Introduction

Delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet

This programme is designed to help you build a robust classical technique and prepare you for the profession as a confident, versatile and technically strong dancer. You will graduate with the skills required by professional ballet companies as well as the ability to communicate effectively with an audience through the performance of a wide variety of classical, modern, and contemporary choreography.

Our partnership with Scottish Ballet provides numerous opportunities, allowing you to gain invaluable insight into professional life. You will work regularly with Scottish Ballet staff and dancers, and internationally-acclaimed teachers and choreographers. You will also have the opportunity to participate in performances or placements.

We are the only UK conservatoire to offer training in all of the performance art disciplines and are dedicated to enabling, and encouraging, students to work collaboratively to expand their artistic horizons. You might find yourself performing on film for our filmmaking students, choreographing a piece with our composers, or on stage at one of Scotland’s major theatres.

Our facilities are among the best in Europe and feature state of the art dance studios and professional venues, as well as a whole range of other facilities to support you.

You will take part in numerous performance opportunities, within a variety of environments and contexts, further enhancing the breadth of training, and enhancing your employability. We aim to train you to be versatile and adapt across a variety of styles to prepare you for work both in the UK and internationally.

You will be offered a plethora of exciting opportunities during your time with us, from performance to collaboration to work based learning, all of which are designed to nurture your individual development as a distinctive and intelligent artist, as well as allowing you to focus on the style of dance most suited to your unique talents and interests.

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Programme structure

Year one

Your first year of training is focused on developing a sound technical and artistic basis in both classical ballet and contemporary dance. This grounding will be enhanced by supporting subjects such as Pilates, pas de deux, pointework, virtuosity and contextual studies. In repertoire classes, corps de ballet work and solos are introduced and you will learn the fundamentals of creating work in the ‘Introduction to Choreography’ module. You will end your first year with a performance in the end of year show.

Year two

In second year, you will focus on building upon the skills learned in first year both technically and artistically. In repertoire, you will gain skills as a solo performer (in both ballet and contemporary) including learning works from the classics. The collaborative element of choreography is developed through the opportunity to work with other departments on the creation of a new work and you will have more performance opportunities, including the Piano and Dance festival and a specially commissioned work created for the annual performance.

Year three

Third year is a year of refinement of individual strengths (focusing more intensively on either ballet or contemporary dance), development of artistic and performance skills and preparation for auditions for professional employment. You will have the opportunity to work with Scottish Ballet and other professional companies in Company Class, gaining invaluable professional experience. The ‘Solos Evening’ is a highlight for the third years, where you perform your chosen classical and contemporary graduation solos and your training will culminate in the annual graduation performance in June.

A typical week

In addition to the daily ballet class, students will have classes in pas de deux, contemporary dance, repertoire, pointe work, virtuosity, contextual studies, Pilates and Gyrotonics. Students will also have the opportunity to work individually with tutors on technique and repertoire solos. In addition, there will be observation sessions at Scottish Ballet and work with Company members where appropriate. The timetable is predominantly practical (generally 9am-5pm), with additional Saturday morning sessions.

Student profiles

Natasha Boon

19 year old Natasha moved from her home in Singapore to study on the BA Modern Ballet programme, enrolling in the second year of the degree.

She spoke to us about her experience of being an international student in Scotland and why she chose to study here.

Staff and masterclasses

Kerry Livingstone
Head of BA Modern Ballet; Head of Associate Programme, Scottish Ballet

Fabrice Maufrais
Lecturer, ex-Principal Dancer, Scottish Ballet and Nantes Opera Ballet (ballet, virtuosity, repertoire and pas de deux)

Louisa Ross
Lecturer, ex-Scottish Ballet dancer (ballet, repertoire, female solos)

Diana Loosmore
Lecturer, BA Modern Ballet; ex-soloist, Scottish Ballet

Kara McLaughlin
Lecturer (ballet, repertoire, pointework, ladies solos)

Guest Teachers/Choreographers

• Glauco Di Leito – (repertoire and pas de deux)
• Eleanor Moore – (coaching and repertoire)
• Eve Mutso – (coaching and repertoire)
• Steinvor Palsson – (contemporary technique)
• David Hughes – (contemporary)
• Aaron Vickers – (contemporary)
• Kerry Nicholls – (contemporary)
• Paul Liburd – (contemporary and repertoire)
• Mikah Smillie – (contemporary and repertoire)
• Rowan MacGregor – (jazz)
• Penny Withers – (coaching)
• Gordon Cunningham – (TRX and mens conditioning)

