A guide to training and life at Central

PROSPECTUSUndergraduate and postgraduate

programmes for

professional dance training

CentralSchoolof Ballet

2 CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET 3

Creative interpretation and artistic expression

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Director: Heidi Hall

Artistic Director: Christopher Marney

The Conservatoire is publicly funded institution

which is registered with the Office for Students.

T: 020 7837 6332

E: info@csbschool.co.uk

W: centralschoolofballet.co.uk

A: 10 Herbal Hill, Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5EG.

@balletcentral | @csbschool

Central-School-of-Ballet

_ballet_central_ | @csbschool

Sign up for news updates on Central’s news page

https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/news.php

Central School of Ballet is a Registered Charity No. 285398 and Company Registered in England and Wales with Company No. 1657717. Central School of Ballet, 10 Herbal Hill, Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5EG.

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“The much-anticipated move to Paris Gardens is

a momentous time in Central’s history and I am

delighted that plans are so far advanced. The new

premises will benefit Central’s talented student

community providing excellent facilities and links

to the vibrant arts community in the South Bank.

Young people who don’t currently get access to

dance classes will also benefit from Central’s

move, building on the organisation’s activities with

junior schools in Southwark. Central was founded

on the principle that talented young dancers

should get the opportunity to pursue dance as a

career independent of financial circumstances or

background. This will be a great source of pride for

London, and indeed the UK.”

HRH THe CounTess of Wessex GCVo Patron of Central school of Ballet

ConTenTs

07 IntroductIon

08 Welcome from HeIdI Hall and cHrIstopHer marney

11 undergraduate degree programmes

13 foundatIon degree

15 foundatIon degree: entry requIrements

17 Ba (Hons) (top-up)

19 Ba (Hons) (top-up): entry requIrements

21 Ballet central

23 student assocIates programme WItH mattHeW Bourne’s neW adventures

25 HoW to apply: undergraduate degree programmes

27 ma cHoreograpHy

28 student support

31 graduate employment

32 locatIon: noW and In tHe near future

33 map and accommodatIon

34 fees and fundIng

35 fInancIal supportWith thanks to photographers:

Bill Cooper

Hugo Glendinning

Emma Kauldhar

Kate Parkes

ASH Photography

6 CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET 7

I nTRoduCTIon

Central School of Ballet is one of Europe’s leading dance training organisations offering professional, degree level training for

people aiming for a career in the dance industry.

Established in 1982 by the late Christopher Gable CBE and Ann Stannard, Central

was founded on the values of artistic expression in dance and the importance

of technique. Now led by Heidi Hall, Director, and Christopher Marney, Artistic

Director, Central is part of the renowned Conservatoire for Dance and Drama;

one of six specialist schools and two affiliate schools delivering world-leading

education and vocational training in the performing arts. The Conservatoire trains

the performing artists and production professionals of the future and is hugely

influential in the arts both in the UK and worldwide. Students of Central are

registered jointly with the University of Kent and the Conservatoire for Dance and

Drama.

Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are delivered through the Senior

School at Central. Our aim is also to encourage and deliver dance training for a

range of ages and skills. Central provides classes from age three years through the

Junior School and pre-professional training up to age 16 through the Associate

School. There are also a wide variety of short courses available for young people.

The year-round programme provides first class training and fun for young children

through to those considering auditioning for full time vocational training. Central

Nights offers evening and Sunday classes for adults for general fitness and well-

being.

Central offers a two-year Foundation Degree in Professional Dance and

Performance and then students take a further year of training to complete a

BA (Hons) Degree. Established in 2011, Central’s MA Choreography programme

is designed for professional choreographers who wish to develop their

choreographic profile and professional skills. All courses are validated by the

University of Kent.

8 CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET 9

WelComedirector HeIdI Hall artistic director CHRIsToPHeR maRney

“ Central aims to train young dancers in a nurturing and supportive

environment so that they achieve their greatest potential; to develop

intelligent, skilled performers able to listen, learn and find a voice so

that they contribute to the wider dance industry and all its joys. ”

HeIdI Hall director

Central offers rigorous degree level

training and a range of skills that are both

relevant to and coveted by the modern

dance industry, and we provide this in an

environment which is positive, nurturing,

supportive and encouraging. We look for

young dancers with potential, those who

share our passion, drive and commitment.

