My Week with the Royal Ballet School and The Australian Ballet School

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My Week with the Royal Ballet School and The Australian Ballet School

I have just had the most incredible three days with the Royal Ballet School and The Australian Ballet Schools Artistic and Wellbeing Teams that has enlightened and expanded my mindset as a guide, support and facilitator of young dancers. 

The richest and most comprehensive teachers course I have ever attended!

At the start of the term 3 school holidays I travelled with my family to Melbourne to attend the Royal Ballet Schools Inspire teachers course at The Australian Ballet School. This program was a 4 day intensive that took teachers through the foundations of vocabulary across Barre, Centre, Allegro and Pointe. We spent time working through learning outcomes of technical vocabulary and developing content to achieve set goals. Analysing the elements of technique through epaulement, style and artistry. 

We discussed and worked together delivering concepts to our peers while being guided and supported by two incredible industry professionals from the Royal Ballet School Mark Annear and Karen Berry.

As part of this bespoke program we had the wonderful opportunity to join a roundtable discussion with expert dance educators. A day spent with The Australian Ballet Schools Artistic Director and Head of School Megan Connelly, Head of Teaching & Learning Lynette Wills, Health and Wellbeing Manager Tegan Lowe and Artistic Teacher Andrew Murphy. We spoke openly about the processes around a holistic dancer, mindset, studio language and delivering feedback, safeguarding and studio culture. We were also presented the most valuable Pointe workshop by Artistic Director Megan Connelly, Lynette Wills and The Australian Ballet Schools Physiotherapist Gabrielle Davidson. Discussing pointe shoe fittings, considerations for foot anatomy and strength training for pointe work. 

It’s always been a motivation of mine to continue my personal professional development in the industry, as it’s the only way to ensure the continued development and success of my students. 

What’s next…. To prioritise high quality teaching and to adapt to the evolving needs of the art form. I will be applying to undertake further study with the Royal Ballet School through the Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP).

I look forward to sharing all of my knowledge in the studio soon. Miss Sharna.