Accompanists

• Alan Costello
• Andrew Brown
• Christopher Nicol
• Edward Cohen
• Elizabeth Hart
• David Robertson – Accompanist/Drummer (Contemporary)

Scottish Ballet

• Christopher Hampson – Artistic Director and CEO
• Oliver Rydout – Rehearsal Director
• Maria Jiminez – Rehearsal Co-ordinator
• Sophie Martin – Principal Dancer
• Constance Devernay – Principal Dancer
• Sophie Laplane – Choreographer in Residence
• Jamiel Laurence – Soloist

In addition, students have a wide range of guest lecturers/choreographers. Recently, these have included:

• Nicolas Blanc – Ballet master, Scottish Ballet
• Patricia Lent – Cunningham Foundation, New York
• Maria Himenez – Ballet Mistress, Scottish Ballet
• Scottish Dance Theatre
• Alvin Ailey dance Company
• English National Ballet Company
• Rambert Dance Company

Why choose us?

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 5 for performing arts education.

• Delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet
• Small class sizes
• World-class facilities
• Excellent staff-student ratio
• Opportunities for artistic collaboration across RCS
• Compete in various international competitions, including the Genée International Ballet Competition, Cecchetti International Ballet Competition, Prix de Lausanne and Young British Dancer of the Year during study
• Opportunity to complete the Royal Academy of Dance internationally-recognised vocational graded examinations

100% of Modern Ballet graduate respondents are in employment or further study (HESA, 15/16)

How to apply

Applications for the BA Modern Ballet programme should be made through the UCAS Conservatoires website. There is a UCAS application fee of £25 (which is in addition to the audition fee) which allows you up to six choices of programme of study.

For more information on how to apply, please visit the Apply section.

Before applying we recommend that you read the Guide for Applicants which provides information regarding entry requirements, and the full application and audition process.

Begin your Applicant Journey here.

Student showcase

Class of 2018

Zara Brent

Zara Brent

Zara was born in Newcastle, Australia and began dancing at the age of three. She developed a great passion for Classical Ballet when she was selected for the Australian Ballet School’s Interstate Training Program in 2011.

In 2016, Zara moved to Sydney to commence full-time Classical Ballet training at the Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy, under the coaching and artistic direction of Lucinda Dunn OAM. In December 2016, she enjoyed performing with the Sydney City Youth Ballet Company in The Nutcracker, in the roles of the Snow Queen and the Arabian, choreographed by Paul Boyd and Tanya Pearson.

Preceding this, she was awarded her Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) from the National College of Dance, in Newcastle, Australia, where she trained full-time in 2014 and 2015.

In September 2017, Zara relocated to Scotland to join the third year of the BA Modern Ballet Programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Shortly after moving to Glasgow, Zara felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Scottish Ballet, joining the company on their tour of the Stravinsky Season and performing with the corps de ballet as a village lady, in Sir Kenneth MacMillion’s Le Baiser de la Fée (The Fairy’s Kiss). Zara was fortunate enough to have the opportunity of touring to London with Scottish Ballet, participating in classes with the Royal Ballet Company and performing in Le Baiser de la Fée at the Royal Opera House, as a part of ‘Kenneth Macmillan: A National Celebration’.

Jaimee-Lee Camkin

Jaimee-Lee Camkin

Born in Cronulla, Australia, Jaimee-lee previously trained fulltime in Sydney under the guidance of Hilary Kaplan (Royal Ballet) and Archibald McKenzie at Alegria Dance Studios.

Since Arriving in Scotland, Jaimee-lee was selected to be part of Scottish Ballet’s Youth Exchange Program in 2016/17. This allowed her to travel to New York to Perform alongside TISCH, NYU’s Performing arts department at The Joyce Theatre, where she also had the opportunity to attend workshops with leading dance companies such as New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey and Mark Morris.

Soon after she travelled with the second year students to Montreal, Canada, to perform a piece choreographed by director of company CAS Public, Helen Blackburn, alongside the students of Ballet Divertimento. This piece was later performed in the Graduation Performance 2017. Jaimee-lee was cast in Ewan Hambleton’s winning piece Vision for the choreography competition, which was then performed in the graduation show and at SWG3’s Grand Opening in Glasgow.

In 2017 she attended Summer Schools at The Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School and in Prague where she was taught by world class teachers such as Daria Klimentova (ENB), Darcy Bussell (Royal Ballet), Monique Loudieres (Paris Opera Ballet), Ernst Meisner (Director Dutch National Junior Co.), Alexander Campbell (Royal Ballet), Zenaida Yanowsky (Royal Ballet), Liam Scarlett (Royal Ballet Choreographer) and many more.