Students aim for a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance & Performance and, after some practical experience, can go on to study for an MA Choreography, both qualifications validated by the University of Kent. Central’s BA students join Central’s touring company Ballet Central to gain invaluable professional level touring experience. The annual tour typically visits over 20 towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales and is increasingly performing internationally including Japan.

We are both alumni of Central and worked as professional dancers in renowned musical theatre productions and leading dance companies. Christopher Marney, now Artistic Director, was one of the first students to complete the MA programme at Central.

We trained with Central’s founder, the late Christopher Gable CBE, and aim to continue the ethos and standards established when the organisation was founded in 1982. We still value strong technique as the basis of successful dance careers and the importance of creative interpretation and artistic expression.

One of Heidi Hall’s goals on being appointed Director of Central in September 2016 was to lead a period of accelerated fundraising to enable us to realise a long-held goal of moving to new premises in the London Borough of Southwark to be part of the South Bank arts community. As a result, the specific fit-out of the new Paris Gardens building will commence in the spring of 2019 and we aim to be in our new building during the new academic year 2019/2020.

Our objective is to become a hub for a dynamic dance community combining excellence in dance training for those aiming for a professional career alongside general dance classes and local London outreach projects. You can find out more about our new home later in the prospectus. Join us!

Deciding to become a professional dancer requires careful thought about

the dedication, determination and drive required to join an industry

which inspires so many people. As you decide the best place

for your professional training, take a few minutes to consider how

you will spend the next few years and what your future will look like.

We harness that talent and provide experience and training delivered by prominent dance tutors and teachers. And, by working in partnership with some of the most influential directors and choreographers, we provide students with direct experience of a range of dance styles and genres. This helps students to explore their talents and passions and where they may be best suited in professional employment.

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undeRGRaduaTe deGRee

PROGRAMMES

Central’s undergraduate degree programmes

offer students the most comprehensive preparation

for a career in the dance profession.

Rigorous training is provided by internationally renowned teachers and tutors who have performed with some of the world’s leading dance companies, supplemented by workshops delivered by internationally renowned choreographers who are also potential employers. The result is both breadth and depth in skills and technique producing creative artists of the highest calibre with knowledge of tradition and an appreciation of new developments in the dance world. The majority of the course is highly practical, either studio-based or on stage supplemented by written work.

“ We are so supported here, with the Pilates teachers, physiotherapists and psychologists - everything we need is provided by Central. And we can always

speak to staff. As an international student travelling so far for training, it makes a massive difference. ”

fIRsT yeaR sTudenT

“ Throughout second year we encourage our students to trust themselves by using their knowledge and ability to embrace the challenges presented during this

demanding but exciting phase of their training . ”

lInda moRan ladies’ Ballet Tutor

“ Working with so many guest teachers is such a privilege;

everyone that has something different to offer and to teach you,

even during the Saturday classes, especially career advice

and things like that. ”

SECOND yEar StuDENt

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Stage One provides students with a practical understanding of the fundamentals of Ballet and Contemporary Dance (Graham-based) technique, with supplementary studies in Spanish technique and Choreography work. Stage Two provides a practical understanding of the technical skills and artistry required by the profession in Ballet, Contemporary Dance (Cunningham-based) and Jazz technique. The teaching aims for students to use this knowledge in a rehearsal and professional performance situation including solo and group pieces and work for public performance.

A programme of contextual studies underpins the practical dance training. These skills are essential in sustaining a career as a professional dancer. Through regular self-evaluation and goal-setting, students develop into successful reflective practitioners. The work of key practitioners in Ballet and Contemporary dance (from the 19th century to the present day) is woven throughout the course in both practical and theoretical modules and is used to inform stylistic and interpretative differences.

