The Sleeping Beauty Adult Repertoire Intensive Weekend

Dilek Taptik
Level 1 Faculty

Dilek’s dance journey began under the guidance of M. Cardiano and continued at the Mersin Conservatoire for Dance in Turkey, in Vaganova technique. She later earned an Advanced Classical Ballet Degree from the Ballet Academy Cologne in Germany, alongside the RAD STC, TC, TD teaching qualification and a National Ballet Pedagogy Diploma. Throughout her training, Dilek was mentored by renowned teachers, including former RAD Director Lynn Wallis OBE, as well as Deborah Wayne (Royal Ballet), Libby Farr, Gisela Peters, and A. C. Rogers.

As a demi-soloist with the State Opera in Turkey, Dilek’s most notable role was ‘Giselle,’ coached by N. Arikoglu of the Joffrey Ballet. She performed in Germany and Turkey, including roles such as the ‘Arabian Dancer’ in The Nutcracker, the corps in Swan Lake, Pas de Quatre, and La Sylphide.

In 2003, Dilek received a scholarship for a one-year Certificate at the London Contemporary Dance School (The Place). She later toured with the Cologne Theatre Ensemble, splitting her time between Germany and the UK. Dilek also trained in New York, taking classes at the Merce Cunningham Dance School, studying directly under Merce Cunningham. Her performance credits include the Tate Modern, the Roundhouse, and participation as a dancer in the Cannes Film Festival’s Straight8 Competition. She also appeared in a motion picture alongside Vanessa Paradis.

Following her performing career, Dilek focused on her teaching career which had always been an aim, She became Lead Ballet Tutor at Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Arts Educational Schools London (Arts Ed).

She is a sought-after guest teacher for Summer Schools and Intensives including RAD HQ London, IDW Summer Schools in Barcelona and London, City Literary Institute and through her own Masterclasses.

As a PBT-certified instructor, Dilek specializes in RAD Exam Coaching and Repertoire Coaching, with a focus on developing a clear understanding of classical ballet technique. Recently, she was nominated for the prestigious ‘Dance Teacher of the Year’ award by DSA.

In 2011, Dilek founded DT Dance, where she serves as Artistic Director and Teacher. Her teaching style is energetic, technical, and knowledgeable, while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere and a sense of humour. She places a strong emphasis on musicality, artistry, and the joy of movement, all while fostering a deep appreciation for the art form.

Damien Lee Stirk
Level 2 Faculty

Damien Lee Stirk (ARAD PDTD) is a distinguished professional dancer, actor, and classical ballet teacher with over two decades of experience across the international stage and theatre companies. A graduate of the English National Ballet School, Damien was selected to perform with English National Ballet before touring globally with Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, as a performer, dance captain, and company ballet teacher. 

In 2011, Damien graduated with distinction from the Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma (PDTD) at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), where he remains a regular guest faculty member. His extensive international teaching career has spanned the UK, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Japan, specialising in vocational-level training and adult ballet. 

As the founder and director of The Dancers Studio London, Damien provides a unique platform for dancers to train in the city’s most iconic spaces, fostering an environment of technical excellence and creative growth. Alongside his leadership role, he continues to perform as an actor with The Royal Ballet, appearing in major repertoire at the Royal Opera House, including Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Manon, Don Quixote and Giselle. 

We offer two different levels to choose from depending on your experience:

• Level 1: Open to dancers who are taking non-syllabus ballet classes at a general level and have some knowledge of ballet technique.
• Level 2 (SOLD OUT): Suitable for dancers currently studying RAD Inter-Foundation and above, or equivalent.

Please note, these workshops do not include pointe work.

Saturday: 10am – 3.45pm and Sunday: 10am – 4.15pm
Please note there will be a 45-minute lunch break each day.

Royal Academy of Dance
188 York Road
London
SW11 3JZ

See helpful information on how to find us here.