Scholarship Schemes & Auditions

The British Ballet Organization (BBO) is the only dance society to offer an annual scholarship training scheme to 150 of its students. Scholarships are awarded to talented students who show potential, both technically and artistically. The scheme provides an opportunity to study either classical ballet or jazz to a high level. Scholars receive tuition from some of the most respected teachers in the country, all of whom have had distinguished professional careers.

The teachers are carefully chosen for their skill and ability to enthuse and inspire students, improving their understanding, technique and artistry through non-syllabus classes at the appropriate level. The specialized training has enabled Scholars to audition and gain places at some of the UK's finest vocational dance schools and many have progressed to become professional dancers. The Scholarship Scheme is financially supported by the Espinosa Memorial Fund.

Auditions

Auditions are held annually for intake at the beginning of each new year. For example entry into the 2014 Scholarship scheme auditions will be held in the autumn of 2013. Details of Auditions for the 2014 Scholarship Scheme:

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Entry Requirements

1. Junior Ballet Scholarships are open to male and female students aged 10 years by 1st January in the year the Scholarship commences, who have successfully passed Grade 4 Ballet.
2. On reaching age 13 by 1st January in the year the Scholarship commences and on gaining Intermediate Foundation Ballet, a Junior Ballet Scholarship concludes and the student is then eligible to audition for either a Senior Ballet or Jazz Scholarship. Students who only fulfil one of these criteria will be assessed on an individual basis.
3. Senior Ballet and Jazz Scholarships are open to male and female students aged 13 years and above by 1st January in the year the Scholarship commences, who have successfully passed Intermediate Foundation Ballet and Grade 4 Ballet for Jazz Scholars.
4. Each scholarship candidate must be a pupil/student of a registered BBO Teacher.

Monthly Scholars Classes

Each Scholars session will consist of two 1 and half hour non-syllabus sessions and include warm-up and cool-down procedures. BALLET: Classical Ballet class, accompanied by a pianist, will also include strengthening and stretching exercises and Classical Ballet repertoire. Pointe work for senior female students and allegro work for all male students. Male students may also be given 2 separate classes during the year.

JAZZ: Varying dance techniques and styles, repertoire from Musical Theatre and current West End shows.

All Scholars SOUTH classes will be held on Sundays from 1.00 - 4.30pm at : London Headquarters, Woolborough House 39 Lonsdale Road Barnes London SW13 9JP

All Scholars NORTH classes will be held on Sundays at : Centre Pointe 1 Parkway Off Oldham St Denton Manchester M34 3SG

Scholars Dates and times

On acceptance of a Scholarship, students will be required to complete a Statement of Fitness form, detailing any serious illness or injury. There are a total of 8 sessions in 1 year plus a Scholars weekend. There will be no classes in July or August. All Scholars MUST attend BBO Scholars Weekend. This will be held at either Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham or at a London venue and will cost approximately £140. Special Dance Days and Scholars event details can be found on our National Events page. Link to events page

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NEW - MALE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

The British Ballet Organization is delighted to announce its new Male Junior Ballet and Senior Ballet Scholarship Schemes.

Scholars receive tuition from some of the most respected teachers in the country, all of whom are distinguished professionals that have been carefully chosen for their expertise and ability to inspire students. These first class faculty members work with the scholars at improving their technique and artistry through non-syllabus classes.

This male-specific training programme will focus on ballet and will accommodate both junior and senior-level students. The sessions will be taught by dedicated male teachers and led by Simon Horrill, a longstanding member of the teaching Faculty at the London Studio Centre as well as the BBO and former dancer with The Royal Ballet, the Scottish Ballet and the London City Ballet. As part of the training, the more senior students will also have opportunities to gain an insight into the training provided by some of the top vocational dance schools in the country.

SUCCESS STORY

Brandon Lawrence, a former Junior and Senior Ballet Scholar with the BBO, originally trained with BBO Teacher Andie Nydza in Bradford. Brandon went on to study at White Lodge before graduating into the Royal Ballet Upper School. He has recently been accepted into the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The specialised training received by our Scholars has enabled many of them to gain places at some of the UK’s finest vocational dance schools, leading to careers as professional dancers.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Junior Ballet Scholarships for male students aged 10 years by 1st October 2013, who have passed Grade 2 Ballet.

Senior Ballet Scholarships for male students aged 12 years and above by 1st October 2013, who have passed Grade 5 Ballet.

Each Scholarship candidate must be a student of a Registered BBO Teacher.

Male Scholars Dates 2013

The BBO is very proud to be supported by the Wayne Sleep Foundation.

"I strongly believe in the support that the BBO provides for young male dancers and look forward to being apart of the 2011 Scholarship program" - Wayne Sleep OBE, British Ballet Organization Patron

The Scholarship is also supported by International Dance Supplies (IDS)

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Scottish Scholarship Scheme

A new scheme specifically aimed at Scottish students was recently launched.

The BBO have been conscious for some time that it has not always provided the same opportunities for its Scottish students as those across other parts of the UK. The cost for students to travel to the classes in London or Manchester has prohibited many students from applying for scholarships. We are therefore delighted that this scheme, which has been under discussion for some time, has now become a reality.

The monthly classes take place in Edinburgh and combine both ballet and jazz sessions. The classes are taken by distinguished teachers drawn from the dance profession. Classes run from September through to July and the scheme is open to junior students of 12 years of age who have obtained Grade 3 of Ballet and senior students who are working at Intermediate Foundation or above.

The Scholars also have the opportunity to attend Scholars Weekend held in the Autumn each year and Dance Days which is traditionally held around Easter.

For further details and information about auditions please contact
Fiona Forbes: fionaforbes725@btinternet.com

Scottish Scholars Dates

Scottish Scholars Application Form