Next Steps: ENBS’ Revamped YADP Opens New Opportunities for Ballet Graduates
By 
My vision for YADP is to help bridge the gap between school and workplace. To help guide and support the dancers while they go from being students to professional dancers. – Lynne Charles, Artistic Director, ENBS
Supporting Ballet Graduates in Their Transition to a Professional Career
As audition season ramps up across the Northern Hemisphere, ballet graduates are stepping into an important stage of their professional journey. With competition high and the transition from student to working dancer full of new challenges, both graduates and their families are navigating this exciting yet pivotal moment.
Recognising these challenges for some young dancers, the English National Ballet School (ENBS) has restructured its Young Artists Development Programme (YADP), creating a new pathway to help graduates bridge the gap between training and professional careers.
Accounting for the many transition programmes and post-graduate courses on offer for young ballet dancers, ENBS Artistic Director Lynne Charles, has introduced important changes in-line with what current graduates need to enhance their training and therefore their employability. And it’s not just about life inside the studio!
What has changed?
A key highlight of the revamped programme is a closer working relationship with its parent company, English National Ballet. YADP students will now gain vital on-stage performance experience, touring with the company in Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and My First Ballet: Swan Lake. This invaluable addition allows students to develop essential skills that will serve them in any professional ballet setting.
The YADP programme now runs for 12 months, giving graduates more time to refine their technique and artistry. According to Lynne Charles, this extended timeline provides a crucial buffer between school and the demands of a professional workplace.
“I believe the YADP programme is important for Graduates, because they have another chance to perfect their technique and artistic skills within a safe environment. Away from the full stress of a first professional workplace,” she explains.
How is YADP different to other ballet transition programmes?
With a small and elite intake, YADP is designed to cater to the individual needs of each graduate, considering their prior training and future aspirations. Charles emphasises students will benefit from tailored courses and one-on-one coaching to support their unique development.
Head Teacher Ibrahim Onal, who has developed and run the YADP programme for the past 5 years, has gained a clear insight into companies are looking for in a graduate and what a course such as YADP must offer. After a long successful career spanning 20 years dancing for companies around the world such as The Stuttgart Ballet and Staatsballett Berlin and then for the past 15 years as a teacher, Onal believes today’s Artistic Directors are looking for dancers who embody versatility, resilience, and creativity with ability to adapt to various styles. Students who demonstrate a commitment to growth and innovation in their craft.
New additions to YADP classes include video filming for dance, music appreciation, and lectures on diverse dance styles such as Bournonville. Students also receive specialised audition training, coaching in variations, and dedicated time off to attend auditions.
“These classes will not only deepen the students’ understanding of iconic styles but also provide them with practical skills relevant to the industry,” Onal explains.
The rise of pre-professional ballet programs
In recent years, the number of pre-professional ballet programs has grown significantly, making it even more important for ballet school graduates to choose the right path. Onal stresses that YADP is not just a placeholder for those who haven’t yet secured a job or company contract.
“We believe these changes will significantly elevate the quality of education and prepare our students for successful careers. We want to attract dancers who are committed to growth, both in technique and artistry.”
YADP 2025 Graduates with Head Teacher Ibrahim Onal
The history of YADP
Now in its fifth year, the ENBS YADP has been fine-tuned to meet the evolving needs of ballet graduates. By learning from other trainee programmes and incorporating valuable student feedback, YADP has established itself as a premier post-graduate pathway for aspiring professional dancers.
Former YADP graduate Max Lilley reflects on his time at YADP, “My highlight was the two-performance opportunity’s we had. Performing to an audience was such an incredible experience. The course also gave two chances to perform with the company. The YADP has helped me step into professional life and gave me the confidence to go into a company.”
Eleanor Copping joined the programme for 6 months in 2024, and has recently graduated. She says the programme exceeded her expectations both in support and professionalism.
“I was so grateful for the enthusiasm each teacher showed for their art form, making the learning experience fun and fulfilling. Getting the opportunity to perform for the company is an amazing experience and a dream come true. The course has been vital in helping me with the successes at the start of my career through the extra opportunities they have provided for me, I couldn’t recommend it more.”
