Graduate Artists Programme
English National Ballet School's Graduate Artists Programme (GAP) creates a pathway between school and professional life, offering graduate students the opportunity to further develop their technical and performance skills in preparation for a professional dance career. The programme helps to bridge the gap between formal training and life as a professional dancer through professional performance opportunities with English National Ballet alongside training at ENBS. The course elevates student training and prepares dancers for life outside of ballet school.
Running from August 2026 to July 2027, this programme offers students the opportunity to enhance their learning, further develop technique, artistry, and gain employability skills, alongside invaluable performance and training experience with a professional ballet company.
English National Ballet School’s programme includes performance opportunities offered through English National Ballet. The programme will provide dancers with first-hand exposure to the demands of company life; students will work alongside international teachers, coaches and dancers, as well as participate in rehearsals and mainstage performances in London and around the UK. In addition to performances, GAP will elevate and enrich the students by offering specialised training, private coaching and audition preparation.
Intensives & Courses
Graduate Artists Programme
Intensives
Associates
Associates & Intensives Auditions
Teachers CPD
Programme Highlights
Performance and touring experience with ENB. In 2026-27 GAP students will participate in at least two English National Ballet productions.
Intensive classical and contemporary training to refine technique and artistry.
Coaching in classical and contemporary solos for auditions to enhance individuality and interpretative skills.
Audition preparation including filming solos, classwork, and a professional photoshoot.
Workshops and mentoring on non-dance skills such as CV writing and audition portfolio preparation.
Access to a dedicated healthcare team, including physiotherapy, nutrition, and performance psychology.
Expense allowance and shoe allowance provided while working with ENB.
Course Content
The programme offers a unique combination of training in classical and contemporary techniques as well as professional performances in modules delivered by ENB.
Alongside training, rehearsals and performances, students will receive coaching in classical and contemporary solos. They will have the opportunity to film solos and classwork as well as do an audition photoshoot with a specialist dance photographer. Alongside this, a programme of workshops will guide students in audition portfolio preparation and CV writing.
Programme components delivered by English National Ballet School, under the direction of the School’s Artistic Director, Lynne Charles. The programme tutor is Ibrahim Onal.
- Classical Ballet technique
- 4Pointe for women
- Male technique
- Classical Variations
- Repertoire
- Pas de Deux
- Contemporary/Modern Dance technique
- Floor Barre
- Strength and Conditioning classes
- Professional practice including audition and interview techniques, audition photography and video, plus CV writing
Course Structure - August 2026 to July 2027
August to November
Students will begin the programme working with English National Ballet on a major classical production. This involves company classes and rehearsals in preparation for an Autumn UK tour.
On non-rehearsal weeks students will follow a dedicated programme of classes at ENBS.
December
Students will follow a dedicated programme of classes and preform in the School´s Winter Showcase. There is a break for Christmas and New Year.
January to March
Students will continue to follow a dedicated programme of classes at ENBS. There may be the opportunity to participate in workshops on specific techniques such as Bournonville and Balanchine taught by guest teachers.
April to June
Students return to ENB to rehearse and perform a second major classical production culminating in a run of performances at a prestigious London venue.
July
Students round off the year as a GAP student with a graduation celebration.
Hours
Training runs Monday to Saturday, approximately 25 to 30 contact hours per week.
Location
Classes take place at the English National Ballet School (Chelsea), English National Ballet´s Mulryan Centre for Dance (Canning Town) and Royal Academy of Dance (Battersea).
Application Process
All candidates are required to prepare and submit the following, as part of their online application form:
- A headshot
- Personal statement
- Payment of an audition fee of £40
Eligibility
Anyone who meets the age requirement (aged 18-22 as of 3 August 2026) and will have graduated from a full-time vocational ballet school by 3 August 2026 can submit an online application.
- Successfully graduated from a full-time UK or International vocational ballet programme (minimum 3 years).
- UK residents, UK and Irish passport holders, UK Student Visa holders, Graduate Visa Holders & Youth Mobility Visa holders. Please note ENBS is unable to sponsor visas for this programme. Check what type of UK Visa you need. UK Visas
Final Auditions
Auditions are by invitation only and will take place in London on 30th and 31st March 2026.
Fees
- Tuition Fees: £14,000 + £150 admin fee (Reduced Rates Apply for ENBS Alumni)
- Other Costs: Participants must cover accommodation, travel, living and visa costs if required. See indication of these costs below.
- Please Note: While rehearsing and performing with ENB, participants will be paid per diems of £25 per day. While in London the cost of a weekly travel card is also paid. An allowance of shoes for rehearsals and performances is also provided. Whilst on tour all travel and accommodation is provided.
Indicative Other Costs
- You should budget for around £1320- £2350 per month for expenses other than tuition fees.
- Health Insurance (2025/2026 cost) £1659 for the year
- Accommodation costs vary greatly depending on the type and location of accommodation. A rough guide is to allow from £820 per month for a room in a homestay, up to £1,850 per month for a studio apartment.
- Travel; A student oyster card for London zones 1-2 costs £119.90 per month plus an initial upfront £20 admin fee.
- Food costs approx £250 per month
Deadlines
The deadline for all applications is Sunday 15th March 2026.
Application Pack
For further deadlines and details on how to apply please download our Audition Pack.