Progressing to the third year provides the opportunity to work towards the BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Dance and Performance, validated by the University of Kent. This internationally recognised qualification establishes graduates as having outstanding achievement validated by a globally respected university and carries a value above and beyond a dancer’s performing career. The University of Kent ranks in the top 20 of UK universities for its research and was recently awarded gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Gaining required skills, technique and learning outcomes are achieved by a wide variety of methods at Central:

. Daily technique class, group and one-to-one coaching

. Practical workshops; Repertoire and Choreography

. Seminars focused on prescribed reading or learning assignment

. Video screenings and analysis

. Visits to theatre or other performance events

. Rehearsal and performance with professional practitioners

. Independent research and presentation on set projects (small group or individual)

. Lectures and tutorials

. Specific training is given in audition technique, in key health and safety issues including exercise programmes

FOuNDatiON DEgrEE

PROFESSIONAL DANCE AND PERFORMANCE

“ I wasn’t expecting it to be so friendly. It’s a family…

You really have to be a student here to know how true that is. ”

THIRd yeaR sTudenT

New students commence with the

Foundation Degree Programme, a predominantly vocational course

with a high number of contact hours.

“ During class we work as a team.

Sports psychologists talk about the athlete-

coach relationship, and how important this

relationship is in the development of the

athlete. This is imperative in dance too. Here

at Central we work with talented musicians

that contribute to this relationship too.

Working together as student, coach and

musician produces a creative working

environment that encourages three-way

conversation which then leads to setting

individual goals for the student and their

independence. ”

CHRIs HInTon-leWIs men’s Ballet Tutor

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Students are typically aged 16 on joining Central. The requirements include:

. Adequate physical, technical and artistic aptitude for professional dance training

. Previous training experience (tested at audition and by physical examination)

. Five passes (9 – 1 or A-G) predicted at GCSE including English Language (desirable) or equivalent

. Or satisfactory completion of required entrance tasks and interest in and aptitude for further academic study

For direct entry into Year Two the normal requirements include:

. Successful completion of a Certificate (i.e. 120 units of certificate level learning on a directly comparable course or equivalent)

. Or satisfactory completion of required entrance tasks; a piece of reflective writing or a research task and an audition

FOuNDatiON DEgrEE

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

“ For many of the students joining Central is the first time away from their family.

There is a team of staff to help them settle in and adjust to vocational training.

We work hard to inspire and facilitate their learning so that they can be independent

young adults who can voice their opinions and communicate. ”

JulIa ellIs ladies’ Ballet Tutor

“ In Second Year Central students collaborate

with students from other conservatoire

level schools on a range of projects that

expose them to other art forms and offer an

opportunity to consider the setting of work

including lighting, stage design and theatre

set-up. The collaborative projects are led by

students’ creative work, allowing artistic

freedom to present and perform their own

ideas. Students also have the opportunity to

work on projects for commercial enterprises.

Collaborating schools include: Royal

College of Music, Royal Academy of Music,

Central Saint Martins, London Academy of

Music and Dramatic Art and Bristol Old Vic

Theatre School. ”

leanne KInG Contemporary & Choreography Tutor

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The BA (Hons) (Top-up) Professional Dance and Performance is a full-time, one-year course, designed to offer a programme of study to follow on from Central’s Foundation Degree programme, or equivalent. This course provides a practical understanding of the technical skills and artistry required by the profession in Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz techniques, with the opportunity to extend the skill base to virtuosic level, and provide training in aspects of musical theatre performance.

The development of individual talent and unique performance qualities is achieved through the breadth of the curriculum, and, most importantly, the National Tour Module. The preparation and performance of a wide range of repertoire, requiring the practical application of different techniques and styles, alongside variations in artistic and musical interpretation and characterisation, facilitates the development of individual strengths and versatility, leading to the development of the distinctive and unique performing artist.

A Vocational Preparation and Portfolio Module allows students to examine and synthesise concepts from their practical modules linked to career planning and vocational preparation, further extending their transferable skills.

The Dissertation Module requires students to research, develop and perform an appropriate solo from existing ballet or contemporary dance repertoire. Following selection of a solo the student undertakes extensive research to support the public performance of the solo to a high standard, including historical and cultural context, costuming and rehearsal processes.

