Modern Ballet
The Junior Conservatoire of Dance Modern Ballet programme is specially designed for young dancers aspiring to study dance full-time and progress to a professional dance career.
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Overview
Our BA Modern Ballet programme is delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet. The Juniors Modern Ballet course is overseen by The Head of Modern Ballet, Kerry Livingstone. Students will benefit from shared expertise and resources. We employ specialist dance lecturers and pride ourselves on the quality of the staff and continuity in delivery. Our teaching team have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the arts and are committed to supporting students through their learning journeys at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
This is an intensive training programme which is taught over two nights per week, at Wallace Studios, Speirs Locks in Glasgow. We expect students to be committed to their learning and development and to demonstrate a passion for, and love of, dance.
We are also able to offer Modern Ballet classes on Monday evenings at Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian.
Students will benefit from learning within a Conservatoire environment and have the opportunity to take part in Bridge Week, an interdisciplinary celebration where students from across the Junior Conservatoire come together to devise and perform new work within one of the Royal Conservatoire’s professional venues.
By studying in this Juniors Modern Ballet programme, you will:
- focus on your classical technique and develop strength in pointe work and virtuosity
- have the opportunity to work with students from other disciplines, including the Junior Conservatoire Music and Drama programmes
Entry to the programme is by audition only and we accept a small number of students each year into the programme to allow us to focus our teaching on each individual’s development.
The programme runs from August to June each year, and there are four levels of study available depending on your ability and experience. Many students join us at level 1 and progress through the levels to graduate from the Junior Conservatoire, having completed the full four or more years of study.
All students will be auditioned whether this is part of a round of scheduled auditions, an audition as part of a summer programme, or at the beginning of term.
Late applications will be at the discretion of RCS Junior Conservatoire on a case-by-case basis and will follow the same process of assessment.
Applicants will also have the opportunity to be part of the Young Ballet Company. The company has a performance and ensemble focus with students having the opportunity to explore repertoire and choreography to complement the weekly technique classes.
The Young Ballet Company meet every Sunday in the term from 10 am – 3 pm at Wallace Studios.
See the ‘Find Out More’ button above to apply to courses at Glasgow Wallace Studio or Dalkeith Place in Edinburgh.
The important details
For Ages:
11—18
Application Deadline:
August 2024
Venue:
The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks 210 Garscube Road Glasgow G4 9RR
Dates:
31 August 2024 - 20 June 2025
Open Day
Thursday 29th May 2025
Cost
Fees for 2024/25 £700/£900/ £1750
Why Study Modern Ballet at the Junior Conservatoire?
The Junior Conservatoire Modern Ballet programme is for aspiring dancers who wish to progress towards full-time, vocational study at a higher education level.
Benefits of studying at the Junior Conservatoire include:
- Learn within Scotland’s national conservatoire, recognised as one of the world’s top ten performing arts education institutions (2024 QS World Rankings)
- Train on specifically designed courses for students working towards full-time vocational training in dance
- Use bespoke, purpose-built dance facilities at Wallace Studios, Speirs Locks
- Work with live accompaniment each week.
Juniors Ballet
Programme Structure
As a dance student in the Junior Conservatoire, you will have a busy timetable of classes to attend weekly to ensure you develop your dance technique at the right pace.
Junior Conservatoire students can expect to:
- work within a specially designed curriculum that focuses on ballet technique, body conditioning, musicality and performance
- learn strengthening, stretching and conditioning exercises which you are expected to practise at home
- undertake pointe work and virtuosity
- have the opportunity to join the Young Ballet Company (an additional audition may be required)
Students who choose to apply for the Young Ballet Company and also attend the Modern Ballet weekly classes are entitled to receive either a 25% or 50% loyalty discount on their Young Ballet Company fees.
Level 1 and 2: Wednesdays and Fridays 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Level 3 and 4: Tuesdays 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Level 3 and 4 Thursdays 6.45 pm – 8.45 pm
Level 1 and 2: Mondays 5.15pm – 6.45pm
Level 3: Mondays 7.30pm – 9 pm
Level 4: Mondays 7pm – 9pm
Facilities
Glasgow
Junior Conservatoire Modern Ballet students will train in the Wallace Studios, using the same facilities as the BA Modern Ballet degree students.
The Wallace Studios were purpose-built for our ballet students. There are four large dance studios, each with a piano and playback system.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh classes are held in The Restoration Yard at Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian.
Entry Requirements
Entry to the Junior Conservatoire of Dance is by audition only, and progression through the levels is not automatic — students will be assessed each year if they would like to continue with their studies. We look for applicants to show passion for dance and a desire to develop and progress to study on a vocational dance course in the future.
Students are expected to be of secondary school age when the course begins. As a guide, we look for the following level of ballet experience for each level and age range:
- Level 1 S1 Intermediate Foundation (or equivalent)
- Level 2 S2 Intermediate Foundation/Intermediate (or equivalent)
- Level 3 S3 Intermediate (or equivalent)
- Level 4 S4 Advanced Foundation/Advanced 1 (or equivalent)
Fees & Funding
Tuition fees
Fees (2024/2025)
Glasgow – one day per week (2 hours): £900
Glasgow – two days per week (4 hours): £1750
Edinburgh – Level 1-3 (1.5hrs) £700
Edinburgh – Level 4 (2hrs) £1,000
How to Apply
We want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to apply for the Junior Conservatoire Modern Ballet programme and everyone who applies on time will receive an audition.
When to apply
Application for entry to the Junior Conservatoire Modern Ballet programme in August 2025/26 will open in January 2025.
All applications should be completed online and there is an audition fee of £45.
If you need financial support to pay for the audition fee please contact us at juniorsdance@rcs.ac.uk
Audition Information
All auditions for the Junior Conservatoire Modern Ballet programme will be held the week beginning 16th June 2025. We will also still accept auditions for the start of term in September 2024.
We will contact you after the application closing date with further details as to how to prepare for the audition and your timeslot. Please note we are unable to accommodate rescheduling requests should you be unavailable.
The Audition Process
Your audition will consist of a group ballet class in front of a panel of RCS lecturers and specialist teachers.
- We recommend you arrive 30 minutes before the start time to ensure you have adequate time to warm up.
- Please wear dance practice clothing.
- Senior ballet students (from age 15/S3) should also bring pointe shoes.
We aim to inform all applicants of our decision within three weeks of the audition.
Above all, remember the panel wants to see your passion for dance.
We look forward to meeting you!
Term Dates
Term Dates 2024/25
Date: Sunday 25th August 2024
Location: Wallace Studios
2nd September – 15th December 2024
(no sessions from the 7th – 20th of October)
Term 2
6th January- 6th April 2025
(no classes 17th – 23rd February)
22nd April- 22nd June 2025
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about the Junior Conservatoire or the application process please don’t hesitate to contact us at juniorsdance@rcs.ac.uk.
Or join us for our Open Evening on Thursday the 29th of May 2025.