As winter draws in we remember our students dancing around the world
7 November 2025
As we enter the second half of this term, we are taking a moment to look back at the great experiences some of our students had over the summer break. Central’s degree course students complemented their training in a variety of exciting and remarkable ways during the holidays, travelling across the globe.
Czech Republic
Seven of our Year 3’s travelled together to Prague to take part in Daria Klimentova’s Masterclasses in Prague for two weeks. Hannah explained how the masterclasses are “coached by various current ballet stars, as well as Artistic Directors of leading companies across Europe. It was also a fabulous opportunity to network with dancers from other schools, especially prior to audition season this year.”
Belgium
Brussels International Ballet’s Company Experience Program welcomed Year 3 student Midori this summer and she shared the following on what it was like.
“During my time in Brussels, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn under Linnar Looris, Director of the Estonian National Ballet, for a week. Throughout this experience, I gained insight into what a professional company class is like and spent the week rehearsing for the final gala performance. At the end of the week, I had the privilege of performing the Four Swans from Swan Lake and the Coda from Suite en Blanc. It was such a joy to meet and dance with new people, and it’s certainly an experience I will always remember.”
France
Year 2 student Noa shared her experience of attending the European School of Ballet Summer Intensive in Marseille, France:
“This summer I had the privilege of attending the European School of Ballet Summer Intensive in Marseille, France, where I got to refine my classical technique as well as be introduced to new styles such as Forsythe and Dawson. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to take class taught by distinguished names such as Olivier Wecxsteen, Arthur Sai, Dinna Bjorn, Anita Young and Erin Viudès, which greatly strengthened my pointe technique since all classes were conducted on pointe.”
Malta
Noa also attended the YGP Malta Intensive: “I was lucky enough to learn from names such as Maria Eichwald, Marek Rózycki, Alexei Moskalenko and Marisha Bonnici. This experience allowed me to gain many valuable takeaways that I will continue to carry with me. Besides this I was also awarded a full tuition scholarship to the 2026 YGP Malta intensive. I feel so fortunate to have had such had such a rewarding summer dancing, full of opportunities to grow!”
USA
Kira, another Year 2 student, spoke about her amazing time at Joffrey Ballet School in New York.
“This summer I spent a week at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City for their Ballet/Contemporary intensive, and it was an amazing experience. Every day started with either a ballet class or a ‘contemporary ballet’ class – this was something completely new for me and so much fun.
I had some Graham and Limón technique classes, which were challenging but exciting, and I also learned repertory from Alvin Ailey’s Wade in the Water and repertory by Bradley Shelver for his own company, Joffrey Concert Group. At the end of the intensive we had a small performance showing what we had learned.
While in New York I also had the chance to visit the Battery Dance Festival – a yearly outdoor dance festival hosted by the Battery Dance Company. I saw some really interesting pieces.”
Sweden
Back in Sweden, Kira also took open classes with former dancers from the Royal Swedish Ballet plus had the chance to see the dress rehearsal of Alexander Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. “This is by far one of my absolute favourite ballets, mixing modern and ballet in a superb way.”
Australia
Another two of our Year 3 students were welcomed into Queensland Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional Program for 2 weeks. Iris and Michael spoke about their experience:
“Over the summer we had the opportunity to fly to Australia and spend two weeks with the wonderful Queensland Ballet Academy Pre-Professional Program in Brisbane. As well as following the academy’s daily schedule of classes, we were also lucky enough to take company class, an invaluable experience preparing us for a year of auditions ahead! A highlight of our trip was watching the Queensland Ballet Company and School performances which we found very inspiring. We also found the students in the program were incredibly welcoming and kindly showed us all around Brisbane. We made some great friends that we can’t wait to show around London one day!”
Also in Australia, Ella was the recipient of a Leanne Benjamin Award from The Tait Memorial Trust. The Leanne Benjamin Awards are awarded to Australian and New Zealand dancers studying in the UK. Ella now continues her training with Central in her third year, also joining the Ballet Central company.
UK and Ireland
Back in the UK, several students took part in summer intensives around the country. Year 3 student, Isolde, spoke of her time in Leeds: “Attending Northen Ballet’s Summer Intensive was a great opportunity to get insight on company life there. I got to do some of their repertoire and watch company class!”
There are so many other stories of the wonderful adventures our students went on over their summer break. From New Adventure’s Swan School to Ballet Ireland’s Summer Intensive, we are delighted that our students are building industry connections and enhancing their training in so many diverse ways.
