The Royal Ballet School, a paragon of excellence in classical ballet training, has taken a bold step into the digital realm by introducing Intensive Courses on Demand. This pioneering initiative, launched in October 2022, brings the School’s world-class teaching to young dancers worldwide, marking a significant milestone in democratizing dance education.
Born from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Royal Ballet School swiftly adapted its teaching methods to deliver high-quality instruction remotely. This experience laid the groundwork for a broader digital strategy, culminating in the developing of Intensive Courses on Demand. The program has flourished over the past 18 months, offering 40 classes and informative talks tailored to various age groups, mirroring the School’s full-time training programs.
The Royal Ballet School’s digital expansion includes innovative offerings such as the Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme for the recreational dance sector and Primary Steps on Demand for primary schools. These initiatives solidify the School’s position as a leader in digital dance education, extending its reach far beyond its physical classrooms in London.
Intensive Courses on Demand presents various classes, including classical ballet, focused technique sessions, character and contemporary dance, and Pilates. The School has thoughtfully designed these classes for smaller spaces, making them ideal for at-home practice. Additionally, insightful talks and interviews with the School’s Artistic and Healthcare teams provide valuable advice and glimpses into life at the prestigious institution.
Led by accomplished Royal Ballet School teachers, including Artistic Director Christopher Powney and former professional dancers now on staff, the classes offer students exposure to world-class instruction. While not suitable for absolute beginners, these classes are perfect for supplementing existing training, refreshing skills during breaks, or elevating dance abilities to new heights.
Accessibility is a crucial feature of Intensive Courses on Demand, with individual classes starting at just £10 and informational talks at £5. The Royal Ballet School offers specially curated Intensive Courses, starting at £50, which provide a comprehensive and discounted package of classes for different age groups. This pricing structure ensures high-quality ballet instruction is within reach for a wide range of aspiring dancers.
The impact of Intensive Courses on Demand has been remarkable. In just over a year, the program has attracted over 1,000 young dancers from 64 countries across six continents. Users have purchased over 3,000 classes and courses, benefiting from the expertise of 22 staff members with a combined 450 years of experience in dance education.
Participants and parents alike have praised the program for its quality and accessibility. The classes have been described as inspiring and enjoyable, and teachers have provided valuable advice on adapting the instruction to individual home environments.
The Royal Ballet School’s venture into online education represents a significant step in its mission to widen access to ballet and creative dance. By offering these digital courses alongside its traditional in-person programs, the School continues to uphold its reputation as a beacon of excellence in dance education while embracing innovative ways to reach and inspire young dancers globally.
As The Royal Ballet School looks to the future, it plans to expand Intensive Courses on Demand further, creating more content for young dancers to enjoy in the coming months. This ongoing commitment to digital innovation ensures that the School’s legacy of producing exceptional performers continues to evolve and reach new heights in the digital age.
Through Intensive Courses on Demand, The Royal Ballet School is not just teaching dance; it’s democratizing access to world-class ballet education, inspiring the next generation of dancers, and solidifying its position at the forefront of dance education in the 21st century. This digital expansion allows the School to share its expertise with a global audience, nurturing talent and passion for ballet in ways previously unimaginable and ensuring that geographical boundaries no longer limit access to the highest quality dance instruction.