Experience of community and outreach work is achieved through a series of taught workshops, observations and participation in outreach events both in the local community and on tour with Ballet Central.

Ba (HONS) (tOp-u p)

PROFESSIONAL DANCE AND PERFORMANCE

“ It was great to work with so many esteemed

and influential people in the dance world. ”

THIRd yeaR sTudenT

The BA (Hons) (Top-up) Professional Dance and Performance is a

full-time, one-year course, designed to offer a programme of study to

follow on from Central’s Foundation Degree programme, or equivalent.

“ The pas-de-deux training students receive

as part of the Classical Module is one of

the most important aspects of dance,

encouraging coordination, musicality and

emotional connection between partners –

and is in much demand by choreographers.

Perfecting these skills prepares students

for the varied Ballet Central repertoire and

professional life beyond. ”

ResmI malKo men’s Ballet Tutor

Throughout the one year course, and extensively in the National Tour Module (by joining Ballet Central), knowledge is used in creative situations working with teachers and external professional practitioners leading to public performance opportunities in a range of contexts, including a national tour of small and mid-scale theatres as well as site-specific venues.

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To be accepted for a place on the BA top-up programme applicants must either:

. Have successfully completed Central’s Foundation Degree, or

. Have 240 credits from a comparable course of higher education or equivalent (e.g. Foundation Degree, two years of BA Hons Dance Programme Levels 4 and 5), or

. Have completed a required entrance task (consisting of a piece of reflective writing and a research task) and have successfully passed an audition

Students who continue directly from Central’s Foundation Degree are not required to submit an application or complete an audition for the BA (Hons) course. Completion of the Central School of Ballet Foundation Degree does not guarantee direct entry to the BA (Hons).

Ba (HONS) (tOp-u p)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

“ I feel well prepared for my third year at

Central. In the second year you learn a

lot about yourself, your own body. From

the start of second year we examine our

technique, back to the beginning, to the

foundations and then slowly build on that

knowledge. I will always be able to look

back to this experience and draw on it. ”

seCond yeaR sTudenT

“ Good preparation is the foundation of a

wonderful performance. Central’s training

has ensured that I am embarking on my

professional dance career with all the skills

needed to succeed at the highest possible

level. ”

THIRd yeaR sTudenT

“ Training ensures that students master the techniques required for the

different dance disciplines and works to develop their skills in singing, drama,

improvisation, reflective and analytical written assignments, as well as

participating in choreographic events and performances. ”

elIa luyando Head of senior school

alessandra ferri teaching Valley of Shadows by sir Kenneth macmillan

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BalleT CenTRal

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree programme allows students to take the final year course that leads to the BA (Hons) Degree qualification. A large part of this final year is the touring experience, performing to ticket-buying audiences gained through Ballet Central, a unique facet of the professional training offered by Central.

Under the direction of Artistic Director Christopher Marney, Ballet Central presents a broad repertoire by working with distinguished choreographers, who often create new work especially for this young touring company. Choreographers that have recently supported Ballet Central include Matthew Bourne of New Adventures (the Fairies Prologue from his gothic-reworking of Sleeping Beauty); the multi award-winning choreographer and director Wayne McGregor (excerpt from FAR); Kenneth MacMillan (an excerpt from his rarely-seen 1983 ballet Valley of Shadows inspired by Georgio Bassani’s haunting novel The Garden of the Finzi-Continis); Jenna Lee (a new creation for Ballet Central Black Swan, a dark twist on the iconic classic) and Royal Ballet artist-in-residence Liam Scarlett (Indigo Children); Christopher Bruce (the innovative Mya).

The annual Ballet Central tour typically visits 20 cities and towns across the UK. Each venue is different and students learn to adapt their performance to suit the space. Part of the touring experience also includes learning aspects of the production process by helping with staging, the technical aspects of sound and lighting, and costume design.

Working with different choreographers on a varied repertoire to a deadline and then performing in a range of venues provides Central’s third year students with extraordinary experience of the professional dance world. This experience and the skills and technique gained equip Central’s students with the versatility and maturity that helps support employment.

