Looking for the best ballet schools in the Netherlands? This guide introduces you to the top institutions known for their excellent ballet training programs, distinguished faculty, and successful alumni.
From the prestigious Dutch National Ballet Academy to other noteworthy options, you’ll learn what makes these schools stand out and why they’re considered the best places to pursue a ballet education in the Netherlands. Many of these schools also offer pathways to a career in professional dance.
Graceful Insights
- The Dutch National Ballet Academy and the National Ballet Academy Amsterdam are premier institutions recognized for their rigorous training and successful placement of dancers in international companies. Their programs emphasize comprehensive dance education, ensuring students receive well-rounded instruction.
- Codarts Rotterdam Dance Academy combines classical and contemporary dance training, offering students unique opportunities to collaborate with professionals and engage with a diverse repertoire. The academy’s ballet classes are designed to develop technical proficiency and artistic expression.
- Extracurricular activities, including performances and exchanges, are vital for holistic development in ballet education. They enhance students’ artistic skills and prepare them for professional careers.
Art de Podcast
| School Name | Location | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch National Ballet Academy | Amsterdam | The Netherlands’ premier institution for classical ballet, offering comprehensive training programs and a unique partnership with the Dutch National Ballet. | atd.ahk.nl |
| European School of Ballet | Amsterdam | It focuses on high-level training for young dancers, emphasizing classical and contemporary techniques to prepare students for professional careers. | schoolofballet.eu |
| Codarts Rotterdam Dance Academy | Rotterdam | A multidisciplinary arts university known for its blend of technical rigor and creative freedom, offering classical and contemporary dance programs. | codarts.nl |
| Royal Conservatoire The Hague | The Hague | Offers exceptional training in classical ballet and contemporary dance, with a strong emphasis on performance and artistic growth. | koncon.nl |
| Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) | The Hague | Renowned for its innovative productions that fuse classical ballet with contemporary dance, offering training programs for young dancers. | ndt.nl |
| Henny Jurriëns Studio | Amsterdam | Known for professional classes targeted at intermediate and advanced dancers and workshops led by guest choreographers. | hjs.amsterdam |
| Balletschool Marut Jorquera | The Hague | It specializes in classical ballet, training children and adults, and focuses on professional preparation. | balletschoolmj.com |
| Balletstudio Marieke van der Heijden | Utrecht | Offers classical ballet training for all ages, including preparation for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams. | balletstudiomarieke.nl |
Dutch National Ballet Academy
The Dutch National Ballet Academy is the pinnacle of classical ballet training in the Netherlands. It is recognized as a premier ballet school dedicated to grooming young dancers to meet the rigorous standards of top international dance companies.
Located in Amsterdam, this academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes classical ballet classes and an extensive training program designed for aspiring professional ballet dancers only.
The Dutch National Ballet Academy aims to develop dancers who can excel globally. Students focus on perfecting their techniques to meet high professional standards. From the start, students are immersed in an environment emphasizing discipline, strength training, artistry, and excellence.
The program culminates in the final and audition course, a critical selection process called the final audition, determining which students advance to the prestigious National Ballet Academy.
Renowned for producing world-class ballet dancers, the Dutch National Ballet Academy combines the first year of rigorous training with opportunities to perform and learn from leading professionals, preparing graduates for successful careers in dance.
The National Ballet Academy Amsterdam
The National Ballet Academy Amsterdam is synonymous with excellence in ballet education. Known for its rigorous ballet training program and success in producing world-class ballet dancers, this academy prepares young dancers for professional careers through an intensive and comprehensive educational program.
The ‘pre-NBA’ phase is a more serious training period for aspiring dancers, emphasizing structured lessons and the transition to professional training.
National Ballet Academy Amsterdam students receive ballet education at the highest level, designed to hone their skills and elevate their artistry. The academy’s curriculum is crafted to provide a solid foundation in classical ballet while incorporating modern dance and world dance forms. This ensures that dancers are versatile and well-rounded in their classical ballet class.
The academy’s international appeal is evident in hosting guest students from world dance and prestigious international ballet schools. This exposure to world dance in various styles and techniques broadens students’ artistic perspectives and prepares them for the global dance scene.
Codarts Rotterdam Dance Academy
Codarts Rotterdam Dance Academy offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, making it one of the top choices for students pursuing contemporary dance. This academy focuses on developing students into top contemporary dance artists through a balanced program that values classical ballet and modern dance.
The curriculum at Codarts includes daily ballet and modern dance classes, conditioning sessions with strength training specifically taught and tailored for ballet students, and creative skill development classes emphasizing strong dance techniques. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are technically proficient and creatively expressive.
A significant highlight of Codarts’s first year is its collaboration with Nederlands Dans Theater. This partnership allows students to engage with a professional repertoire, gain invaluable experience, and learn from industry leaders, which prepares them for successful careers in dance.
The academy’s emphasis on technical skill and artistic innovation makes it a standout institution in the Netherlands’ dance education landscape.
