For over 75 years, gifted young dancers have honed their ballet skills with The Royal Ballet School’s Junior Associate Programme. Based in centres across the UK, the programme introduces students aged 8-10 to the School’s System of Training. The weekly classes also enhance students’ ballet training alongside their usual lessons with their local instructors.
Associates make lifelong friends on the programme, dancing alongside other talented children in a positive learning environment with professional teachers. The programme also offers many exciting opportunities, from enjoying pre-general performances at the Royal Opera House to taking part in creative training workshops.
Applications are now open for the 2024/25 Junior Associate Programme. All applications submitted before the closing date (2 April 2024) will be eligible for an audition class.
Weekly Classes and Further Opportunities for Junior Associates
The Junior Associate Programme offers regional training to young dancers before they’re old enough to apply for full-time training at The Royal Ballet School. Each year, many of the dancers accepted into White Lodge, the School’s home to students aged 11-16, are Junior Associates.
Junior Associate classes take place on Saturdays in Bath, Birmingham, Eastleigh, Leeds, London, and Manchester and on Sundays in Edinburgh from September to June.
During the classes, students learn ballet fundamentals such as barre work, jumps, port de bras, and centre work, including preparation for pirouettes. Junior Associates also study national dance.
Aside from developing their ballet technique and artistry, Junior Associates enjoy other enriching opportunities through the programme. These opportunities include:
- Online presentations with The Royal Ballet School’s Healthcare team.
- Invitations to attend pre-general rehearsals at The Royal Opera House in London to watch Royal Ballet dancers.
- Workshops for students to enhance their training alongside fellow passionate dancers.
Junior Associates recently took part in fun, creative workshops during the 2024 February half term. Sophia Hurdley, from the dance-theatre company New Adventures, delivered a workshop on Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands for the Year 4 Associates. Meanwhile, Associate Teacher Natalie Krapf led a historical dance workshop for Year 5 Associates.
Performing With The Royal Ballet and Other Companies
In addition to these opportunities, the School occasionally asks Junior Associates to take part in productions with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and visiting companies.
James Hay is a First Soloist with The Royal Ballet and a Junior Associate alumnus. The first time he ever danced onstage with The Royal Ballet was in a production of Frederick Ashton’s Ondine. He reflects that the Junior Associate programme opened up “so many opportunities to perform with world-class companies.”
James’ experience with the programme encouraged him to believe that performing and pursuing ballet was his life’s passion. He recalls that the programme offered a good social experience as much as an exceptional training opportunity.
Junior Associate Insight Classes
Each year, The Royal Ballet School organises Junior Associate Insight classes at regional centres throughout the UK. These classes introduce young dancers with a passion for ballet to the School’s unique teaching approach.
Almost 300 dancers across Bath, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and London took part in the Insight classes held during January and February 2024.
Each Insight class lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes and ends with a 15-minute question-and-answer session. Keen young dancers and their parents or guardians can ask teachers any questions they have about the Junior Associate programme.
Preparing For Junior Associate Auditions: Laura’s Top Tips
Laura Hatton has been an Associate Ballet Teacher for almost 13 years. She teaches children aged 8-16 as part of the Junior Associate and Senior Associate programmes. Her favourite thing about the role is that she gets to nurture the next generation of dancers. She loves working with enthusiastic, committed students and witnessing their progress.
This year, Junior Associate auditions will take place throughout May at the School’s regional Associate centres. These are Laura’s four top tips for students looking to audition:
- Eat something healthy and nutritious. This will give young dancers the energy they need for the duration of the audition.
- Wear a suitable leotard or dancewear — whatever makes them feel confident and special.
- Try to enjoy the experience, even if they feel nervous. The audition is an opportunity for them to dance before an audience.
- Show their enthusiasm, passion, and joy for dance during the audition.
Learn more about Junior Associate auditions for 2024/25 entry.
About The Royal Ballet School
The Royal Ballet School is the UK’s leading school for classical ballet training. Each year, young dancers from all over the world audition for places on the School’s prestigious full-time training course. The admissions process focuses solely on evaluating a dancer’s talent and potential in classical ballet.
On average, 88% of students receive financial support to attend the School. Means-tested support and scholarships ensure that aspiring dancers from all backgrounds have the chance to pursue their ballet dreams.
Royal Ballet School alumni include Darcey Bussell, Marcelino Sambé, Christopher Wheeldon, and other dancers and choreographers of international renown. Many alumni go on to enjoy careers with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and other top UK and international companies.
