The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) is helping shape the dance landscape in the UK and beyond.
The opportunities students receive while training at the Glasgow institute are exceptional and unique.
Ranked sixth in the world for performing arts education in the QS World University (2025), the Conservatoire’s courses attract a truly global cohort of students and faculty.
The RCS School of Dance offers two degree programmes – the three-year Bachelor of Arts Modern Ballet degree, delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet, and a new BA Dance Artist, a one-year ‘top-up’ for students who have completed an HND (Higher National Diploma) or SCQF Level 8 equivalent qualification.
Kerry Livingstone, Director of the School of Dance at RCS, says, “We offer training that provides the solid foundations that students need in classical ballet, contemporary and commercial, but our environment makes it unique.”
When discussing training options in the UK, it was highlighted that many will think of London or institutes based in England, but the Scottish location means students have opportunities unlike those available at training grounds in more populated areas.
Livingstone says, “Glasgow is a creative, artistic hub that’s home to Scotland’s five national performing arts companies, including Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. It means our students are surrounded by world‑class art, music, theatre and dance, where they’re not just engaging and learning from it but being part of the wider cultural landscape.”
As Scotland’s national and only conservatoire, RCS is uniquely placed to partner with all of the national artistic companies and professional industries. These partnerships are embedded in the curriculum of each programme with an ethos that the open exchange between RCS students and its partners creates an environment where today’s artistic leaders engage with and inspire the performers of tomorrow.
“Ballet doesn’t exist on its own,” Livingstone comments. “For our students to be able to work with somebody who is just as passionate about playing the cello or being an actor or doing stage design, lighting or opera – all of those amazing disciplines that the Conservatoire has – it feels like a real asset for us.
She continues, “This means our dancers graduate as versatile artists with a deeper understanding of the profession. They leave with meaningful connections made throughout their studies – relationships and networks they can draw on as they move into their future careers.”
Home to around 1,300 students from around the world, including Japan, Australia and the US, the Conservatoire stages over 500 performances a year across every art form. Students receive free tickets to every RCS production, allowing them to immerse themselves in the full breadth of artistic practice happening on campus.
On what attracts such a diverse and well-rounded student body, and in particular to the ballet course, Livingstone says, “One of the most appealing aspects is our partnership with Scottish Ballet. The BA Modern Ballet degree is delivered in partnership with the company and offers students an invaluable insight into professional life, where they work with the company’s artistic team, dancers, acclaimed teachers and choreographers. In third year, students attend a weekly class at Scottish Ballet’s headquarters at Tramway, with some students joining the company on tour.”
She adds, “We’ve just had eight of our final-year students complete Scottish Ballet’s winter tour where they performed in the corps de ballet and learned multiple roles. We’ve worked hard to make sure every student has access to meaningful opportunities. Every third‑year student takes part in Scottish Ballet’s weekly company class. Joining company class is often how dancers secure their first job, and it’s an environment that, no matter how much we try, we simply can’t recreate within a school. That real professional exposure is a huge advantage in preparing them for the transition into the industry.”
Livingstone, who is also Head of Scottish Ballet’s Associate programme, adds, “There are other important links, too, including Scottish Ballet’s Associate Choreographer creating a piece for our end‑of‑year show, and Christopher Hampson, CEO and Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, providing artistic guidance. We also receive practical support from Scottish Ballet’s wardrobe and technical teams. For students interested in teaching, there are teaching placements available as part of the programme.”
Livingstone speaks passionately about the opportunities available for students and credits the strength of the School of Dance to its teaching staff: “All of our teachers have to complete the postgraduate certificate in higher arts teaching. Ensuring we have the right teachers means we get the most out of our students.”
Fabrice Maufrais, Lecturer on the BA Modern Ballet programme, says, “There is nothing more rewarding than watching a student discover their potential and knowing you played a small part in their journey. The passion a teacher shares in the studio lives on in every step their students take on stage.”
Lecturer Diana Loosmore adds, “It’s such a privilege to witness the growth and be a part of each student’s journey. One of the many unique opportunities that stands out about working at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland within the School of Dance is the diverse range of opportunities for the students to collaborate, choreograph and perform across different disciplines, making for such a rich, dynamic crossover. A particular love is being a part of the exploration and discovery with creativity and improvisation.”
The Conservatoire also offers online and distance learning for dancers who are currently working through its MA Creative Arts Practice and MEd Learning and Teaching in the Arts courses.
For more information, visit www.rcs.ac.uk/dance.
By Jamie Body of Dance Informa.
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