Central School of Ballet

Posted on June 30, 2017

Established in 1982 by Ann Stannard and the late Christopher Gable CBE, Central School of Ballet was founded on the values of artistic expression in dance and the importance of technique. Central is an affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, alongside RADA, LAMDA and London Contemporary School of Dance.

Central offers a unique three year BA (Hons) degree course in Professional Dance and Performance accredited by the University of Kent. Thirty five students are selected each year to follow a comprehensive programme of ballet, contemporary dance and choreography.

Final year students join the touring company Ballet Central providing first-hand experience of professional performance for ticket-buying audiences making Central’s graduates particularly employable. Over 80 per cent of students secure contracts and apprenticeships within six months, joining leading international dance companies and musical theatre productions.

Heidi Hall, director and Christopher Marney, artistic director, now lead Central. Both are Central alumni, with Chris being one of the first students to complete the school’s MA Choreography degree.

Central plans to move to new premises in London’s South Bank community; its spacious new Paris Gardens building will become a hub for a dynamic dance community combining excellence in dance training alongside general dance classes for adults and juniors. Increased outreach projects will allow thousands to experience dance by participating and watching performances.

For further information visit centralschoolofballet.co.uk/

Simon Oliver

Simon Oliver has been production editor of Dancing Times since 2010 and is highly experienced in design across print and online magazine production. Throughout his career, Simon has worked on a diverse range of subjects including music, family history, book collecting and poker.