After Summer, Jaimee-lee was invited to join Scottish Ballet in their Autumn Tour, performing Sir Kenneth McMillan’s Le Baiser De La Fee (The Fairy’s Kiss), which was performed at the Royal Opera House, London for a National Celebration of Sir Kenneth McMillan. This gave Jaimee-lee the opportunity to attend company class with The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Erin Crowley

Erin Crowley

Erin was born in Welwyn Garden City and started dancing at the age of five at Carter School of Dance. It was there she found her love of classical ballet and was accepted as an Associate with Tring Park Classical Ballet Academy at eleven. After a year at secondary school she left to train full time and went on to study at Anna Du Boisson’s school, Young Dancers Academy in London. Here she trained in classical ballet, tap, jazz and singing. Each year she performed in The Nutcracker at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. Erin came to Glasgow in 2015 after being awarded a place on the BA in Modern Ballet.

Erin has had the pleasure of being taught by Ayako Yamada-Beagley (English National Ballet) and Vanessa Palmer (Royal Ballet). She has always loved to travel and has attended International summer programs, including the Royal Danish Ballet and Ballet Master Class in Prague allowing her to be taught by well known artists such as, Daria Klemontova and Sarah Lamb. Whilst at RCS she has had the opportunity to have worked with great choreographers such as, Christopher Hampson, Kerry Nicholls and Helene Blackburn and to take company class with Scottish Ballet.

She has enjoyed the opportunity to perform at the Royal Opera House, Plas des Arts, Canada and at the National Theatre of Cuba alongside company members of Laura Alonzo Ballet and Prodanza. Erin has secured a contract as a Corps de Ballet dancer with Ruse State Ballet Opera in Bulgaria and has begun rehearsals and performances of Swan Lake.

Jake Davies

Jake Davies

Jake started dancing at the Dianne Bonner Theatre Dance School from the age of 4. He then went on to join the Royal Ballet Junior Associates in Leeds at the age of 7 under the mentorship of Melanie Agar. It was here that he learnt the foundations of his classical ballet technique and found his passion for dancing. Then from the age of 11 he joined Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham where he stayed for 3 years before attending the Northern Ballet Academy’s Centre for Advanced Training where he was taught by Yoko Ichino and Douglas Thorpe.

During his time at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland he has had the opportunities to work very closely with Scottish Ballet. In first year he worked with Jamiel Laurence for an all-boys Scottish inspired choreography named Wits Fir YE! for the end of year show, this was also performed for HRH Prince Charles for a collaboration between RCS and Dumfries house. It was also performed for the Scottish ballet fundraiser in 2017 where Jake performed the solo. Jake also had the amazing chance to go on tour with Scottish Ballet, performing The Fairy’s Kiss (le Baiser de la fee) for the company’s Autumn tour. This production also toured to the royal opera house for the anniversary of Sir Kenneth MacMillan. Jake has also been asked to travel to Canada to represent RCS and work with ballet divertimento. It is in Canada that he has built his relationship with Montréal based company Cas public directed by Helene Blackburn. He has performed in the place des arts one of Helene Blackburn’s choreographies a hero’s lullaby. Jake also was a part of the Scottish ballet youth exchange, here he had the opportunity to travel to New York to work with NYU dance department Tisch and perform a piece inspired by Brian Arius motion of displacement in the Joyce theatre. Now the first step of his professional career will take him to Ballet Theatre UK where he has been offered a full time contract as a company dancer, he will perform works such as sleeping beauty, Swan Lake and beauty and the beast.

Keenan Fletcher

Keenan Fletcher

Keenan was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He started his dance training in fusion modern at the end of high school with his school troupe and went on to join a local dance group in Jamaica where he danced for two years while earning his RAD certification at the local Vickers Dance studio.

He applied for the BAMB course in 2016 and was accepted into the 2nd year where he began his first full-time ballet and contemporary training.

Since joining BA Modern Ballet, Keenan has performed with Jamaican born recording artiste Brina Murray, in Jamiel Laurence’s Whit’s Fir Ye! at Scottish ballet’s 2017 Fundraising Gala and performed with the Peter Darrell’s The Nutcracker on the Scottish Ballet Tour 2018.

 

Lucy MacPhail

Lucy MacPhail

Born and raised in Scotland, Lucy began dancing at the age of 9 at Dansarena Studios in Ayr. Scottish Ballet’s Mid then Senior Associate Scheme as well as the Junior Conservatoire, provided a thorough grounding in classical and contemporary technique as well as kindling future aspiration.

