Advanced / Professional Ballet Course
Our Advanced / Professional Ballet Options
Discover the path to professional ballet training with City Academy. Our Professional Ballet Course is designed for dedicated dancers who are ready to take the next step in their classical journey. Based in the heart of London, this intensive programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your technique, artistry, and performance skills under the guidance of leading industry professionals.
Choose the commitment that best suits your goals and schedule:
- 1 Year: Our most comprehensive training, ideal for dancers aiming to enter the professional world or refine their craft at an advanced level.
- 6 Months: A focused programme for those looking to make significant progress in a shorter time frame.
- 3 Months: An intensive foundation to sharpen your technique and immerse yourself in high-level ballet training.
Whether you're preparing for auditions, seeking a stepping stone to further study, or pursuing a lifelong passion, our Professional Ballet Course provides the expert training and individual attention you need to achieve your ambitions.
Entry Requirements:
Audition-based entry for intermediate to advanced dancers.
Class Size:
Small groups for individual attention and personalised coaching.
Performance Opportunities:
Showcase your progress through internal assessments and end-of-course presentations.
Course options
The course is available in three formats: 30 weeks (full academic year), 20 weeks (6 months), or 10 weeks (3 months). All versions offer intensive training that is designed to complement personal schedules while providing deep immersion in both technique and artistry. Sessions typically run Monday - Friday with regular check-ins, feedback, and evaluations to track your progress. You can choose the course length that suits your current goals, availability, and experience level.
Useful information
The course is open to dancers aged 18+ who have intermediate to advanced ballet experience. Entry is through a successful audition.
You can choose from a 1-year, 6-month, or 3-month training programme. All options offer intensive, high-quality ballet training, with the 1-year course providing the most comprehensive development opportunity.
Students enrolling in the 6-month and 3-month options generally do not require a specialist student visa. However, visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so we strongly recommend checking with your local embassy or immigration office before applying.
All classes take place at professional studios in Central London, easily accessible by public transport.
Yes. Students will have the opportunity to perform in an internal showcase or assessment at the end of their training, depending on the course length.
A ballet uniform (leotard, tights, ballet shoes) is required. Detailed uniform guidelines will be provided upon enrolment.
Yes. This course is designed to prepare dancers for auditions, professional contracts, further conservatoire training, or simply to bring their ballet skills to a professional level.
Applicants should have completed formal ballet training or hold equivalent experience at an intermediate or advanced level. Entry to the course is by audition, where we assess your technical ability, artistic potential, and commitment to developing a professional career in dance. You can choose to audition in person or by submitting a video audition. Full details, available dates, and the audition submission link can be found on the individual course pages. Please ensure you follow the instructions carefully when preparing your application.
COURSE FACULTY
The course is led by a distinguished team of ballet professionals, each bringing decades of experience as both performers and educators. With careers spanning major companies including The Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, and Northern Ballet, our faculty have performed on world-renowned stages and now train the next generation of dancers.
Many have taught at leading institutions including The Royal Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, and international conservatoires. Their expertise spans classical ballet, character dance, choreography, and professional performance, with teaching and choreographic work presented at venues such as the Royal Opera House, Bucharest Opera House, and Paris Opera Ballet. With extensive experience in both traditional and contemporary repertoire—as well as musicals, film, and television—our tutors offer a rich, diverse training environment rooted in professional excellence.
Aita Young MBE
Anita Young MBE ARAD FISTD, former Royal Ballet soloist, is a renowned teacher and Cecchetti specialist who has taught worldwide. She received an MBE in 2018 for services to ballet and dance education.
Tania Fairbairn
Tania, former dancer with Scottish and Northern Ballet, is now an international ballet mistress. She’s also a choreographer with credits at the Royal Opera House and in major West End musicals.
Conchita del Campo
Conchita, a Pilates expert since 1972, danced with top UK companies and legends like Fonteyn and Nureyev. She taught at London Studio Centre for 29 years and trains teachers for Body Control Pilates.
Denzil Bailey
Denzil is an English National Ballet alumni with expertise in classical Ballet and Diverse Repertoire. He is also the founder of Ballet Black a renowned British ballet company.
Chris Wright
Chris is dedicated to helping individual dancers reach their full potential. He holds over 35 years of experience as a dancer, performer and teacher.
Estela Merlos
Estela teaches a highly physical Release-Based class. Her interest lies in creating a space to enhance our kinaesthetic sensory awareness.
Nuria Garcia
Nuria, City Academy's Artistic Director of Dance, is a regular guest teacher at prestigious schools all over the world. Specialising in Flamenco choreography and improvisation, Nuria trained in Spain under some of the most revered teachers including Antonio Canales, La Tati and Adrian Galia.
Owen Morris
Owen is also a specialist Pilates and Progressive Ballet Technique Teacher working across Junior, Senior and Advanced Levels.
Jose Agudo
World-renowned choreographer and performer José Agudo blends Flamenco, Kathak, and contemporary dance. A key creative for Akram Khan Company, his work has toured globally and earned this visionary performer international acclaim.
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