6), students must:

• Obtain a successful Level 5 pass in all practical modules
• Demonstrate secure technical understanding and safe demonstration of Level 6 vocabulary
• Show readiness for advanced study through reflective and professional behaviours.

Progression decisions consider the whole profile – technical ability, demonstration quality, pedagogical understanding, reflective engagement, and consistency across the year.

Students who complete all Level 5 modules but do not meet the Level 6 progression threshold may exit with the Foundation Diploma. Students may also re apply for Year 2 in a future cycle via the teacher application route.