“ The highlight for me in 3rd year was working with original cast members from

Kenneth MacMillan’s Valley of Shadows. This piece helped me to find a more

human, natural kind of movement in ballet. The experience really opened my mind

and allowed me to think differently about all of my dancing. ” THIRd yeaR sTudenT

“ Ballet Central creates dancers with really open minds, and I think this is really

important in our careers. A lot of the auditioning companies and choreographers

are looking for open-minded dancers, and Ballet Central definitely trains dancers

with this perspective. ” THIRd yeaR sTudenT

Joining Ballet Central is, for many of Central’s

undergraduate students,

the highlight of their three-year training programme

“ Commitment and understanding in abundance. ” danCe euRoPe 2017

“ Students get exposure to world-renowned directors and

choreographers during their year with Ballet Central.

This unique experience results in many students getting

jobs and contracts by being exposed to and working

with industry professionals. ”

CHRIsToPHeR maRney artistic director Ballet Central

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Stu DENt aSSOCiatES prOgr a MME

WITH

MATTHEW BOURNE’S NEW ADVENTURES

In 2016 Central established a Student Associates Programme with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Company. Each year two students are selected from Central’s final year cohort to work with New Adventures on a specified production.

In 2016 students rehearsed and then performed in The Red Shoes, in 2017 the two selected Central students had the benefit of working with the Company on Cinderella and in 2018 the successful students are part of the New Adventures’ production of Swan Lake.

New Adventures has a long history of employing dancers who have graduated from Central School of Ballet. Christopher Marney, Central’s Artistic Director, is a former principal with New Adventures and Matthew Bourne is Artistic Advisor for Central School of Ballet.

“ A graduate from Central School of Ballet is a valuable asset in any

company for they have already experienced life as a professional

dancer by touring with Ballet Central. I have had the pleasure of

working with many highly talented and individual graduates of

Central School of Ballet; indeed, several have played demanding

leading roles in my productions with great success. ”

maTTHeW BouRne artistic director new adventures, artistic advisor Central school of Ballet

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“ When you watch dance, you see and feel the music.

Dancers need to have a ‘musical antenna’.

Central understands that music and musicality are very

important to dancers’ training and development. ”

PHIlIP feeney musical director

Attend a Central Dance Day We recommend that those intending to audition for Central consider joining a Central Dance day ahead of the audition. Central Dance Days are held in the autumn and early spring in various locations including London, Glasgow and Leeds. This an opportunity for students aged 12-16 years to support and encourage current dance training, and to offer a taste of life and explain the range of training available at Central, delivered by Central Senior School tutors. The Dance Day includes special workshops and taster classes in Contemporary and Ballet. Further information about Central Dance Days, dates and locations, is available from the website: Central Dance Day

Complete the application form Auditioning for Central School of Ballet is a two-stage process, and this starts by submitting the completed application form by the relevant application deadline, see here: How to Apply.

Pay the £50 standard audition fee The audition fee is non-refundable and may be subject to increase prior to the commencement of the annual application process. Applicants who meet the criteria as set out by the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama may be eligible to apply for an Audition Fee waiver. For further information please see the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama website here: CDD audition and interview waiver.

Attend a preliminary audition (by invitation) Those applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited to a preliminary audition which involves taking part in a ballet class followed by a short contemporary class. The preliminary auditions take place in

London, Glasgow, Leeds, Japan and New York City, USA. Please make sure to specify your preferred audition date/location in your application form.

Applicants are notified within 14 days of preliminary audition: Successful applicants from the preliminary audition will be invited back for the final audition.

Final auditions In 2019 final auditions will take place on Sunday 24th March. The audition class will consist of a ballet class, pointe work for women and either a contemporary class or a workshop with a renowned choreographer. Candidates will also be required to attend an Orthopaedic Assessment conducted by the Head of Medical Department.

Course offers announced Applicants will be notified of the result of the audition and whether or not they will be offered a place on the course within 14 days of the final audition.

Latest information Check Central Seniors/How to Apply pages on Central’s website for the most up-to-date information about audition dates, fees, the admissions policy and school term dates.

