The Royal Ballet School’s Junior Associate Programme has been fostering young ballet talent since 1948, serving as a pathway for countless dancers who have gone on to lead successful careers in dance. Designed for students aged 8 to 10 who wish to take class alongside their regular ballet training, this programme represents the school’s commitment to making high-quality dance education accessible to children throughout the UK.
A National Reach
With seven centres spanning the country — Bath, Birmingham, Eastleigh, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, and Manchester —the Junior Associate Programme allows young dancers to experience The Royal Ballet School’s world-class training without relocating or committing to full-time vocational education. Classes run weekly from September to June, primarily on Saturdays with the exception of the Edinburgh centre, which operates on Sundays.
Kelly McCole, who joined as an associate teacher in Edinburgh in 2021, highlights the joy of nurturing regional talent: “Working with young, talented, aspiring dancers is a joy. It’s wonderful to watch the dancers’ progression and passion grow from their first day as Year 4 Junior Associate students through to finishing as a Senior Associate in Year 9, or continuing their dreams by studying full-time at the school.”
The Building Blocks of Ballet
The Junior Associate Programme introduces students to The Royal Ballet School’s System of Training, focusing on essential elements such as body conditioning, barre work, centre practice (including preparation for pirouettes), port de bras, and jumps. These foundational components help young dancers develop the technical skills, strength, and artistry needed for potential future training.
When asked what she hopes students learn from her teaching, McCole emphasises encouragement and support: “I hope they feel I fully support them and encourage them to achieve anything they want to.”
From Junior Associate to Professional Dancer
Many Junior Associates have progressed to successful careers, including Scarlett Harvey, now an Artist with The Royal Ballet. Beginning as a Junior Associate in Leeds, Harvey later trained full-time at the school before joining The Royal Ballet in 2022.
“I initially applied for the programme because I thought it would be fun to be part of something with The Royal Ballet School,” Harvey recalls. “Living in Cleethorpes, I didn’t think I would ever be able to train with them, so it was exciting when I found out they had a centre in Leeds.”
Harvey credits the programme with providing crucial technical foundations. “We did lots of body conditioning exercises at the beginning of our classes that helped me gain a deeper understanding of my body and the muscles I needed to be working during class. This helped me when I went to vocational school because I had a strong foundation to build on.”
The Junior Associate experience also introduced Harvey to a community of like-minded peers: “I think meeting other kids who loved ballet like I did and wanted to do the same things as me was lovely, especially coming from a small town like Cleethorpes.”
A Family Affair
For some families, the Junior Associate Programme becomes a shared journey. Siblings Teddy and Tilly both attend the programme, highlighting how ballet can bring families together through a shared passion for dance.
“I love being with like-minded ballet dancers. Everyone is so good in different ways so as well as learning from my teacher, I learn from the other dancers too,” said Tilly. “I love learning about my body and the way it works when I dance.”
The programme creates opportunities for young dancers to form lifelong friendships with others who share the same drive and enthusiasm. This sense of community is vital, particularly for children who may be the only ones in their local schools with such a dedicated interest in ballet.
Comprehensive Support for Young Dancers
The Royal Ballet School’s commitment to young dancers extends beyond technical training to include healthcare support and education. Emma Porter, training and access healthcare lead, works with Associate centres across the UK to provide guidance to students, teachers, and parents.
“It’s great to be able to have a three-pronged approach to injury prevention by talking to the students, parents, and local dance school teachers,” Porter explains. “We can get everyone on the same page to be proactive in promoting healthy habits and effective dance training. It’s not just about how they dance, it’s also about how to nurture a young developing body through adolescence and beyond.”
Throughout the year, the school’s healthcare team delivers tailored education on topics ranging from foot care to understanding growth spurts. This holistic approach equips young dancers with the knowledge they need for healthy, sustainable dance careers.
Beyond the Weekly Classes
Junior Associates enjoy enrichment opportunities that extend beyond their regular training. The school aims to invite all Associate students to attend at least one pre-general rehearsal at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden during the year, providing a glimpse into the professional world of ballet.
Additionally, students participate in workshops at the Upper School to enhance their training. Occasionally, they may even be invited to perform alongside The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and visiting companies — invaluable performance experience for aspiring dancers.
“I think my favourite memory was probably the demonstration classes,” says Harvey, reflecting on her time as a Junior Associate. “Every term there would be one Saturday where our parents were allowed to come into the studio and watch a class. I loved having my mum there to see what we had been working on, and it often felt like a performance too, which I enjoyed.”
Considering the Junior Associate Programme?
For parents and young dancers considering the Junior Associate Programme, McCole offers this advice: “If they are thinking of entering the world of ballet, this programme is special. Each dancer will be nurtured and receive magnificent training, with access to many incredible members of staff at The Royal Ballet School.”
Harvey echoes this sentiment: “I would say definitely apply! I really enjoyed my time as a Junior Associate, and I think it’s a great learning experience. I also think it’s so important for children in regional areas like Leeds to make full use of having a Royal Ballet School training programme closer to home.”
The audition process is designed to be accessible and low-pressure. Held like a regular ballet class, students don’t need to prepare anything specific but should have some prior ballet experience. McCole’s advice for auditions is refreshingly simple: “Come along and show your love for dance and enjoy the experience.”
For many young dancers, the Junior Associate Programme represents the first step in a lifelong journey with dance — whether that leads to a professional career or simply a deeper appreciation for the art form. Through this programme, The Royal Ballet School continues its mission to nurture talent and make high-quality ballet education accessible to children across the UK.