For the first time in its near 100-year history, London’s The Royal Ballet School will bring its renowned Intensive Course for young dancers to Los Angeles. The School has selected The Music Center in Los Angeles as the exclusive location for this selective training program, which is scheduled to take place in summer 2026.
The Royal Ballet School, which was founded by Dame Ninette de Valois in 1926, is one of the world’s most celebrated centers for classical ballet training. It is the leading classical ballet school in the UK and an international institution, attracting dancers with exceptional potential from the UK and worldwide. Graduates of the School go on to professional careers with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and other leading UK and international companies.
This summer’s U.S. intensive marks a historic moment for both the esteemed ballet school and L.A.’s performing arts center, offering young dancers aged 10-19 with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the School’s System of Training in a supportive and inspiring environment.
The Intensive Course is non-residential and will offer one week of classes for students aged 10–13 and two weeks of classes for students aged 14–19, from June 29-July 10. Students will participate in a range of classes, including classical ballet, repertoire, technique focus classes, contemporary, body conditioning, and creative and choreographic exploration, all taught by the School’s expert artistic faculty. During the Intensive, students can also sign up for additional one-hour individual coaching sessions, on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing participants to refine their artistry in a highly customized environment.
Iain Mackay, Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School, said, “We are extremely excited to partner with The Music Center, an iconic and leading light in the arts, to launch The Royal Ballet School’s first Intensive Course in the United States of America. This marks an important step in expanding access to our world-class training and engaging with the exceptional young talent across the U.S. Our teaching faculty will deliver the same distinctive approach and artistic rigor that define our full-time training in London, offering students a truly authentic Royal Ballet School experience in L.A.”
By bringing its world-class Intensive Course to the U.S. and Los Angeles for the first time, The Royal Ballet School expands its global reach and influence, providing a rare opportunity for American dancers to access the School’s elite ballet faculty and training without needing to travel overseas.
Rachel S. Moore, President and CEO of The Music Center, added, “Hosting The Royal Ballet School’s Intensive Course in the United States is a thrilling opportunity for both The Music Center and the vibrant dance community in Los Angeles County and beyond. As L.A.’s home for dance, we are proud to open our doors and welcome young artists to train in the heart of Downtown L.A., and to contribute to the next generation of inspiring and dynamic dancers. We look forward to partnering with The Royal Ballet School and its faculty, offering a premier space that stands for artistic excellence, learning and creative innovation.”
Applications are now open until January 9, 2026, and all applicants are required to submit photographs. For more details, including eligibility, fees and to apply, visit www.royalballetschool.org.uk/train/dancer-training/intensive-courses/los-angeles-intensive.
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