The Royal Ballet School has worked to increase access to its world-class teaching for years. As a result, many more young people have experienced the joy of dance through the School’s international masterclasses and primary school partnerships.
Now, The Royal Ballet School has expanded its reach through digital access. The School’s on-demand courses allow young dancers everywhere to experience ballet training with the School’s exceptional Artistic staff and special guests.
Hosted on the School’s video-on-demand platform, the course content is viewable on any device and accessible at any time. The classes are suitable for smaller spaces and don’t need any special equipment.
Access On-Demand Royal Ballet School Classes
For many in the dance world, The Royal Ballet School represents the pinnacle of ballet training excellence. Based in London, the School accepts young dancers who show a talent for classical ballet. Full-time students train with the School for up to eight years, honing their dance technique and performance.
The School recently launched its new video-on-demand platform to reach a wider audience. Two main offerings are now available on the platform:
- Primary Steps on Demand. This flexible, online course has its roots in the Primary Steps programme, which The Royal Ballet School created to bring dance education to UK primary schools.
- Intensive Courses on Demand. This video library features curated collections of age-appropriate classes and talks from the School’s renowned teachers.
1. Primary Steps on Demand
Primary Steps on Demand is a complete online dance programme for primary schools. The unique, easy-to-use resource makes it simple for schools to deliver a high-quality dance education to students aged 7-11, with no dance teaching experience needed.
The online programme takes a novel approach to ballet teaching and learning. Students discover ideas from ballet and their school curriculum and love “telling a story through movement.” The course encourages self-expression, creativity, and independent thinking.
Exploring concepts through the medium of dance supports children’s development and well-being. In particular, children who struggle to learn in a traditional classroom environment may benefit.
Primary Steps on Demand is also a fantastic solution for primary schools looking to fulfil their dance requirement and use their PE and sport premium funding.
The on-demand course is:
- Low cost, as prices start from £3 per student.
- Suitable for smaller spaces, with no equipment required.
- Fully flexible: Teachers can decide when, where, and how to deliver the content.
- Inclusive and accessible, with content that teachers can adapt to suit their students’ individual needs.
- Delivered using gender-neutral language.
The Royal Ballet School provides ongoing support for participating primary schools as needed. Plus, Primary Steps on Demand includes continuing professional development (CPD) webinars to upskill participating schools’ teaching staff.
The programme content includes:
- Stimulating video classes that explore core principles of ballet movement and cross-curricular themes.
- Movement guides, such as warm-ups and cool-downs.
- Lesson plans.
- Resources for teachers and students.
- Inspirational footage of Royal Ballet School and Primary Steps students.
Pricing plans vary depending on the size of the participating school. There is also a pricing option for non-schools, such as community groups and home educators. Schools can sign up for a 12-month programme at any time during the year.
2. Intensive Courses on Demand
An extension of the School’s popular in-person Intensive Courses, Intensive Courses on Demand enables young dancers to:
- Develop their ballet skills and artistry.
- Experience Royal Ballet School-quality training.
- Explore a range of dance styles.
The Royal Ballet School has designed Intensive Courses on Demand to supplement and amplify a ballet student’s current training. Therefore, the content is unsuitable for absolute beginners.
On-Demand Classes From Skilled Tutors
Intensive Courses on Demand content features a range of skilled Royal Ballet School tutors, including:
- Ballet Teachers Liane McRae, Valeri Hristov, Zhan Atymtayev, Ricardo Cervera, and Nicola Tranah.
- Character Teacher Kate Swainston.
- Pilates Instructor Leire Ortueta.
- Artistic Manager José Carayol.
- Artistic Manager of the Development Programme Belinda Hatley.
- Contemporary Programme Manager Didy Veldman, who is also a contemporary dance teacher.
- Artistic Manager of the Vocational and Pre-Professional Programmes Jessica Clarke.
The content is available to explore through The Royal Ballet School’s rich video library, which the School updates regularly. The library includes:
● Ballet classes.
● Focus classes.
● Pilates.
● Interviews and talks with the School’s Artistic and Healthcare teams.
Prices for classes and talks start from £5 and, once purchased, include lifetime access.
Intensive Courses on Demand Packages
The Royal Ballet School also offers Intensive Courses on Demand packages with a slight discount, making the classes even better value.
The School has produced three age-appropriate collections:
- Age 11 and over — £50.
- Age 14 and over — £52.
- Age 16 and over — £56.
Each package typically includes:
- Two ballet classes.
- Two focus classes.
- A class in a complementary discipline like character, contemporary, or Pilates.
The packages are a unique opportunity for dancers to explore and improve their ballet technique under the guidance of expert Royal Ballet School teachers.
The on-demand content can also help dancers harness artistry and musicality to enhance their performance and gain a deeper understanding of the art of ballet. The exclusive interviews and talks provide valuable advice for young dancers and offer priceless insights into students’ experiences at the School.
Discover The Royal Ballet School’s on-demand classes.
About The Royal Ballet School
The Royal Ballet School is the prestigious home of world-class ballet education in the UK. Founded in 1926 by Dame Ninette de Valois, the School has produced generations of acclaimed performers and choreographers, including Marcelino Sambé and Darcey Bussell.
The School fosters artistic and academic excellence and ensures its full-time students receive the best support for their physical and mental health.
The Royal Ballet School sets the standard for classical ballet training worldwide. Its extensive outreach programmes are transforming how young dancers, dance teachers, and the public experience and understand the art form.
