Inspire seminars
Held in the UK and internationally, Inspire comprises six one-day seminars that explore the foundations of classical ballet technique, more advanced elements of technique and artistry, and good teaching practice, to support the professional development of teachers from all backgrounds.
Engage with fellow passionate dance professionals to reflect on your practice, enhance your skills, and expand your knowledge of dance teaching. Your seminar leader will guide you through the theory behind each topic, you’ll gain an understanding of the concepts and be supported to apply them to enhance your teaching practice.
Course overview
Each seminar can be attended individually or as an Intensive comprising all six seminars. The seminars can be taken in any order. However, we recommend teachers start with seminar one and take seminar six after completing the first four seminars for a comprehensive learning experience.
The seminars are non-syllabus-based and grounded in good teaching practice, giving strategies for applying pedagogical, technical and artistic knowledge in the studio. All seminars include theoretical and practical study, class discussion and reflection.
Aims:
- A practical workshop for teachers that explores the basic concepts of classical ballet technique
- To highlight the importance of the foundations of classical ballet technique, including posture, placement, use of turn-out and weight placement
- To explore the mechanics and aesthetics of port de bras
- To introduce the concept of good teaching, leading towards developing a personal teaching philosophy.
Outline:
- Overview of the foundations of technique
- Practical application of the foundations of technique
- Port de bras: line and coordination
- What makes a good teacher?
Aims:
- To explore how we learn to dance through motor learning
- To analyse the vocabulary of classical ballet that is taught at the barre
- To develop skills in teaching barre work.
Outline:
- Motor learning: how do we learn to dance?
- Barre work: practical application, observation and analysis.
Aims:
- To explore how students learn and effective teaching practice
- To analyse the vocabulary of classical ballet that is taught in centre practice
- To highlight how classical ballet vocabulary progresses from the barre to the centre
- To develop skills in teaching centre practice
- To explore effective communication
- To develop skills in the demonstration of enchaînement and the use of voice in delivering a lesson.
Outline:
- How do we learn? How should we teach? An introduction to learning and teaching
- Centre work: practical application, observation and analysis
- Demonstration, the use of voice and communication.
Aims:
- To analyse the allegro section of classical ballet vocabulary
- To highlight how allegro is developed at the barre and in the centre
- To develop skills in teaching allegro
- To develop skills in lesson planning and time management.
Outline:
- Allegro: practical application, observation and analysis
- Lesson planning and time management.
Aims:
- To analyse pointe work for students at different levels of training
- To develop skills in teaching pointe work
- To develop skills in enchaînement construction
- To explore the concepts of motivation and effective feedback.
Outline:
- Pointe work: pre-pointe training, initial pointe training, developing strength and control on pointe, and introduction to advanced vocabulary
- Enchaînement construction
- Motivation and effective feedback.
Aims:
- To gain practical experience in setting, demonstrating and correcting enchaînements
- To develop effective teaching skills
- To highlight the importance of developing artistry in tandem with technique.
Outline:
- Developing and delivering an enchaînement
- Épaulement, style and artistry.
Booking
Booking for academic year 2025/26 will open soon.
Want to be the first to hear about our teacher training?
Course fees
See upcoming seminars below for individual course fees.
Student teacher discount:
We offer three discounted places per seminar/intensive for student teachers attending an Inspire seminar in the UK. Use the required discount code to book (available to view on the booking form).
Please note a form of student ID must be shown when you attend the seminar.
ATAP teachers and members of the Teacher Training Fellowship: 10% discount per seminar
Current or former professional dancers can access funding for Inspire from Dancer’s Career Development. Check your eligibility here.
Inspire seminars 2025/26
London
Overview
Attend six Inspire seminars over six consecutive days or individual seminars.
Length of day: 6.5 hours (typically 10.00-16.30 with breaks)
Date
7-12 April 2026Â
Location
The Royal Ballet School
46 Floral Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9DA
Eligibility
Teachers from all backgrounds, from student to experienced teachers, aged 18+ years old. Places are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Fees
TBC
Booking
Bookings open: TBC
Bookings close: TBC
Feedback from Inspire participants
‘Every seminar was a wonderful experience, taught by a professional, knowledgeable tutor. I couldn’t fault them in any way.’
‘(The tutor) immediately created an inclusive, safe, supportive environment conducive to sharing, exploring, learning and reflecting.’
‘I finished the sixth day exhilarated and inspired. It was an extraordinary, life-changing experience.’
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar and have taken away a huge breadth of knowledge on the key components of classical ballet. I’ve noticed a real shift in my current personal practice of class also, which in turn will inform my future teaching greatly. ‘
‘The knowledge and feedback I received were shared in a humble and enthusiastic manner, creating the perfect environment for learning. I have attended many seminars and workshops over the years, but this has been the most impactful by far. I signed up to be inspired but didn’t expect to feel as motivated and excited as I do now.’
‘The seminar was informative and has given me some further strategies for teaching. The tutor was excellent, very knowledgeable and approachable. As someone who has taught for forty years, the Inspire seminars have, so far, refreshed and renewed my desire to teach the wonderful art of classical ballet. ‘
Any questions?
If you have any questions about our Inspire series, get in touch at [email protected].