Since joining the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland BA Modern Ballet, from the daily class work, workshops and expert feedback, as well as her additional independent program of cardio and strength exercise, Lucy has developed her technique and worked to widen her performance repertoire. Encouraged to fully participate not just in the performance aspect of dance, but in the creative process itself, she has developed a greater appreciation of different choreographic styles and collaboration with other fellow artists beyond the world of dance.

Having gained a distinction in her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 examination, Lucy is preparing for her Solo Seal examination.

Lucy has embraced a number of performance opportunities, such as the end of year Degree Shows, Piano and dance festivals. These have offered invaluable experiences to work with a range renowned creative talents such as Matthew Robinson, Christopher Hampson and Kerry Nicholls but also to develop her own ability to layer an internal emotional connection with their works. Lucy is really looking forward to her next steps as a professional dancer.

Lucy Shaw

Lucy Shaw

Lucy was bon in Perth, Scotland and began her dance training at the age of 4. She is very grateful to Julie Young Dance Studios where she was trained and encouraged to join both the Scottish Ballet Junior Associate Programme in Glasgow and The Royal Ballet Mid Associate Programme in Covent Garden, London. In April 2011, Lucy won the Scottish Junior Ballet Championships and in September 2011, Lucy moved to Birmingham to train full time at Elmhurst Ballet School. In her 4 years there Lucy trained in classical ballet, contemporary, flamenco and jazz and performed for HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Darcey Bussell, David Bintley and Desmond Kelly, amongst others.

Throughout her training, Lucy has attended the Yorkshire Ballet Summer School, Ballet Cymru International Summer School, Northern Ballet International Summer School and RCS Summer School.

In 2015, Lucy chose to train at RCS on the BA Modern Ballet Programme. In 2017, Lucy thoroughly enjoyed performing with her year group at the Place des Arts in Montreal, Canada. Lucy has passed all her RAD ballet exams with Distinction which entitled her to compete at the Genée International Ballet competition in August, 2017 held in Lisbon, Portugal where she performed her own choreography.

In December 2017, Lucy successfully auditioned for a 2-year contract at Plovdiv State Opera Ballet, Bulgaria and in February 2018 she commenced her post as a ballet dancer. Lucy is very grateful to RCS for making it possible for her to complete all her assessments and commitments before she left and is looking forward to becoming a graduate of RCS.

Lucy is enjoying her new working life in Plovdiv and has had the opportunity to perform in a new production of Alice in Wonderland as well as perform in the Grand Pas de Quatre in the April Ballet Gala. Lucy is looking forward to performing in Giselle at the Ancient Theatre in July.

Nuno Tauber

Nuno Tauber

Nuno was born in Porto, Portugal and started training at the age of seven at Estúdio de Dança Margarida Valle. He joined Ginasiano Escola de Dança where he had the chance to perform with KALE Dance Company at the age of fourteen.

Since joining RCS, Nuno has taken part in a few dance competitions, where he won 1^st Prize Ballet Category at CIB Porto 2017. He was also awarded full Scholarships for Summer Schools at the Royal Ballet School Antwerp and Palucca Hochschule für Tanz Dresden. This year Nuno had the opportunity to take part in the Winter Tour of The Nutcracker with Scottish ballet.

Rhys Thomas

Rhys Thomas

Rhys started dancing at the age of 10 when he joined Northern Ballet as part of their advanced training program. He trained for a total of seven years there under the careful watch of Yoko Ichino and David Nixon. Upon graduating in 2015, Rhys joined The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Since joining the RCS Rhys has had many different opportunities to explore new types of dance and work with many different choreographers. In his second year, Rhys had the chance to join the Scottish Ballet Youth Exchange. Through this program he traveled to New York to perform and also to explore dance culture in America. Rhys says that his personal favourite experiences have been his trip to New York, performing with his year group in Canada and also performing for HRH Prince Charles.

 

Anna Williams

Anna Williams

Anna started dancing in Sheffield at a local dance school and was accepted onto The Northern Ballet Academy CAT programme from the age of 10. She continued her training there under Yoko Ichino for six years and then was offered a place at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Anna had the opportunity to go on tour this year with Scottish Ballet for two seasons including The Fairy’s Kiss which toured to the Royal Opera House for the 25^th anniversary of Kenneth Macmillan and The Nutcracker which toured all over Scotland. She will be joining them as an Artist as of August this year.

