Senior Summer School

Step into a world of dance this summer!

Come and enjoy a fun-filled week of dancing with us this summer. This programme is designed for young aspiring dancers. It provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in dance, learning within a creative environment, from top professional teachers in the industry whilst making friends with like-minded students from the UK and abroad. The week will enhance students’ dance technique and artistry and culminates in a sharing of work on the final day of the course—all taking place within the Academy’s world-class purpose-built studios and facilities.

With great National and International travel connections, RAD London welcomes you to immerse yourself in a full-programme of dance each summer.

Highlights of the programme include:

• A trip to see a performance at one of London’s top dance theatres
• Experience a range of classes with a strong focus on ballet technique, building into classical repertoire, contemporary technique, and choreography
• Develop your skills in the performing arts
• The chance to be taught by professional teachers with years of experience within the industry
• The opportunity to perform to friends and family in the Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre at our purpose-built headquarters

Win a free place at Senior Summer School – Book by 31 January!

Don’t miss out! Book your spot by 31 January 2025 and grab the chance to win a FREE place at the Senior Summer School! Imagine an unforgettable summer adventure—on the house! The lucky winner will be announced in February 2025.

Book now →

Who can attend?

Senior Summer School students should currently be studying the Vocational Graded ballet syllabus Intermediate up to Advanced 2, or the equivalent, and therefore be familiar with the ballet terminology and phrases at Intermediate level or above. There is no audition, selection, or elimination process. Students will be grouped by the Artistic Team according to their age and the information provided on their application relating to their Grade in ballet and other dance experience. Please ensure your application is accurate.

Students can be studying the RAD ballet syllabus or another ballet syllabus, and are not required to have RAD Membership to be eligible to attend the London Summer School. Please review our syllabus vocabulary if you are unsure what level they are currently studying.

Are you studying Grade 2 – Inter-Foundation ballet, or equivalent? See our Junior Summer School.

Date

• Monday 11 – Saturday 16 August 2025

Closing date: Monday 30 June 2025

Venue

The Summer School will be held at our purpose-built studios in London. Full address details below:

Royal Academy of Dance
188 York Road
London
SW11 3JZ

Please see the travel guide to get to our studios.

Classes

All students will participate in classical ballet technique and contemporary technique classes in the morning, followed by repertoire and choreography/creative sessions in the afternoon.

Classes will be approximately 1.5 hours in duration each.

Please note the Summer School will not include pointe work.

Please see an example timetable of what a day at the Senior Summer School may look like.

Times

Monday-Friday: 9.45am – 5pm
Saturday: Hours vary

• Students will have a short morning and afternoon break with a longer lunch break in the middle of the day.
• On the day of the theatre trip there will be a later finish and on the Saturday, hours will vary for the open day.
• A full timetable will be included in the final Information Pack sent to all attendees following the closing date.

Theatre trip

As part of the Senior Summer School students will attend an evening performance at one of London’s top dance theatres with pizza provided at the RAD beforehand. Please note, coaches will be provided to escort all students to the theatre and parents must collect students under 18 from the theatre after the show.

Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders The Redemption of Thomas Shelby

Thursday 14 August 2025, 7.30pm

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN

Rambert’s thrilling stage adaptation captures the Peaky Blinders story, with stunning performances from Rambert’s dancers and an iconic soundtrack from a live on-stage band.

Opening in the trenches of Flanders, a personal story unfolds in post-war industrial Birmingham as the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate. Meanwhile Tommy is intoxicated by mysterious newcomer, Grace.  As Tommy builds his empire, Grace is operating as an undercover agent for Special Branch on a mission to get close to the heart of Tommy’s gang. As the story unfolds, hearts are broken, and revenge is sought. Key points of the story are illuminated by Narrator Benjamin Zephaniah (Jeremiah in the TV series).

Tuition Award

One tuition award will be presented to a student (at any level) who has shown significant improvement at the RAD Senior Summer School. The award is one week’s tuition at an RAD Summer School in 2026 or 2027.

Faculty

The Summer School team consists of graduates of the RAD Professional Dance Teachers Diploma, teachers at the RAD Dance School, professional Dance Artists, performers, and choreographers working in Vocational Dance Schools and in the West End. All tutors have many years of experience working with young dancers to develop their technique, bring out their creativity, and further their love of movement and dance.

Faculty will be announced here in due course.

Lunch

Students must bring a packed lunch each day as this will not be provided. Snacks and drinks will be available for students during the breaks. All dietary requirements should be submitted at the time of applying.

Accommodation

The RAD does not organise accommodation for students, however, if you are looking for somewhere close by to stay, you may find our List of Accommodation helpful.

Discounts

• RAD members discount: students who are members of the RAD will receive a discounted price. Please enter your RAD ID when prompted to do so during the booking process to receive this discount.
• Sibling discounts: Two sibling students: 10% off total cost of tuition fee, and three or more sibling students: 20% off total cost of tuition fees. Please contact the Learning and Participation Team by emailing participate@rad.org.uk to retrieve the discount code prior to booking.
• Group discounts: A 10% discount will be applied to the tuition fee for groups of 10-15 students. Please contact the Learning and Participation Team by emailing participate@rad.org.uk to secure places. Please note, group bookings are subject to availability.

Discounts cannot be combined; only one discount option is allowed per booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

For further questions, please see our FAQs here or contact participate@rad.org.uk.

Book now →

Please ensure you check the ticket details carefully. If the ticket you wish to book appears sold out, please apply online for the ‘Waiting List’ ticket. The will contact you should a suitable place become available.

Please ensure you have read our Seasonal Courses Terms & Conditions carefully before you apply. You will need to confirm your acceptance of these terms when you register your place.

The RAD uses Cvent for ticketing and registration for events (including workshops, masterclasses, CPD, and a range of free activities). We only store your personal information in order to facilitate your attendance and to request feedback. We will not use your information to contact you unless you have opted to receive marketing materials or have signed up for our e-newsletter. For further details on how your information is processed, please see the Student Activities Privacy Notice.

Please note, in the event of injury or medical emergency during the activity a qualified First Aider from Royal Academy of Dance will provide necessary treatment and assistance to the participant. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information on this.