BB Junior Associate Programme
BB JUNIOR ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME
Ballet Black exists to inspire young people, particularly of Black or Asian descent, in classical ballet. We believe that ballet, whether pursued as a profession or as a hobby, can instil lifelong skills of discipline, artistry and self-worth. The BB Junior Associate Programme has been devised to help prepare teenaged students for auditions for vocational dance school. In addition, we offer supplementary support and coaching for older students in full-time professional training in the United Kingdom.
The Programme is aimed at exceptional young women aged 12-16 years, with a strong focus on students of Afro-Caribbean, African and Asian descent. The Programme aims to accelerate and strengthen technical skills and develop a deeper understanding of artistry and musicality in every participant.
Our classes are led by Ballet Black staff members, as well as guest artists from the Ballet Black Company. Sessions will pay special attention to technique, pointe work, stretching and strengthening. Artistry and a greater understanding of performance are taught by learning key pieces of classic repertoire and choreography from Ballet Black’s own award-winning work.
We have limited spaces available for Junior Associates. These young women will represent Ballet Black and be ambassadors for this programme.
Our classes should be seen as complementary to any existing classes the student is attending and not as a replacement. We want to work with dance schools to support members of the BB Associate Programme.
Term One:
Our first term will focus on:
- introduction to pointe work
- body conditioning
- correct placement
- classical technique
- fuller understanding of classical vocabulary
Term Two:
The second term will concentrate on:
- pointe work – centre practice and turns
- intensive technique and increased stamina
- history of ballet
- performance skills
Term Three:
The final term of the year will centre on performance:
- performance & presentation skills
- learning a piece of traditional classical ballet repertoire
- learning a piece of Ballet Black repertoire
Junior Associate classes take place at Ballet Black Company headquarters in Marylebone and cost £12 per session, paid in termly instalments. Fees are non-refundable for any reason, except in the case of serious injury or illness. A doctor’s letter will be required before a refund can be issued. Bursaries are available for students experiencing financial hardship. Please contact us for more details.
We are now accepting virtual applications in Spring for both immediate intake and from September 2021.
Audition Details:
If you are interested in auditioning for the Ballet Black Junior Associates please send the following materials to [email protected] by 30 May 2021
- Completed Application Form (downloadable here)
- Videos of the following exercises:
Videos can be filmed on any phone – we are not expecting high quality filming or amazing choreography, this is just for us to see you dance! Please arrange each exercise yourself and make sure your full body is visible in all footage.
BARRE:
Please record barre exercices devant, à la second and derrière.
- Plié
- Tendu
- Battement fondu
- Grande battement
- Adage
CENTRE WORK:
We understand you may be filming in small spaces – do the best you can!
- Adage (can be the same exercise you showed at the barre)
- Pirouette
- Petit allegro
- Medium allegro (if space allows)
If you have any questions about the Junior Associate Programme please email [email protected]