The Royal Ballet School has announced the return of its Regional Winter Intensives for 2025, with sessions scheduled in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. This marks the first time since 2022 that these in-person intensives are being held, providing an opportunity for dancers aged 9 to 14 to enhance their skills through immersive training. Unlike the selective Spring and Summer Intensives, the Winter Intensives are non-selective and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing dancers of all levels to participate without the need for auditions. This inclusive approach reflects the Royal Ballet School’s commitment to making high-calibre ballet training accessible to a broader range of students.
The Winter Intensives are designed to inspire creativity and build confidence in young dancers through concentrated, one-day sessions. In London, dancers can choose between two themes: the Cinderella repertoire, which explores storytelling through choreography, or a focus on balance and pirouettes. These sessions include a warm-up and body conditioning, followed by dedicated classes to refine either repertoire techniques or turning skills. Meanwhile, dancers in Manchester and Edinburgh will follow the Cinderella repertoire, gaining insight into characterisation and expression in ballet. Each intensive concludes with a cool-down, reflection session, and the presentation of certificates, ensuring participants leave with both enhanced skills and a sense of accomplishment.
For those attending the London intensives, the sessions are split by age group and theme. Dancers aged 9 to 12 can choose either the balance and pirouettes or Cinderella sessions on 20 and 21 February, while those aged 13 to 14 can select the appropriate day based on their focus. In Manchester, the intensives will take place at Shockout Studios, and in Edinburgh, dancers will gather at Dance Base. These venues are strategically chosen to offer accessible locations for participants in different regions of the UK, reducing travel challenges for young dancers and their families. This regional approach not only broadens access to training but also fosters a sense of community among participants.
The fee for the Winter Intensives is set at £156, which includes all classes and a certificate of completion. Dancers also have the option to purchase official Royal Ballet School merchandise, including hoodies and T-shirts, as mementoes of their experience. The merchandise, featuring the School’s crest and available in multiple sizes, adds a sense of belonging and pride for participants. Bookings for the intensives are open until 31 January 2025 or until all spots are filled, underscoring the popularity of these sessions among young dancers seeking to advance their skills.
Beyond the technical training, the Winter Intensives also serve as an introduction to the Royal Ballet School’s training ethos. Participants benefit from exposure to the same teaching methods and curriculum that define the full-time training programmes. The sessions are taught by members of the Artistic staff, many of whom have extensive professional experience. This exposure allows dancers to understand the expectations and standards upheld by the Royal Ballet School, making these intensives a valuable preparatory step for those considering future auditions.
The decision to resume in-person Winter Intensives also reflects the importance of live training environments in ballet education. The ability to receive immediate feedback, interact with peers, and train in a studio setting significantly enhances the learning experience. For many young dancers, the chance to train directly with instructors from the Royal Ballet School is a formative experience that reinforces their passion for ballet and motivates them to pursue further training.
With the introduction of these regional sessions, the Royal Ballet School continues to expand its reach and impact on the UK’s ballet community. The combination of professional instruction, varied training themes, and the inclusive, non-selective format positions the Winter Intensives as a significant opportunity for young dancers at all levels. As the 2025 intensives approach, the enthusiasm from participants highlights the enduring appeal of these sessions and the ongoing demand for accessible, high-quality ballet education.