Central School of Ballet

We are delighted to announce that our Assisted Application Scheme is returning, offering support to aspiring dancers applying for 2025 entry to Central School of Ballet.

Applications are now open, and we strongly advise all dancers looking at auditioning to check whether they are eligible. You can read more about the scheme from Artistic Director, Kate Coyne, by visiting our News page linked in bio.

The scheme is designed to offer an additional level of support and guidance to eligible applicants. It is intended to ensure that barriers do not limit the ability of talented dancers in applying to our undergraduate courses, or from achieving a career in dance and performance.

Find out more at centralschoolofballet.co.uk/assisted-application-scheme/

Photography by ASH
Dancers: Xavier Andriambolanoro Sotiya and Kynda Ng

Did you know that Central School of Ballet offers ballet classes to young people aged from 3 to 18? Classes take place Tuesdays to Thursdays at The Countess of Wessex Studios. Central's Junior School also offers boys classes for all ages and abilities.

New to ballet? We're launching a beginners class for 12-16 years, taught by Central's very own degree course tutor, Christopher Hinton-Lewis.

Find out more and apply now:
https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/dance-classes-courses/junior-school/

Photography by ASH

We are hiring 💼

Central School of Ballet is seeking an experienced Higher Education professional to lead on further embedding the UK’s Higher Education requirements into Central School of Ballet’s degree-level vocational training, ensuring that we provide an exceptional educational experience in which our students can thrive.

Interested in finding out more? Head to centralschoolofballet.co.uk/about-us/work-with-us/

Photography by ASH
Dancer: Mackenzie Long

Looking for last minute venue hire? Central School of Ballet's premises in the heart of London have availability until 15 September.

Or are you ready to plan ahead? Get in touch with us and secure your hire for next summer now.

To find out more and have your questions answered visit https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/venue-hire/

Looking to audition this Autumn? 🍂

Join us this October half term for our brand new Autumn Audition Preparation Course. Improve your classical technique ahead of audition season whilst receiving specialist feedback and coaching from Central's degree tutors.

Applications are now open, so find out more and apply at https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/dance-classes-courses/short-courses/ballet-intensives/

The Autumn Audition Preparation Course will run from Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 October 2024.

Photo by Lauren Hewett

We've been taking some time to reflect on the achievements of our students over the past year, ahead of a new cohort starting in September. Read more about what our students have been up to throughout 2023/24 and join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication 🥳

https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/another-fantastic-academic-year-at-central/

Image by Drew Forsyth
Dancers: Emily Clarke and Lauren Beharie, 2024 Graduates

We are hiring 💼

Are you a dynamic and efficient administrator with experience co-ordinating and managing a range of artistic activities and training? Central School of Ballet is looking to recruit an Artistic Coordinator to support with the delivery of these activities, with a particular focus on Central's vocational higher education training, the Ballet Central tour and other performances.

To find out more and submit an application for this position, visit centralschoolofballet.co.uk/about-us/work-with-us/

Photography by ASH
Dancer: Millie Thompson

Reminiscing on our class of 2024's graduation solos just over two weeks ago...

We hope our students, past and present, are enjoying their summer and managing to catch a few rays of sunshine 😎

Photography by ASH

We are hiring 💼

Central School of Ballet is hiring for the role of Registry and Admissions manager. The ideal candidate will be an experienced administrator, with awareness of the dance sector and commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. This role oversees the administration and operations of auditions, admissions and registry for Central's degree courses.

To find out more and submit an application for this position, visit centralschoolofballet.co.uk/about-us/work-with-us/

Photography by ASH
Dancer: Pippa Higham

What a fabulous first week of our Summer Course so far!

This week we've had a superb range of workshops, guest tutors and genres to develop technique and musicality. Our ballet classes have been accompanied by training in contemporary, pointe, Pilates, African Diaspora drumming techniques, jazz, strength and conditioning and repertoire. 😍

It's the final day of term here at Central School of Ballet, and we are saying goodbye to all of our wonderful students for the summer. And for our third years, we are saying goodbye and good luck! It has been a tremendous year and we are so proud of everything that our students have achieved. We wish everyone a glorious summer and look forward to returning in September.