HOW tO appLy

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES

Step by step guide

Overseas applicantsApplicants who live outside of the UK/EU are invited to submit a DVD application demonstrating they meet the selection criteria specified in the application form. Central also holds auditions in Japan and New York City, USA. Please visit: Overseas Applications for information about auditions held overseas, locations and dates.

Established in 2011, Central’s MA Choreography programme is designed for professional choreographers who wish to develop their choreographic profile and professional skills.

The course has been specifically developed for its flexibility, allowing students to develop critical reflection and research linked to the making of choreography while continuing to work as either a freelance dance practitioner or a dance company member.

The focus of the MA in Choreography is choreography and research, and involves the development and refinement of prepared material for studio or theatre- based performance. The course is unique in providing a specialisation in ballet, although there is scope within the course for traditional practices, both past and current to be redefined, expanded and developed. Students are given the opportunity to investigate the process of choreography by interrogating, identifying, developing and modifying their existing skills.

On successful completion of the MA, graduates will have had an opportunity to develop their own creative and artistic voice, and will have increased their choreographic portfolio. Many of our students have gone on to further develop their careers within the dance profession, taking up leadership roles and contributing to the artistic development of UK and international dance companies.

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Ma CHOrEOgrapHy

HOW TO APPLY: Postgraduate MA Choreography

The MA is aimed at professional dancers and emerging choreographers with an existing choreographic portfolio, such as mid-career dance artists from a classical or contemporary dance background. The students will be skilled in dance performance and will possess a BA (Hons) degree in an appropriate subject, such as dance from a professional training course. Candidates not holding a BA (Hons) will be able to apply for accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). This will require the applicant to possess the experience and understanding of a comparable level gained in a professional dance company or vocational school.

Candidates must submit examples of their choreographic work on DVD and attend an interview. For more information and how to apply visit: Central MA Choreography

“ Through applied research and the process of

exploring new ideas, the MA at Central is giving

me a unique opportunity to develop as a

choreographer and move forward professionally. ”

soPHIe laPlane ma Choreographer and

artist in Residence at scottish Ballet

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All Central’s teaching and support staff are selected for their openness and expertise in their field. Students are allocated male and female ballet tutors who oversee work and progress across the course and, where necessary, provide guidance towards the appropriate source of support. We encourage open discussions about progress on a regular basis.

Many students will be living away from home or abroad for the first time and may face a number of challenges during their training. We aim to provide the support and services to ensure that the highest level of individual care is offered.

Services provided to students include: . Support for students with disabilities

. Counselling and guidance for mental

health and well-being

. Financial assistance

. Academic support

. English language classes

Working towards optimal performance

For most students, enrolment at Central School of Ballet is a significant step towards a career as a professional dancer. Central provides a holistic approach to training, with a focus on physical, emotional development and well-being.

Dancers at Central will achieve a level of fitness similar to elite athletes by the end of the three year degree. In order to achieve this optimal performance, each dancer needs to maintain a balance of healthy body and mind. Students have open access to a comprehensive range of support services and staff to achieve this goal:

. Physiotherapist

. Pilates Instructor

. Sports Psychologist

. Injury Prevention & Recovery Team

StuDENt SuppOrt

Becoming part of the Central family, enjoying training and the chance to

perform are all an important part of the experience of becoming a professional

dancer. We want Central’s students make the most of the opportunities

offered. Central has a long tradition of providing a comprehensive range of

support services for students for well-being and optimal performance.

“ To succeed and become a professional

dancer you need to train well, eat well and

sleep well. At Central we focus on supporting

students physically, mentally and emotionally

to maximise their potential. Well-being and

health are fundamental to performance and

helping to prevent or recover from injury.

