The start of September brings with it an exciting opportunity for dancers around the world with the potential and motivation to pursue a career in ballet. Applications are now open to join The Royal Ballet School in London, one of the world’s most respected classical ballet training institutions.
Each year, the School welcomes hopefuls striving for excellence to take their first steps in their full-time and Associate programmes. Since its founding by Dame Ninette de Valois in 1926, The Royal Ballet School has produced countless dancers and choreographers of international renown. Former students include greats like Margot Fonteyn, Kenneth MacMillan, Darcey Bussell, Lauren Cuthbertson, Francesca Hayward, Steven McRae, Vadim Muntagirov, Marianela Nuñez, Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Marcelino Sambé, and Christopher Wheeldon, to name just a few.
The message from The Royal Ballet School is that auditions are not about perfection, but about potential. Artistic staff are searching for musicality, physical promise, and a spark of artistry.
Applications are welcome from all, and all applicants have the opportunity to take part in a preliminary audition. Dancers are welcome to re-apply if they have auditioned before.
Applications for full-time and Mid/Senior/Advanced Associate programmes close in October for courses that start the following September. Applications for the Junior Associate programme will open in February and close in March. Auditions are held in the Summer Term for courses which also start in September 2026.
Applicants who audition for the Mid Associate programme will be eligible to be selected to join the School’s new UK Scholars programme for year 7 students with outstanding potential. If selected, applicants will be invited to a secondary audition specifically for the UK Scholars programme in February.
International candidates have the option to apply online with a video submission together with their application details. Information about what to include in your video for each course application can be found here.
For those considering full time study, progressing beyond the preliminary stage will then mean you are asked to submit another video for the semi-final round. Final auditions will be scheduled as an in-person audition in late February and early March in London.
If you are dreaming of a life in professional ballet, this is the chance to be seen and nurtured by one of the art form’s most renowned institutions with world-leading faculty. Head to their website to learn more.
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