Central School of Ballet

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Central School of Ballet

Central School of Ballet is one of Europe’s leading centres for professional dance training.
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The school was founded in 1982 by Ann Stannard and the late Christopher Gable CBE, who established the school’s values of artistic expression in dance, and the importance of technique. Central offers a two year Foundation Degree in Professional Dance and Performance leading to a further year of training to complete a BA (Hons) degree, and a ballet-focused MA Choreography programme, all accredited by the University of Kent.

28/08/2026

2025 Graduate Success - Hugh Lewis 🌟

“After graduating from Central, I joined the Serbian National Ballet in Novi Sad and have recently been promoted to Soloist. I've performed a variety of pieces this season, such as Swan Lake, the Prince in The Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardée, and Espada in Don Quixote, and earlier this month, I made my stage debut as Albrecht in Giselle.

My initial transition into company life was intimidating and presented many mental and physical challenges, but the training, discipline, and artistic foundation I gained at Central prepared me for professional life. I am incredibly appreciative of my time there and have wonderful memories of the experiences, friendships, and mentoring that helped me develop as a dancer and person.”

Photo 2: A Squared Photo

26/08/2026

2025 Graduate Success - Olivia Hayes 🌟

“Since graduating, I joined the Grand Classic Ballet winter tour, performing Swan Lake and The Nutcracker across Germany. It has been an incredible experience dancing in so many beautiful theatres and locations. I was chosen to perform a principal role in The Nutcracker, and it was a privilege to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy for audiences — I learned so much from the experience. I then went on to perform Odette/Odile with Grand Classic Ballet in their tour of Swan Lake.

Central prepared me extremely well, and the transition into company life felt very smooth. The training and experience I gained through Ballet Central gave me the skills and confidence I needed to settle into the company quickly.

What I miss most from Central are my friends and teachers. The constant support and environment we created together will always be special to me.”

24/08/2026

2025 Graduate Success - Jemima Gosling 🌟

“Since graduating from Central, I have been working with English National Ballet on their tour of Sleeping Beauty. We performed in Liverpool, Manchester, and Southampton, before completing the tour with performances at the Royal Albert Hall in June. I also performed in My First Ballet: Cinderella, which toured to UK theatres including Sadler's Wells East. It has been an incredible experience stepping into the professional world and working alongside such inspiring artists.

Going from school into working with a company is a big transition, but I felt surprisingly prepared for the leap. Having worked with ENB in 2024 on The Nutcracker and touring with Ballet Central in my final months at Central really helped bridge the gap between training and professional life.

I mostly miss the people from Central. Being surrounded by friends and teachers who created such a supportive and fun environment made the whole experience truly special, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.”

Photography by ASH

22/08/2026

2025 Graduate Success - Theo Shirt 🌟

“Since graduating from Central, I started my first professional contract in August with the contemporary ballet company Miskolci Balett in Hungary.

Transitioning from training to working within a company has been an exciting experience. Inspiration from peers around me, both in rehearsals and performances, has given me the opportunity to learn further and from different perspectives. Working with a variety of dance styles has also influenced how I can move differently, helping me to explore new dynamics and use the space around me on stage, to the fullest.

Fortunately, my time at Central helped me develop versatility as a dancer. Key elements of styles prepared me in readiness for performing and premiering in new works, including neoclassical, contemporary, and operettas over the past year.

These experiences have given me the opportunity to explore roles in depth on stage, as well as continuing to refine the technique and stylistic approach.

The thing I miss the most about Central is the people who helped me over the 3 years, as they played an important role in my journey toward becoming a professional dancer.”

Photo by Mihály Samu Gálos

20/08/2026

2025 Graduate Success - Archie Anderson 🌟

"Since leaving Central, I have started my first professional season with The Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad. Here I have had the opportunity to perform many classical ballets, notably Giselle where I performed Hilarion, and La Fille Mal Gardée as the rooster. I have also had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Annabelle Lopez Ochoa on her triple bill with the theatre.

My time at Central prepared me for everything I’ve faced so far as a professional. From the audition process to the time in the studio, Central taught me how to face every challenge.

What I miss most about Central is the people I met while I was there, every connection I made there was truly special and inspiring."

Photos by Leonardo Binnello
Dancer in photo 1 & 2: Samantha Escobar

17/08/2026

Applications are now open for our Autumn Audition Preparation Course!

Join us this October half term, Tuesday 27 October – Thursday 29 October 2026, for three days of intensive training packed with useful audition technique advice.

Participants are taught by Central's degree course faculty, and also receive individual feedback at the end of the three days. The focus of the course is to develop confidence and understanding of how to perform in auditions.

Open to dancers aged 14-16 years, in school years 9-11, with a minimum of RAD Intermediate or equivalent. Applications close Monday 21 September 2026.

Find out more and apply now by visiting our website at https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/dance-classes-courses/short-courses/ballet-intensives/

Photos by Lauren Hewett

14/08/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

Applications to our Foundation and BA(Hons) Top-Up degree courses open on Monday 28 September 2026.

Discover Central's training on our website, by exploring our Degree Course pages - centralschoolofballet.co.uk/degree-courses/

To be eligible, applicants must be 16 as of 1 September 2027. Audition dates and deadlines to be announced shortly. Check back in September for all information on 2027 entry, including Open Days, our Assisted Application Scheme, and how to apply.

Photo by Jack Lowndes and Lauren Hewett

05/08/2026

We are hiring 💼

Can you communicate a passion for dance across a range of digital and media
platforms to international, national and local audiences?

We’re looking for a dynamic individual experienced in marketing and social media to join us in London’s Southbank arts community. You will understand the joy of dance and help us promote the excellence of our higher education courses alongside a wide range of activities from the Ballet Central tour to programmes for
our neighbours in Southwark.

Find out more and apply now: https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/about-us/work-with-us/

Photo by Drew Tommons
Dancer: Haruka Kawamura

Address

London

Telephone

+442078376332

Website

http://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/

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