Royal Ballet School

At Art of Dance, we offer a Royal Ballet School certified vocational course. This is meticulously designed to train our students into becoming true ballet professionals. This immersive class grants them access to all Royal Ballet School work and goes beyond just the dance steps.

We foster body awareness to refine technique, dive into timeless repertoire to understand the art’s history and encourage creativity to unleash the dancer’s unique voice. It’s a well-rounded experience that shapes not just performers but also artists!

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RBS AFFILIATED TEACHERS

At Art of Dance, we are proud to offer assessments from a Royal Ballet School certified curriculum, taught by an RBS affiliated teacher.

Why Choose an RBS Affiliated Teacher?

Choosing a Royal Ballet School affiliate teacher is a decision rooted in a commitment to excellence and a deep passion for dance education. Our principal has undergone rigorous training and is equipped with the knowledge and experience that comes directly from one of the world's most esteemed ballet institutions. With a focus on the Royal Ballet's honoured techniques and values, our affiliate teacher brings a wealth of expertise to their classes, ensuring that students receive a world-class dance education. Their dedication to nurturing talent, instilling discipline, and fostering an enduring love for ballet sets them apart. When you choose a Royal Ballet School affiliate teacher, you are choosing the very best in ballet education, providing a strong foundation for students to thrive in their dance journey.

Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme

Art of Dance is proud to participate in the The Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP), hosted by the Royal Ballet School. The programme adopts a comprehensive perspective towards dance education. In addition to honing technical and performance abilities, ATAP students delve into the entirety of dance, encompassing choreography, repertoire and cultivating an understanding and admiration for the art form. The methodology is deeply grounded in contemporary teaching principles and centres on directing children in effective learning techniques, moving away from mere habitual memorisation of exercises.

Next Level Ballet Intensive.

Our Next Level Ballet Intensive is an exclusive 7-week training course designed to elevate your dance skills and prepare you for access to our prestigious Royal Ballet School classes upon successful completion. These classes are structured into three distinct levels, each offering a holistic approach to training. Our Movement Studies segment of class encompass fundamental elements such as foundation movement skills, generic movement skills, qualitative movement skills, and an in-depth exploration of ballet technique and vocabulary. Additionally, our Contextual Studies segment explores the rich world of dance through the study of repertoire, choreography, creative tasks, and a deeper appreciation of the art form. This programme is strategically crafted to nurture both technical proficiency and a comprehensive understanding of the art of ballet, providing a transformative and enriching dance experience.

This class will soon be accessible to the wider community. Keep an eye on our social media and/or ‘News’ page for the release of our next cohort, or contact us for more information. Equally, it is possible that you may be personally invited by Miss Suzanne if she feels this class may benefit you.

FAQs.

What is the course curriculum?

Each level will contain both movement and contextual studies to provide a holistic approach to training. Each Level will have four key areas of study:

  • Body awareness and conditioning: this includes areas such as the development of students’ foundation movement skills, body awareness and body conditioning.

  • Ballet vocabulary: this includes the development of students’ knowledge, understanding and performance skill of selected ballet vocabulary relevant to each level.

  • Creative practice: this includes developing student’s ability to improvise, compose, choreograph and appreciate movement.

  • Repertoire study: this includes developing students’ understanding and appreciation of a range of repertoire throughout all Levels. Two dance works per level are recommended with at least one ballet per level from The Royal Ballet’s repertoire to be studied.

Please note that the duration of study at each ATAP level is slightly extended compared to other examinations, attributed to additional learning involving repertoire and choreography.

What are the student benefits?

An initiative centred around enhancing the student journey.

  • Cultivates a growth-oriented mindset, guides students in the art of learning, encourages experimentation and dispels fear of errors.

  • Utilises physical play to develop a diverse range of natural motor skills and coordination.

  • Prioritises inclusiveness and flexibility, accommodating different learning styles and needs.

  • Access to top-notch training in classical ballet technique, repertoire, as well as building creative engagement and choreographic skills.

  • Nurtures confidence and resilience, fostering a positive approach to learning.

  • Encourages creativity and self-expression.

  • Instills an appreciation for dance and a comprehensive understanding of the art form.

What is the assessment process?

Students are assessed by their teacher against criteria set by The Royal Ballet School. Teachers create and teach assessment material appropriate to each level at any time throughout the year once students have completed the minimum training hours.

  • Teachers are given guidance with ongoing monitoring and moderation of their students’ assessment results.

  • Assessments are conducted by the Affiliate Teacher and video recorded within the students’ dance school. They are then submitted via a secure platform to The Royal Ballet School for moderation.

Royal Ballet School Associates.

“The Associate Programme, created in 1948 by The Royal Ballet School’s (RBS) Founder, Dame Ninette de Valois, nurtures young, talented students between the ages of 8 and 17 in pursuit of excellence in pre-vocational classical ballet training. Based in centres across the UK, the course is designed to augment an individual’s current training while introducing them to The Royal Ballet School’s System of Training. Associates sometimes have the opportunity to perform with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and other ballet companies, and many have progressed through the School and into the Royal Ballet Companies. Our Associate Programme offers regional training to young dancers before they are old enough to apply for full-time training. Many students accepted into White Lodge each year are Junior Associates.”

Meet Art of Dance’s Current RBS Associates.

Darcy Roadley

RBS Junior Associate

Amelia Sarraf

RBS Mid Associate

Alysha Sarraf

RBS Senior Associate

Iyla Scroggins

RBS Mid Associate

Evie Jeffers

RBS Senior Associate