Photos 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 Photography by ASH
Photos 4 and 8 by Lauren Hewett

Central School of Ballet is hiring for the role of Building and Facilities Manager.

This role oversees the management of Central's premises, facilities and IT as well as the management of reception, security, front of house services and staffing.

Ready to support our mission of maintaining The Countess of Wessex Studios as a thriving dance hub? Apply now: https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/about-us/work-with-us/

Last chance to access discounted tickets!

This Thursday, Ballet Central visits EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge - and it's the last chance for groups of 6+ to access discounted tickets.

The tour will then head back to London for a series of performances at Britten Theatre. Tickets are on sale and selling quickly - so don't miss out!

For all things Ballet Central visit balletcentral.co.uk/book-tickets/ ✨

Photo by Drew Forsyth
Dancer: Chloe Munro

Did anyone catch us on CNN last night? Yesterday evening, Central was featured on The Amanpour Hour as they highlighted dance as a method of activism. On Wednesday, some of our third year students performed as part of London Climate Action Week and in collaboration with Climate Basecamp

The dancers took to the banks of the Thames to perform 'I think we're on different planets', choreographed by Daniel Davidson and featured in this year's Ballet Central tour programme.

Climate Basecamp's Performing Hope campaign is focused on London's climate and creating an antidote to climate anxiety through taking action.

Listen to Central's feature (beginning at 55:15) on CNN at https://edition.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/amanpour/episodes/6bead576-a98c-11ee-9bf2-

Photos by Ciara Clayton

There is just over one week left to apply for Central's International Summer Courses!

Discover what full-time training is like at Central by attending a one or two week course here in the heart of London. You will be taught by a range of Central's degree course tutors, plus an exciting selection of guest teachers. The courses include lessons in ballet, contemporary, jazz, Pilates, strength and conditioning and more.

Apply now via the link in bio 🩰

What a fantastic post from All England Dance highlighting Central alumni Rachael Gillespie 😍 Rachael is a First Soloist with Northern Ballet and graduated from Central in 2007.

Are you a Central School of Ballet alumni? We want to hear from you!

Let us know of your achievements since graduating, whether that is within the world of dance or a completely different field. Here at Central we feel passionately about celebrating where our graduates end up and sharing their work with our students, staff and networks.

If you would like to stay in touch and are happy to hear from us, then simply fill in the short form linked in our bio.

Dancer:

This Friday we will be visiting Uppingham Theatre! Join us and book your tickets now 🤩

A week to go!
Final tickets available now...you don't want to miss this. It really is special.

We are halfway through the Ballet Central tour!

Check out these rehearsal photos from the company's latest venue, Chelmsford Theatre. After a short break, Ballet Central will be back on the road next week visiting Bury St Edmunds and Uppingham.

Fancy joining us? Book your tickets now at balletcentral.co.uk/book-tickets/

Photos by Lauren Hewett

🔔Discounted ticket alert 🔔

The Ballet Central tour is continuing to offer discounted tickets to groups of 6+

There are three remaining venues participating in the offer: Bury St Edmunds, Guildford and Tonbridge. For full details at each venue, please visit balletcentral.co.uk/book-tickets/

Make sure to take advantage of this great offer and book your tickets now. No proof of school or group is needed - codes are available on the Ballet Central website.

Photography by ASH

Congratulations to Anna, who completed a half Ironman this weekend in 5 hours and 20 minutes!

Anna has been raising money for new health and fitness equipment that will support and enrich our student's training. The campaign is still open and there is still time to donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/annas-ironman-for-central-school-of-ballet

A phenomenal achievement by Central's Head of Medical and Wellbeing and Lead Physiotherapist, the half Ironman is a 70.3 mile triathlon, consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. Please join us in celebrating Anna's efforts and dedication!

Find out more about Central's Junior Associate programme...

🩰 For students age 8-10
🩰 Pre-vocational training
🩰 6 Saturdays per academic year
🩰 Takes place during the October, February and May half terms
🩰 Entry by audition only
🩰 Classes in ballet, body conditioning and creative movement

Interested in applying on behalf of a young and aspiring dancer? Visit https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/dance-classes-courses/junior-associate-programme/

Photography by ASH

Central's Dance Around the World workshop for 8-16 years returns next week as part of the May half term courses!

