FAQ’S

WHAT AGE GROUPS DO YOU TRAIN?

Pre-Vocational training commences from age 8. Vocational training continues to age 19, which culminates with the Graduate course. Students interested in the Associate course may audition for a place from age 7.

WHEN CAN MY CHILD AUDITION FOR THE BALLET ACADEMY?

Applications open in the Autumn term and the audition process begins annually during the Spring term. All successful students will begin their training at the academy in September of the following academic year.

WHAT ENTRY CRITERIA DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO MEET?

Essentially, we look for potential. This includes musicality, co-ordination and joy of dance. We also look for flexibility in the hips and feet, to ensure the physical demands of Classical Ballet training is suitable for the potential student.

WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU PROVIDE?

Throughout their time at the academy, students have the opportunity work with many guest artists from the dance world with masterclasses and choreographic workshops. These opportunities open doors and allow our students to make very important industry contacts that will be of use to them in their professional career.

Upon leaving the academy, students may go on to dance professionally, teach dance or work in various roles in some of the worlds most famous dance companies.

HOW IS EDUCATION AND BALLET SPLIT AT THE ACADEMY?

The academic offering varies depending on the age/level of the student.

For the younger students, the training is integrated into their normal school day, for the older students, the vocational aspect takes places after the academic day.

For more information on this, please see the ‘Courses’ tab at the top of the homepage.

WHAT COULD YOU EXPECT FROM A TYPICAL WEEK IN ATTENDANCE?

Students follow the national curriculum in school Year’s 5-9. The Vocational curriculum is integrated into the academic day. In the GCSE Year, 10-11, the students’ vocational curriculum takes place after the academic day.

Sixth form students have a full vocational curriculum during the morning and early afternoon. In the late afternoon and early evening, students have the option of taking A-Level subjects and/or the Diploma in Dance Education qualification.

IS THE ACADEMY LARGELY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE?

The Academy has students from around the world, however, most students are form the United Kingdom.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO HAVE TO SPEND ON KIT EACH YEAR?

This depends entirely on the vocational level. A uniform list is provided by the academy each year.

IS BOARDING PREFERABLE TO MAXIMISE DEVELOPMENT AT THE ACADEMY?

Boarding is not always necessary. Not all students feel ready to become a boarding pupil. For students living locally, this is an ideal opportunity for them to access vocational training on their doorstep.