Professional Trainee Programme
About the course
English National Ballet School´s Professional Trainee Programme offers graduate students the chance to further develop their technical and performance skills in preparation for a professional dance career. The programme bridges the gap between formal training and life as a professional dancer.
We offer two distinct, 6-month programmes. The first programme, running from September until February, is designed to prepare students to audition for professional ballet companies through intensive training and coaching. The second programme, running from January until June, offers the chance to work towards the Programme´s own performance in London. Students who have the right to live in the UK also have the option of completing a full academic year-long course from September to June which comprises both audition preparation and performance experience.
Purpose and aims of the programme
Programme I – Audition Preparation (September – February)
This course aims to enhance students’ experience of the demands of a professional career in dance, building on the professional-level training they have already undertaken. It will provide intense training in classical and contemporary techniques, including classes and personalised coaching, to refine skills and enhance versatility in readiness for a professional career. Support is also offered in filming audition material when applying to professional dance companies.
Programme II – Performance (January – June)
This course focusses on the development of performance skills at a professional level using the dance technique already gained from previous vocational training. Students may have the opportunity to audition for roles in English National Ballet´s My First Ballet performances as well as performing in the programme´s own performance at the end of the course.
Who is it for?
Both programmes are designed for dancers aged 18 to 22 years who have successfully graduated from a full-time vocational ballet programme. The
programmes would suit dancers wishing to further develop their dance and performance skills prior to beginning their professional career.
Entry requirements
Students must have successfully graduated from a full-time vocational training in classical ballet (minimum three years) for entry to the programme. Entry to the programme is by audition.
Content and Structure
Programme I – Audition Preparation (September – February)
The programme offers training in classical and contemporary techniques as well as coaching in classical and contemporary solos which can be performed in auditions. This will enable participants to focus on developing their interpretative skills and individuality as a dancer, thereby enhancing their versatility as a dance artist. Students will have the opportunity to film solos and classwork as well as do an audition photoshoot with a specialist dance photographer in order to build an audition portfolio.
Alongside this, a programme of lectures and workshops will equip students with non-dance skills required in a professional career such as audition portfolio preparation, CV writing, interview techniques, social media and financial skills. Students will also have the opportunity to receive one-to-one mentoring and support. This part of the programme is delivered in partnership with Dancers Career Development (DCD) and aims to equip students with a healthy, responsive and adaptable mind set for professional life.
Programme components
· Classical Ballet technique including pointe work for women
· Classical Variations
· Pas de Deux
· Contemporary Dance technique
· Professional practice including audition and interview techniques, audition photography and video, and CV writing
· Pilates
· Strength and conditioning classes
· Choreographic and dance performance opportunities
· Health and Wellbeing support from English National Ballet School’s in-house healthcare team.
Programme II – Performance (January – June)
In this programme, the emphasis is on performance. Students will receive training in classical ballet and contemporary dance styles, alongside preparing for performances. Students will work with professional choreographers to have new work created on them as well as learning existing pieces. The course culminates in a professional-level performance.
Alongside this, a programme of lectures and workshops will equip students with non-dance skills required in a professional career such as audition portfolio preparation, CV writing, interview techniques, social media and financial skills. Students will also have the opportunity to receive one-to-one mentoring and support. This part of the programme is delivered in partnership with Dancers Career Development (DCD) and will aim to equip students with a healthy, responsive and adaptable mind set for professional life.
Programme components
· Classical Ballet technique including pointe work for women
· Classical Variations
· Pas de Deux
· Contemporary Dance technique
· Improvisation and Composition
· Pilates
· Strength and conditioning classes
· Choreographic and dance performance opportunities
· Health and Wellbeing support from English National Ballet School’s in-house healthcare team.
Teaching Team
Under the direction of the School’s Artistic Director, Viviana Durante, regular teaching staff include Ibrahim Onal (former Principal of Staatsballett Berlin, Stuttgart Ballet and international guest teacher), Daria Klimentova (former English National Ballet Principal), Ivan Putrov (former Royal Ballet Principal), and Julia Ellis (Los Angeles Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet).
Healthcare and Wellbeing
Students have access to our in-house healthcare team including a designated specialist physiotherapist for the Programme. In case of injury, the physiotherapist examines, diagnoses and if necessary, provides treatment (soft tissue, manual therapy, taping, acupuncture…) and exercise-based rehabilitation. Referrals can also be made to other in-house specialists including a nutritionist, performance psychologist and counsellor.
In the case of more serious injury or complex medical issues, referrals are made to external specialists using the School´s health insurance policy.
Time commitment
Students will train Monday to Saturday for approximately 24 contact hours per week. This will be supported by self-study arising from the taught content of the programme.
Venue
Classes will take place at the Royal Academy of Dance in Battersea and English National Ballet School’s main Hortensia Road site in Chelsea. Other locations may also be used from time to time to facilitate partnerships with other dance organisations.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2024-2025 are as follows:
Programme I £8,500
Programme II £9,000
Fees cover tuition only. Students will also need to allow for accommodation, travel, health insurance and living costs.
Visa requirements
Overseas applicants may require a visitor visa to study in the UK for up to 6 months. ENBS is not able to sponsor visas for this programme so students who are not UK residents or who do not have a suitable visa, must enter the UK as visitors which allows a maximum stay of 6 months.