Injuries can occur and can be a stressful and

lonely experience. At Central we like to turn

the stress into a positive learning experience

so that the dancer returns as a stronger, fitter,

more technically sound dancer than before

the injury occurred. ”

anna BRodRICK Head of the medical department

Equality and Diversity

Celebrating diversity and working to achieve the creative potential in all our students is at the heart of the work at Central and at the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama. Applicants to Central are chosen solely on the basis of talent and potential to develop the skills required for a professional career in dance. In line with the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama and its affiliates, Central School of Ballet is committed to widening participation. We aim to recruit the best students from across the UK, Europe and internationally and encourage applications from students regardless of their background. The diversity in our student body enriches the life of the school, feeding creativity and the cross-fertilisation of ideas.

For further information about disability, equality and diversity please visit Conservatoire for Dance and Drama.

Disability and learning support

Central welcomes students with different abilities and additional needs. Central will support those with learning difficulties and disabilities to enable them to access the audition and course. In order to reach student’s fullest potential and meet personal goals, the school recognises that close personal and learning support is required and necessary.

Professional Development and Contextual Studies

The students enrolled on Central’s degree programmes develop an exceptional range of skills and experience during their time at Central. This is due to a meticulously planned curriculum which integrates practical training with professional development modules that provide opportunities for research, career planning, goal setting and contextual studies.

“ To thrive in the dance profession and become

a potential leader in the field requires young

dancers to be equipped with physical and

intellectual agility. As a crucial element of

the training at Central, we are passionate

about developing transferrable skills, such

as discipline, collaboration, working with

initiative, self-awareness, reflective thinking

and strategic planning, which prepare our

graduates to flourish in employment and build

their future career. We provide a supportive

environment where ambitions can be realised

and it is safe to take risks. ”

louIse aInley director of Higher education Programmes

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Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures

Scottish Ballet

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Nederlands Dans Theater

English National Ballet

Northern Ballet

Rambert

Ballet Black

Phantom of the Opera, West End and Worldwide

Milwaukee Ballet, USA

Singapore Dance Theatre

Sarasota Ballet, USA

K-Ballet, Japan

New English Ballet Theatre

“ The training at Central exposes you to so many different possible avenues for a career and they really nurture your talent. It was at Central that I discovered my passion for choreography and look forward to developing this further following graduation. ”

THIRd yeaR sTudenT

graDuatE EMpLOyMENt

THE NEXT STEP AFTER TRAINING

Central’s graduates find employment in

contracts, apprenticeships and full-time

jobs in a variety of leading international

dance companies and in musical theatre

productions.

Some of the recent destinations include:

“ I can normally spot a Ballet Central student after just a few minutes

working in a studio. They are always professional, they understand

how ‘theatre’ works and they engage physically and (most importantly)

verbally in the creative process. ”

CHRIsToPHeR HamPson Chief executive and artistic director, scottish Ballet and Governor, Central school of Ballet

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Central aims to motivate students and harness passions for an art form that has never been more competitive or creative. Students gain enormously from being based in central London and training in the heart of the capital’s vibrant theatre, dance and musical productions, widely recognised as the cultural centre of Europe. Being surrounded by and having access to such dynamic talent provides inspiration for everyone at Central.

Central is currently located in Herbal Hill to the east of Covent Garden and Soho in Clerkenwell. This is a vibrant area of London which includes the jewellery quarter of Hatton Garden, many street markets and Farringdon. Transport links are excellent with Farringdon station nearby (for underground tube and overground rail), Chancery Lane underground station and numerous buses that stop right outside the school.

Over 1200 people use Central’s Herbal Hill facilities each week; it has been our home for over 30 years and whilst much-loved, we have now outgrown the space it can offer. Central is planning an exciting move to bespoke new premises at Paris Gardens in Southwark, joining London’s flourishing arts community on the South Bank. Close to Waterloo Station, Central’s new home is highly accessible by all London’s transport networks.

We are aiming to move into the new building during the academic year 2019/2020. Central will occupy over 3,000 square metres of the Paris Gardens building, almost three times the size of our current home. The new premises will offer state-of-the-art facilities to rival many in the UK, including a fully equipped studio theatre, study and resource centres. There will also be a high tech health suite providing facilities for our highly trained dance students with services in psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, Pilates and a recovery from injury programme.

