Royal Ballet School summer programme

Last month, applications opened for the Royal Ballet School’s annual summer programme, which has been extended from two weeks to four weeks for 2017. Students can apply to attend for up to two weeks each, so the extra time will enable more students to attend the programme and take part in its content. The Summer School is also open to dance teachers, who can sign up to attend the Dance Teacher Observation programme and increase their knowledge that way. The decision comes after, in 2016, just 344 students were accepted from more than 1,700 applicants to the prestigious programme, which may see students accepted into the school full time. The 2017 programme will therefore offer almost double the number of places, and will take place Monday 10 July – Saturday 5 August 2017. Applications to attend will close Friday 20 January 2017. The Royal Ballet School's Summer School is a unique opportunity for young dancers to experience the highest levels of coaching from the School's staff and renowned international teachers. It also enables students to experience intensive dance training over an extended period of time, enabling them to determine their suitability for full-time vocational training. It is now in its 30th year, enabling gifted ballet dancers from around the world to be immersed in the internationally respected system of training. Each year the Summer Programme runs in two sought-after locations, the historic White Lodge in Richmond Park and in Covent Garden in central London. As a result, the Summer Schools at both White Lodge and Covent Garden will last for four weeks in the new format. Additionally, there will be a new two week summer school in the Covent Garden studios, focusing on Royal Ballet repertoire and taught by current and former artists.