Royal Conservatoire The Hague
The Royal Conservatoire The Hague is another premier institution dedicated to developing young dancers through comprehensive dance classes and education to meet professional standards. The academy’s curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in classical ballet classes and lessons while also encouraging students to explore their artistic potential through modern and contemporary dance classes.
The Royal Conservatoire’s masterclasses, led by esteemed professionals, allow students to refine their techniques and broaden their artistic horizons. Additionally, the conservatoire emphasizes community among dancers through various extracurricular opportunities.
Performances and collaborative projects throughout the audition course also help students build networks and gain practical experience. This holistic approach to dance education ensures graduates are well-rounded artists ready for professional dance careers.
Junior Company at Dutch National Opera & Ballet
The Junior Company at Dutch National Opera & Ballet plays a crucial role in the young talent and bridging the gap between training and professional dance. This initiative offers a platform for young talent to audition for courses and perform in prestigious ballet productions, providing invaluable experience and exposure. Under the direction of Ernst Meisner, the Junior Company collaborates with the ISH Dance Collective, allowing dancers to explore a variety of styles and techniques.
This collaboration enhances the breadth of experience for young dancers, preparing them for versatile and successful careers in dance. The Junior Company is renowned for its productions of classical ballets such as “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake,” allowing young dancers to showcase their skills in major performances.
These productions provide dancers with invaluable stage experience in a supportive environment. The Junior Company is a vital bridge for aspiring ballet dancers, easing their transition into professional roles.
Private Ballet Schools
In addition to prestigious academies, the Netherlands is home to several notable private ballet schools that offer personalized instruction and diverse training programs. Studio Simoncini, located in the city center of The Hague, is known for its classical training and commitment to nurturing young talent.
Another prominent private school is Nanedanza, which offers a variety of ballet classes for children and adults of different age groups. It focuses primarily on children and adults aged 7 to 15 and requires students to take at least two weekly lessons to ensure stability and progress.
This structured approach helps young dancers develop a strong foundation and steadily improve their skills. Some private ballet schools also offer a trial class for potential students to experience their classical ballet classes before committing fully.
The personalized attention given to children by teachers at these private ballet schools fosters individual progress in each student. This tailored approach ensures that each dancer receives the guidance and support needed to reach their full potential, making private ballet schools a valuable option for aspiring dancers, children, and adults seeking comprehensive ballet training.
Preparing for Auditions
Getting ready for ballet auditions may seem overwhelming, yet with effective strategies and training, young dancers can transform their nerves into confidence. The audition preparation curriculum typically emphasizes mental and physical conditioning, the artistry of dance technique, and an understanding of contemporary dance history, empowering dancers to be well-prepared and self-assured.
One of the key aspects of audition preparation is dressing professionally. A well-fitted leotard and tights, with hair neatly secured, can make a strong first impression on auditioning. It’s also important to start dancing when you enter the audition room to capture the judges’ attention immediately.
In addition to these tips, having an emergency kit with extra leotards, tights, and hair accessories can help avoid last-minute issues. Politeness and gratitude towards the judges can leave a lasting positive impression, so remember to thank them after the final audition call. By focusing on the joy of dancing and being well-prepared, young dancers can approach auditions confidently and poise, setting the stage for a future in professional dance.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Ballet training plays a crucial role in the holistic development of ballet students. Participating in performances is integral to their educational experience, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting and gain valuable stage experience.
In their second year, students often have the chance to work with guest choreographers, which helps expand their artistic repertoire and exposes them to different creative processes. Additionally, international exchange programs allow dancers to learn from diverse cultural perspectives, further enriching their professional dance education.
Success Stories
Success stories from top ballet schools in the Netherlands are inspiring and motivating lessons for aspiring dancers undergoing ballet training. The first-year and third-year students at Codarts form The Codarts Dance Company, which tours internationally, providing them with professional exposure and performance experience.
Students complete internships with renowned dance companies in the final year, preparing them for their professional careers. These internships offer a glimpse into the professional dance company and world, and the company will give lessons that help students transition smoothly from education to employment.
Graduates from junior companies at these institutions are equipped to pursue diverse paths in the dance industry, including company positions and freelance opportunities. The Junior Company’s performances in major productions like “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake” are integral in nurturing young talent and preparing dancers for successful careers. Many graduates of junior companies go on to achieve remarkable success in professional dance, inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Resume
The ballet schools in the Netherlands, from the Dutch National Ballet Academy to private institutions like Studio Simoncini and Nanedanza, offer exceptional ballet training and opportunities for aspiring dancers. These schools are dedicated to nurturing young talent, providing rigorous training programs, and offering diverse extracurricular opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in dance.
Dutch ballet schools play a vital role in the global dance community by fostering a strong foundation in classical ballet and encouraging artistic exploration. Aspiring dancers can look to these institutions for inspiration and guidance while pursuing their professional dance dreams.