Paris Gardens will become a hub for a dynamic dance community. Providing excellence in dance training for those aiming for a professional career, Central’s new home will also offer accessible dance classes for all, and will run alongside community engagement projects with many chances to see performances.

“ Being in the centre of London and

experiencing the buzz around you is great. We

visit places in London to give us inspiration

for classes, like the Tate Modern, Royal Opera

House and Sadler’s Wells. And getting there

is just 10 minutes or so on the tube network

which is so good. ” fIRsT yeaR sTudenT

LOCatiON

NOW AND IN THE NEAR FUTURE

KINGS CROSS

ACCOMMODATIONCentral School of Ballet does not currently operate any housing of its own but provides those students accepted on to their courses with information on suitable accommodation before starting in the autumn term. Please contact the Senior School Administration office for further advice. A list of suggestions is available, here and on our website. Note that all are within 30 minutes’ travelling time from our new premises in Southwark, so still appropriate after the move. This is merely a guide to potential accommodation. It is important to note that rates can vary depending on the date that bookings are confirmed.

“ London is where everything is and that’s given us an advantage

with opportunities outside of school. Through Central I performed

at the Classical Brit Awards at the Albert Hall. Without living in

London it would have been harder to realise that opportunity. ”

SECOND yEar StuDENt

IQ student accommodation, 6 Paris Garden, South Bank, London SE1 8ND Nearest tube Southwark

Liberty Plaza 65 Leman St, Whitechapel, London E1 8EU Nearest tube Aldgate East

Liberty House 1 Sebastian Street, London, EC1V 0HF Nearest tube Angel

Holland House, 53 Eccleston Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 1PG Nearest tube Victoria

I Student Living, 8 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EJ Nearest tube Farringdon

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Tuition fees Tuition fees for undergraduate programmes at Central School of Ballet are set by the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama. See CDD Fees and Finance.

Additional costs of training Students need to budget for additional costs while training at Central. These include private health insurance, uniform, resource fee and English as a Foreign Language classes, if applicable. For more information about extra costs see: Fees and Finance/ Additional Costs.

UK and EU students who are ordinarily resident in the UK or EU and studying for a first degree or other higher education qualification do not have to pay tuition fees in advance of study.

UK students Government loans are available to cover tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. See Apply Online for student finance. Approved loans for undergraduate tuition fees are paid directly to Central, and UK students can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover living costs while training; both loans will need to be paid back. See Repaying your Student Loan for more information.

EU students Students may be able to get a tuition fee loan if from an EU country. Check here to see if you are eligible: Finance for EU students. Maintenance loans are not typically awarded to EU students who are not resident in the UK. Please check here for clarification: Student Finance Calculator.

The UK government has announced that European Union students applying for university places in the 2019-2020 academic year will still have access to student funding for tuition fees and support even if the course finishes after the UK’s exit from the EU.

International students Student Finance does not currently offer international students the option to fund their course through a student loan; tuition fees are typically invoiced in advance of each academic year. Central School of Ballet is a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Tier 4 Sponsor. Please note if you are offered a place on a course at Central, you need to observe the UK Tier 4 Guidance Policy: to ensure you meet the Tier 4 Visa requirements before accepting or before applying. Further information about how to apply for a UK Tier 4 Visa and the process involved can be requested from the Senior School Manager.

FEES aND FuNDiNg FiNaNCiaL SuppOrt

Central’s Bursary Fund

The application process for bursaries is typically open twice a year. Bursaries for undergraduates are means-tested and the majority are available for assistance with living costs. Other funding is often available from Central’s Bursary Fund to help with additional costs of training such as ballet shoes and uniform. Selected funding may be available for MA students to help with both tuition fees and living costs.

CDD Scholarships Students from the UK and EU who have accepted a place on the Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Performance course and meet the specified criteria are eligible to apply for an annual Conservatoire for Dance and Drama Scholarship. The Conservatoire offers a range of scholarships to Central students in the form of means-tested bursaries and fee discounts; see CDD Fees and Financial Support.

Please visit Central’s website for additional information Fees and Finance.

Central School of Ballet10 Herbal HillClerkenwell RoadLondon EC1R 5EGUnited Kingdom

www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk