The School launch new Diploma of Classical Ballet Teaching
As we celebrate our centenary, we are proud to launch the next chapter in our legacy of world-leading teacher training.
For over a decade, our Diploma of Dance Teaching (DDT) has set the benchmark for excellence in classical ballet pedagogy. Now, building on that success, we are introducing the Diploma of Classical Ballet Teaching (DCBT) – a reimagined teacher training programme designed to meet the needs of today’s teachers and tomorrow’s profession.
The Diploma of Classical Ballet Teaching is a two‑year, part‑time, hybrid programme for UK and international current or former professional dancers and practising teachers seeking to develop their knowledge and skills as exceptional classical ballet teachers.
The programme offers students the option to complete a one-year Foundation Diploma (Level 5) or continue for a second year to complete the Diploma in Classical Ballet Teaching (Level 6), both internally validated by The Royal Ballet School.
In the future, we are hoping to develop a top-up degree-level progression route that will give eligible students entering the second year the opportunity to continue their study towards a BA (Hons) in Classical Ballet Teaching, subject to validation.
The programme will combine online learning with in-person intensives at the School’s studios in Richmond and Covent Garden.
Students will learn from the School’s expert faculty, benefit from their world-leading healthcare programme, and become part of a global teaching community with career opportunities within the School and beyond, all shaped by a century of excellence in ballet training.
Iain Mackay, Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School, said of the new programme:
‘The Royal Ballet School’s artistic training is grounded in the belief that excellence thrives when young people are supported, challenged and inspired. We are committed to the individual needs of each student and our belief in a nurturing, person-centred approach. Our new Diploma of Classical Ballet Teaching will support teachers to deliver classical ballet teaching to a world-class standard, whilst also supporting students to thrive.’
Head of Teacher Training, Karen Berry, added:
‘This new pathway represents the natural evolution of our teacher training provision. It brings together the rigour and heritage of the School with a flexible, modern delivery model that opens our programmes to a wider community of aspiring and developing teachers.’
Applications for the January 2027 cohort open on 10 August 2026.
Learn more about the new programme here.
Photo credit: © 2026 The Royal Ballet School. Photography by Henry Curtis.