Entry requirements

• National 5s – 5 passes (equivalents such as Standard Grades (Grade 1-3) or Intermediate 1 or 2 are also considered)
• GCSEs – 5 at grade C or above
• Knowledge of ballet vocabulary to a minimum of Intermediate level (or equivalent)
• Appropriate physical qualities for a career in professional classical dance

We offer a flexible approach to students taking Highers over more than one academic year and/or who achieve their qualifications in more than one sitting.

Entrance to the Conservatoire is based on talent, potential and ability, therefore consideration will be given to relevant experience which is deemed to compensate for any traditional education. We accept a wide range of qualifications, including international qualifications. If you wish to check the suitability of your qualification/experience, please contact us admissions@rcs.ac.uk.

English Language

The language of study is English. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Other equivalent English Language qualifications may be considered, please contact us admissions@rcs.ac.uk for more information.

• IELTS – 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component

Fees & scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2018-19

• Scottish/EU Students – £1,820
• Rest of UK (RUK) Students – £9,250
• International (Non EU) – £16,026

Scottish/EU students

The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will pay tuition fees for all eligible full-time Scottish-based and other non-UK undergraduate EU students, who are studying in Scotland at degree level for the first time. Students should apply to SAAS for payment of tuition fees even if they are not applying for any other means of support. Eligible students can also apply for student loans through SAAS. For further advice and to check eligibility contact SAAS directly on 0300 555 0505 or visit their website.

Rest of UK students

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland studying in Scotland will be eligible for the same funding/loan package that they would benefit from if they attended an institution in their home country. For further advice please visit student finance England , student finance Wales , or student finance Northern Ireland as appropriate.

International students

Students from outside the EU typically fund higher education by a variety of resources, depending on the home country. More specific information on funding options relevant to specific countries can be found here .

Scholarships

Any potential student who auditions for a place at the Royal Conservatoire will automatically be considered for a scholarship. They are awarded on a combination of talent, potential and financial need. More information about Scholarships is available on our Fees and Funding page.

Sources of external funding

For more information about alternative funding sources, including external scholarships and bursaries, please visit Fees and Funding.

The Conservatoire’s International and Student Experience team are available to advise and assist applicants and current students in respect of queries about funding your studies at the Conservatoire. Please email or telephone +44 (0)141 270 8281/ +44 (0)141 270 8223 for further information.

Graduate destinations

Our graduating students have been contracted to a range of renowned companies including:

• Scottish Ballet
• Northern Ballet
• Joffrey Ballet Apprenticeship
• Geneva Junior Ballet
• Balletto di Roma
• Alberta Ballet
• Mystic Ballet
• Moravian Theatre Ballet
• Northern Ballet Graduate Apprenticeship
• National Dance Company of Wales Apprenticeship
• Universal Ballet Korea
• David Hughes Dance Company
• Vienna Festival Ballet
• National Theatre of Scotland
• FX Saldy Dance Theatre

Facilities

The main dance facilities are located within the Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks, designed by the award-winning Malcolm Fraser Architects. The Wallace Studios are a short walk away from the Renfrew Street building and houses four large high-specification dance spaces, dressing rooms, showers and a gym.

See the facilities here.

Images and videos

Modern Ballet Graduation Showcase 2016

Modern Ballet Graduation Performance 2015

Modern Ballet Graduation Performance 2014

Auditions

Auditions are held throughout the year, both at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and on location around the UK and internationally.

Auditions are held between February and April at RCS and in London.

Attending an audition

You will participate in a classical ballet class which is taught by a qualified teacher and accompanied by a pianist. A panel will observe the class and will notify you of the outcome shortly after the audition.

• Applicants will be expected to participate in a classical ballet class which will consist of barre work, centre practice, adage, pirouettes and allegro. Additionally, girls will be given pointe work.
• The class will consist entirely of ‘free’ work.
• The class will be taught by a qualified teacher and accompanied by a pianist.
• The vocabulary and enchainements will be at an Intermediate level.
• The class will be of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes duration.
• The class will be observed by a panel and applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their audition shortly after.

In the course of the audition, the panel will be looking for evidence that in most, if not all of the following aspects you are able to demonstrate:

• evidence of technique, style and the physical fitness to cope with the intensive demands of the programme
• the ability to understand and apply instruction given by the teacher
• the ability to communicate effectively with the teacher/choreographer and other members of the group

Candidates who are successful at the preliminary auditions will be invited to attend a recall audition.

You can find more information in our Guide for Applicants Journey.