Many students of The Royal Ballet School’s full-time training programme go on to enjoy prestigious performance and choreography careers. They often join acclaimed companies like The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet, not to mention eminent international companies.
The School provides a holistic Career Advisory Programme to guide students on their professional journeys, which it has enhanced over the past year. Celebrating International Mentoring Day in January, Upper School Senior Teacher and Head of the Degree Programme Andy Granville shared insights into how this programme works.
How The Career Advisory Programme Supports Students
The Career Advisory Programme considers every aspect of a student’s professional development.
Students take PSHE and financial literacy lessons. They complete career-oriented academic modules on the BA (Hons) in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance programme. They also receive practical support with job applications, from CV preparation to interview technique.
On top of this, students attend Creative Artist Talks by speakers from a wealth of dance-related industries. Recent speakers include:
- The School’s Artistic director Iain Mackay
- Internationally recognised dance artist, teacher, and choreographer Mavin Khoo
- Alumna and Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Lauren Cuthbertson
Talks from alumni like Cuthbertson prove both inspiring and informative for students as they plan their career transitions. Alumni speakers work in various fields, including theatre, education, film production, and company management.
Additionally, the non-profit organisation Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) provides students with invaluable workshops, resources, and mentoring. The mentoring programme sees each pre-professional student receive guidance from a former dancer. Professionals support their mentees from graduation throughout the first year of their careers.
When students complete the Career Advisory Programme, they are ready to confidently embark on their careers and select the opportunities that inspire them.
Recent Upgrades to the Career Advisory Programme
Over the past year, The Royal Ballet School has made several upgrades to the Career Advisory Programme, which now provides students with:
- Expanded guest talks and workshops
- Additional mentoring
- Guidance on how to manage their first salaries from financial advisors
- An exploration of potential career paths on top of dance careers
The School recognises the importance of showing students how to balance their dream dance careers with a potential transition later in their journeys. Students examine how their skills could translate to career changes and consider additional income-generating activities.
This is important as while students in academic schools receive opportunities to explore a variety of careers, many ballet students only prepare for a dance career.
The School will now continue to develop its Career Advisory Programme. New plans to further prepare the next generation of industry professionals include practice interview days and leadership training.
About The Royal Ballet School
The Royal Ballet School welcomes students to its full-time training programme based on talent and potential in classical ballet alone. As such, 88% of students receive financial support to attend.
Complementing the highly sought-after dance training, each student follows a comprehensive academic curriculum and receives thorough pastoral and healthcare support.
The full-time training lasts up to eight years. Students follow up to four programmes: two in White Lodge (for dancers aged 11-14) and two in Upper School (for dancers aged 16-19).
These programmes cover dance styles like classical ballet, character, contemporary, and folk. They also involve pointe work, variations and repertoire, improvisation and choreography, pas de deux, Pilates, and strength and body conditioning.
The School’s System of Training informs all four programmes. This system shows students how to excel in the classical ballet technique and artistry that the School’s founder Dame Ninette de Valois initiated.
Learn more about The Royal Ballet School’s full-time training.
