Residential Performance Activities

Residential Performance Activities

National Youth Ballet’s Residential Performance Activities are inspiring and confidence building experiences for young people aged 10-19, designed to mirror the life of a professional ballet company.

Held each summer, these residencies bring together young people from across the UK for a rehearsal period to experience every aspect of company life. From daily company classes to rehearsals and workshops with renowned teachers and choreographers, as well as collaborating with professional lighting, wardrobe, make-up, and technical teams. The experience builds creativity and artistry, while offering an authentic insight into the world of professional ballet.

Each course ends with students performing in shows in major venues like Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Over the years these performances have been attended by some of the most influential figures in dance.

Each year features newly commissioned works alongside NYB’s celebrated repertoire. Dancers are encouraged to develop their own creative voices through the Frank Freeman Choreographic Showcase.

NYB gives young people a powerful platform to perform, create, and collaborate, building lifelong networks with peers, mentors, and professionals across the dance world. All of National Youth Ballet’s activities include Moving Minds, a programme designed to help young dancers build confidence, resilience, and a healthy mindset.

NYB Alum have gone on to join major companies including The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Rambert, and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, while many others thrive in creative industries worldwide. Our alumni have told us that the skills they developed as part of NYB prepared them for diverse and varied careers in and beyond the dance profession.

Find out more about our Residential Performance Activity 2026

Photo © Jules Renahan