The day is packed with exciting classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz and carnival, giving students a diverse mix of dance styles to try. Book your place now by visitn the Central School of Ballet website.

Central's Campaign for Health and Fitness Equipment continues!

Anna Brodrick, Central's Head of Medical and Wellbeing and Lead Physiotherapist, has been busy training in preparation for her Half Ironman taking place on 2 June. Anna is aiming to raise a total amount of £5000.

The money raised will go towards equipment including an exercise bike, compression boots and massage gun for the students of Central.

This weekend, Anna completed a lake swim with a total distance of 2 miles, ran for a distance of 18.5 miles and also managed a 50 mile cycle after her lake swim!

Central School of Ballet would appreciate your support in sharing this campaign. Screenshot and share the last image in this post to allow people to scan the QR code, find out more and donate.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/annas-ironman-for-central-school-of-ballet

Are you a dance teacher looking to inspire your students? Or an aspiring dancer who would like to watch a live performance with your friends?

Ballet Central is offering various group discounts throughout the 2024 tour! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to watch the company perform their exciting programme of classical ballet and contemporary works.

The next venue to offer a group discount on the tour is Chipping Norton (Saturday 25 May). Groups of 6+ can access half price tickets with the code BCDANCEGRP6

Stay tuned as we announce more discounts for other upcoming venues. If you have any questions please email [email protected]

Photography by ASH

Applications for Central's Associate Programme close this Friday!

There is still time to submit your application via the Central website https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/dance-classes-courses/associate-programme/

In person auditions will take place on Saturday 1 June 2024.

Do you have a question about the Associate Programme? Send us a message and we will get back to you.

Photography by ASH

Applications for January 2025 entry to Central's MA in Choreography are now open...

The course is designed for professional choreographers who wish to develop their choreographic profile and professional skills. Developed specifically for its flexibility, Central's MA is a unique course specialising in ballet whilst allowing students to continue work as either a freelance dance practitioner or a dance company member.

To find out more about the MA Choreography course and how to apply, visit https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/training/degree-courses/ma-choreography/

Photography by ASH

Central's Head of Medical and Wellbeing and Lead Physiotherapist, Anna Brodrick, will be participating in a Half Ironman Triathlon race on 2 June.

This incredibly challenging event involves a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run and takes over 6 hours. It is double the distance of an Olympic Triathlon!

Anna will be raising funds through this challenge for additional health and fitness equipment. At Central, the dance training students receive is of an elite standard, and includes extensive strength and fitness training through a well-structured programme of exercise. This helps to set Central students apart from others, also increasing the longevity of their careers by reducing the risk of injury.

Anna would love to provide additional equipment for our students to maximise their time with us at Central and increase the opportunity for them to improve their strength and fitness.

Please spread the word about Anna’s challenge and if you feel able, it would be lovely if you could consider making a small donation to show your support for Anna’s massive effort and to help us reach our goal.

To read more about Anna's challenge and donate to her campaign, visit justgiving.com/campaign/annas-ironman-for-central-school-of-ballet

The Ballet Central premiere is nearly here! With the opening performance at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler's Wells now fully sold out, don't miss out on the next three venues of the tour. Newbury, Chipping Norton and Oxford will be welcoming Ballet Central this month, and we hope you will be joining us.

Find out more about Ballet Central at balletcentral.co.uk

Photography by ASH
Dancers: Lauren Beharie, Henri Lynch (Image 1), Reika Yasuyama, Misa Noguchi (Image 2), Sophia De Boeck, Kana Takubo, Ruby Rasmussen, Molly Charlton, Jennifer Simpson (Image 3)

To complete our introduction of this year's Ballet Central programme, we'd like to present Night Flight v2.0.

Delving into the realms of the imagination, this new work choreographed by Carolyn Bolton, takes inspiration from the cosmos. The choreography is a celestial dialogue, a dance of gravity and weightlessness, capturing the essence of the universe’s silent poetry. The dancers create a visual symphony, where bodies collide and intertwine like stars forming constellations.

Book your tickets now for Ballet Central - balletcentral.co.uk/book-tickets/

Photography by ASH
Dancers: George Linehan and Pippa Higham