The Royal Ballet School’s international programme of Intensives offers dancers around the world access to high-level classical ballet instruction. These short courses provide concentrated training across multiple styles and disciplines, enabling students aged 10 to 19 to refine their technique and artistry. Held at both White Lodge and Upper School in London, as well as overseas locations, the Intensives are a central part of the School’s mission to expand access to professional ballet training.
The Royal Ballet School designs each Intensive to suit specific age groups and development stages. Students can choose from residential or non-residential options, depending on their location and preference. At White Lodge, younger students participate in structured weeks of training that include mixed-gender and female-only sessions, while Upper School hosts older dancers in extended courses that focus on advanced repertoire and pre-professional preparation. This tiered model ensures students are placed in appropriate settings that support their growth.
In addition to the London-based courses, the Royal Ballet School runs annual Intensives in Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong. These international programmes reflect the School’s commitment to reaching talented dancers who may not be able to travel to the UK for training. In each location, Artistic staff and guest teachers lead classes that uphold the same rigorous standards as those taught in London. The curriculum includes ballet technique, contemporary dance, jazz, and character, as well as mime and acting through movement.
The Royal Ballet School’s recent Intensives have featured appearances from renowned alumni and guest artists. At the 2023 Summer Intensive, students received guidance from Royal Ballet principals like Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Lauren Cuthbertson, and Steven McRae. These sessions offer young dancers valuable insight into the professional world and provide mentorship opportunities that extend beyond the studio. Feedback from past attendees emphasises the motivational impact of learning from such esteemed figures.
Students who attend the Royal Ballet School’s Intensives also participate in wellness and performance-related programming. The School’s Healthcare team contributes to these sessions by addressing areas such as nutrition, injury prevention, and psychological resilience. This holistic approach reflects the same values seen in the full-time programme and ensures that dancers receive support in every aspect of their development. Online modules and recorded sessions allow continued learning beyond the physical course dates.
Digital access further enhances the reach of the Royal Ballet School. Its on-demand platform hosts recordings of previous Intensive content, making it available to students who prefer remote learning. The flexibility of this option allows dancers to revisit lessons multiple times, reinforcing learning and enabling them to integrate corrections and techniques at their own pace. Teachers and parents have also found these resources useful when supporting students outside of formal training sessions.
Each Royal Ballet School Intensive concludes with a reflective or celebratory component, such as a Q&A session, demonstration class, or informal showcase. These final events allow students to articulate what they’ve learned and receive direct feedback from instructors. Many dancers report that these opportunities helped build their confidence and clarified their aspirations for future training or professional auditions.
The Royal Ballet School promotes equality of access in its application process, selecting students based on potential and dedication rather than academic achievement or financial background. Applicants for selective Intensives are required to submit detailed information about their experience and motivation. A significant portion of participants receive financial support, enabling them to take part regardless of economic circumstances. In this way, the School continues to uphold its founding values of talent-based opportunity.
With its global reach and continued innovation in programme delivery, the Royal Ballet School ensures that dedicated students can engage with its training wherever they are in the world. The Intensives not only serve as gateways to the School’s full-time programme but also play a key role in sustaining a worldwide ballet community connected by shared standards and values.