Applications for 2023/2024 are now open

In 2023/2024 we are offering two distinct, 6-month programmes. The first programme, running from September 2023 until February 2024, is designed to prepare students to audition for professional ballet companies through intensive training and coaching. The second programme, running from January until June 2024, offers the chance to work towards the Programme´s own performance in London.

Purpose and aims of the programme

Programme I – Audition Preparation (September 2023 – February 2024)

This course aims to enhance students’ experience of the demands of a professional career in dance, building on the professional-level training they have already undertaken. It will provide intense training in classical and contemporary techniques, including classes and personalised coaching, to refine skills and enhance versatility in readiness for a professional career. Support is also offered in filming audition material when applying to professional dance companies.

Programme II – Performance (January – June 2024)

This course focusses on the development of performance skills at a professional level using the dance technique already gained from previous vocational training. Students will have the opportunity to audition for principal roles in English National Ballet´s My First Ballet performances as well as performing in the programme´s own performance at the end of the course.

The programme – who is it for?

Both programmes are designed for dancers aged 18 to 22 years who have successfully graduated from a full-time vocational ballet programme. The programmes would suit dancers wishing to further develop their dance and performance skills prior to beginning their professional career.

Entry requirements

Normally, at least a three-year vocational training in classical ballet is a pre-requisite for entry to the programme. Entry to the programme is by audition.

Content and Structure

Programme I – Audition Preparation (September 2023 – February 2024)

The programme will offer training in classical and contemporary techniques as well as coaching in classical and contemporary solos which can be performed in auditions. Students will have the opportunity to film solos and

classwork as well as do an audition photoshoot with a specialist dance photographer in order to build an audition portfolio. This will enable participants to focus on developing their interpretative skills and individuality as a dancer, thereby enhancing their versatility as a dance artist.

Alongside this, a programme of lectures and workshops will equip students with non-dance skills required in a professional career such as audition portfolio preparation, CV writing, interview techniques, social media and financial skills. Students will also have the opportunity to receive one-to-one mentoring and support. This part of the programme is delivered in partnership with Dancers Career Development (DCD) and will aim to equip students with a healthy, responsive and adaptable mind set for professional life.

Programme components

· Classical Ballet technique including Pointe work for women

· Classical Variations

· Pas de Deux

· Contemporary Dance technique

· Choreography, Improvisation and Composition

· Professional practice including audition and interview techniques, audition photography and video, and CV writing

· Pilates

· Strength and conditioning classes

· Choreographic and dance performance opportunities

· Health and Wellbeing support from English National Ballet School’s in-house healthcare team.

Programme II – Performance (January – June 2024)

In this programme, the emphasis is on performance. Students will receive training in classical ballet and contemporary dance styles, alongside preparing for performances. Students will work with professional choreographers to have new work created on them as well as learning existing pieces. The course culminates in a professional-level performance.

Alongside this, a programme of lectures and workshops will equip students with non-dance skills required in a professional career such as audition portfolio preparation, CV writing, interview techniques, social media and financial skills. Students will also have the opportunity to receive one-to-one mentoring and support. This part of the programme is delivered in partnership with Dancers Career Development (DCD) and will aim to equip students with a healthy, responsive and adaptable mind set for professional life.

Programme components

· Classical Ballet technique including Pointe work for women

· Classical Variations

· Pas de Deux

· Contemporary Dance technique

· Improvisation and Composition

· Pilates

· Strength and conditioning classes

· Choreographic and dance performance opportunities

· Health and Wellbeing support from English National Ballet School’s in-house healthcare team

Teaching Team

Under the direction of the School’s Artistic Director, Viviana Durante, regular teaching staff include Ibrahim Onal (former Principal of Staatsballett Berlin, Stuttgart Ballet and international guest teacher), Ivan Putrov (former Principal of the Royal Ballet), and Julia Ellis (Los Angeles Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet).

Time commitment

Students will train Monday to Saturday for approximately 24 contact hours per week. This will be supported by self-study arising from the taught content of the programme. Each programme will last 6 months.

Venue

Classes will take place at the Royal Academy of Dance in Battersea and English National Ballet School’s main Hortensia Road site in Chelsea. Other locations may also be used from time to time to facilitate partnerships with other dance organisations.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2023-2024 are as follows:

Programme I £8,500

Programme II £9,000

Fees cover tuition only. Students will also need to allow for accommodation, travel, health insurance and living costs.

UK citizens and residents or those with a suitable visa may complete both courses over 10 months (September 2023-June 2024). The fee for this is £14,500.

Visa requirements

Overseas applicants may require a visitor visa to study in the UK for up to 6 months. ENBS is not able to sponsor visas for this programme so students who are not UK residents or who do not have a suitable visa, will have to enter the UK as visitors which allows a maximum stay of 6 months.

UK citizens and residents or those with a suitable visa may complete both courses over 10 months (September 2023-June 2024). The fee for this is £14,500.

 

How to apply

For full details, please read the application guide on our website before beginning your application.

To be considered for a place on the programme, candidates should submit the following:

· Completed online application form

· International applicants only: A video of yourself performing a selection of class work as outlined in the application guide (please provide a link to YouTube in your application form)

· Photographs as outlined in the application guide to be emailed in one PDF document to traineeprogramme@enbschool.org.uk (please download the audition photograph template)

· Registration fee of £40 (payment details in the application guide)

The deadline for applications is Friday 9 June 2023

Successful applicants will be invited to a live final audition at English National Ballet School in London on Saturday 24th June 2023.