International Summer Schools

For serious ballet students, an international summer intensive can be a transformative experience. These programs offer the rare opportunity to train with world-class faculty and artists, learn from diverse methodologies, and refine both technique and artistry in new and inspiring environments. Immersed in the culture of leading companies and schools, dancers gain insight into global standards of excellence while building resilience, independence, and confidence. Beyond the studio, these experiences foster lifelong friendships and professional connections with peers from around the world — an invaluable foundation for those aspiring to a career on the international stage.

Houston Ballet Academy

Location: 601 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Dates: 20 June – 25 July 2026
Application deadline: Video submissions accepted 5 January – 15 February 2026

About the Intensive:
Houston Ballet Academy’s Summer Intensive offers an immersive experience with six to eight hours of classes daily, six days a week. Students aged 12+ train under the Academy’s world-class instructors, including artistic staff and Houston Ballet Company dancers.
Auditions are via video submission between 5 January and 15 February 2026.
Housing accommodations are available for an additional fee or by scholarship at the discretion of artistic staff.

Website: houstonballet.org/about/academy/summer-intensive-program/six-week-intensive

 

 

The Royal Ballet School

 

Locations and Dates:
• Italy: 15–16 November 2025
• Japan: 19–21 December 2025
• London (Spring): 29 March – 2 April 2026
• London (Summer): 21 July – 21 August 2026
• Hong Kong: 3–7 April 2026
• Singapore: 10–12 April 2026
• Los Angeles: 29 June – 10 July 2026

Application deadlines:
• Italy: 7 November 2025
• Japan: 15 November 2025 (selective), 5 December 2025 (non-selective)
• London Spring: 7 November 2025
• London Summer: 9 January 2026
• Hong Kong: 23 January 2026
• Singapore: 13 March 2026
• Los Angeles: 9 January 2026

About the Intensive:
The Royal Ballet School offers a diverse series of selective and non-selective courses for dancers aged 7–19 in London, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Italy, and Los Angeles. Students train under the School’s distinguished Artistic staff and guest coaches in a variety of styles and disciplines, developing artistry, technique, and musicality.
Applications are now open to study with one of the world’s foremost centres for classical ballet training.

Website: royalballetschool.org.uk/train/dancer-training/intensive-courses

 

Ajkun Ballet Theatre

Location: 129 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019, United States
Dates: 18 July – 15 August 2026
Application deadline: 30 April 2026

About the Intensive:
Ajkun Ballet Theatre’s New York Summer Intensive is a four-week program for dancers aged 14–26, directed by Artistic Director Dr Chiara Ajkun. Admission is by audition, in person or by video (limited enrolment; early registration encouraged). Participants train in the Ajkun Methodology through daily ballet, contemporary, and conditioning classes, repertory coaching, and professional development sessions. The program culminates in a live New York City performance, where dancers appear alongside the Ajkun Ballet Company—an invaluable professional stage experience.

Website: ajkunbt.org/audition-form

Alberta Ballet School

Location: Calgary, Canada
Dates:
• 29 June – 17 July 2026
• 20 July – 7 August 2026
Application deadline: 1 April 2026 (or until full)

About the Intensive:
Alberta Ballet School’s three-week Summer Intensive enhances technique and artistry under the guidance of renowned faculty. Dancers train 30 hours per week in ballet, pointe, and contemporary alongside peers from around the world. The program also serves as a final audition opportunity for the school’s full-year programs.
Residential accommodation is available at Mount Royal University, with dedicated full-time staff ensuring exceptional care and a supportive environment.
Junior Auditions: Grades 5–8
Senior Auditions: Grades 9–12

Website: albertaballetschool.com/auditions/information

English National Ballet School

Location: Chelsea, London
Dates:

1. High Technique and Artistry — Monday 20 July to Friday 31 July 2026 (Ages 14–17)
2. Work with the Masters: Bournonville and Ashton — Monday 3 August to Saturday 15 August 2026 (Ages 16–18)
3. Additional Adult Course — Monday 20 July to Friday 31 July 2026, 5pm–8pm (Ages 18+, professional dancers only). Taught by Lynne Charles: 4Pointe, Repertoire, Classical Ballet.

Application deadline: Sunday 1 March 2026

About the Intensive:
This summer, English National Ballet School proudly presents two exceptional Summer Intensives designed to inspire, challenge, and elevate young dancers.
High Technique and Artistry includes technique, variation, pas de deux, coaching, Pilates, and repertoire classes, refining strength, musicality, and performance quality while nurturing individuality. The first week features Lynne Charles, focusing on technique and 4Pointe training.
Work with the Masters: Bournonville and Ashton explores the repertoire, style, dynamics, and technique of these two great choreographers, guided by expert coaches specialising in their distinctive artistry.

Website: enbschool.org.uk/intensives-courses-ballet/intensives/summer