The Royal Ballet School continues to elevate pre-professional training with its globally accessible Intensive courses. These short-term programmes, offered across seasonal sessions, are structured to provide concentrated ballet education tailored for different age groups and experience levels. Whether residential or non-residential, each Intensive embodies the institution’s commitment to excellence, mentorship, and individualized learning.
Spring and Summer Intensives are particularly selective, requiring applicants to submit detailed information during the admissions process. Dancers accepted into these sessions can choose between residential accommodation in London or attending as day students. The residential experience immerses students in the culture of the Royal Ballet School, with accommodations in Aud Jebsen Hall or Jebsen House, each offering appropriate meal options and dietary accommodations.
The 2025 Spring Intensives are scheduled for April at White Lodge and Upper School. These courses are divided by gender and age, with specific groupings for dancers between the ages of 9 and 15. White Lodge sessions are residential and feature mixed-gender and female-only training groups, while Upper School sessions are non-residential, offering flexibility for students balancing dance with other commitments.
Summer Intensives extend from July through August 2025. They are designed to accommodate a broader age range, from 10 to 19. White Lodge hosts one- and two-week courses for younger students, while Upper School delivers longer programmes for older participants. These sessions cover multiple dance forms, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and character. Many students note that their technical development accelerates during this concentrated timeframe, often matching or surpassing what they might gain over an entire academic year elsewhere.
Past Intensives have featured appearances by celebrated Royal Ballet dancers, such as Lauren Cuthbertson and Steven McRae, who offer insight into performance preparation and professional expectations. Attendees also gain access to talks, Q&A sessions, and workshops led by alumni and current faculty. These interactions enrich the learning experience by exposing students to different perspectives within the professional ballet ecosystem.
Beyond London, the Royal Ballet School offers Spring Intensives in Singapore and Hong Kong, contributing to its global reach. These overseas programmes maintain the same level of rigor and structure as those held in the UK, led by Artistic staff and guest faculty. The curriculum integrates classical repertoire with stagecraft, contemporary movement, and mime.
Complementing the in-person experience is the School’s video-on-demand platform, which makes aspects of the Intensive curriculum available globally. The digital suite includes technique classes, artist interviews, and detailed instructional content adapted for small practice spaces. Topics such as pirouette consistency, épaulement, audition readiness, and footwork mechanics are covered in depth, extending the learning beyond physical attendance.
Applications for Spring Intensives close in November, while Summer Intensive applications remain open until January. The Royal Ballet School accepts students based solely on talent and potential, not academic record or income level. Many participants receive financial aid, continuing the School’s tradition of accessibility and equity in dance education.
For dancers seeking an accelerated path to growth, the Royal Ballet School Intensives provide a rare combination of expert instruction, global access, and an inspiring artistic environment. These programmes represent a gateway into the professional ballet world, opening doors for students with the drive and ability to pursue it.