Associate Programme
Associate Programme
Mid and Senior Associates 2026-2027
The ENBS programme is committed to giving young dancers the opportunity to experience high quality vocational training alongside their regular dance classes. Designed by Artistic Director Lynne Charles, it reflects ENBS’s dedication to strong classical foundations, musicality, creativity, and the holistic development of young dancers.
Based at our Chelsea studios, Associates work with ENBS faculty, guest artists, and specialist teachers, gaining technical strength, confidence, and an insight into life at a professional ballet school.
Who is The Programme For?
The Associates Programme is ideal for young dancers with strong potential, dedication, and a love of classical ballet. It provides additional high quality training to compliment the work they undertake at their home dance schools while giving them an early introduction to the ENBS approach and vocational expectations.
The programme offers a balanced approach that nurtures artistry, discipline, musicality, and wellbeing creating an authentic and age appropriate pathway into vocational training.
Weekly Training
Associates attend training once per week during term time, with extended opportunities for senior students.
1.5 hours of classical ballet
50 minutes of pointe work (or pre-pointe, depending on level)
1 hour of contemporary or character
Additional programme features:
Ballet and
4Pointe
coaching taught by Artistic Director, Lynne Charles
Specialist teacher for boys’ classes
Dedicated coaching in character and contemporary
Gym access for boys, supporting safe physical development
Optional Senior Associates Wednesday training including ballet, 4Pointe and choreography
Performance opportunities in the Summer and Winter Showcases
Students in our programme have the chance to prepare for and submit
Rambert Grades.
Mid and Senior Associates work towards either grades 2, 3 or 4.
These examinations are designed to develop strong foundational technique, musicality, and performance skills.
Teaching Faculty
Head of Associate Programme and Senior Teacher - Désirée Ballantyne
Ms Ballantyne-Grove trained at The Royal Ballet School before joining English National Ballet, where she danced as a Soloist for many years. Her repertoire includes major roles such as Clara in The Nutcracker, Myrtha in Giselle, and the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty. She is an experienced tutor who has taught at English National Ballet and Rambert School.
Mid Associate Teacher - Megan Webster Shaw
Megan Webster-Shaw trained at West London School of Dance, ArtsEd, English National Ballet School, and The National Ballet School of Canada. Ms Webster-Shaw completed her Royal Academy of Dance teaching qualifications and is a founding teacher of The Young Dancers Academy and now Vocational Dance Lead for Key Stage 3 at London Vocational Ballet School.
Kate Swainston - Character Teacher
Kate is a former professional dancer, teacher and examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance, holding the Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma with Distinction and specialist training from The Royal Ballet School. She has taught widely across major UK institutions, including London Studio Centre, the Royal Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, DanceEast and Pineapple Dance Studios.
Anna Smith - Contemporary Teacher
Anna Smith is a freelance dancer and teacher who trained at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. She has performed with the Royal Opera House, toured with The Royal Opera in Japan, and presents her own choreographic work at venues including The Place, Brighton Fringe and Exeter Northcott Theatre.
Craig Turbyfield - Boys Class Teacher
Craig trained at The Royal Ballet School and London Studio Centre’s Musical Theatre Course before making his professional debut in Sir Peter Wright’s
The Nutcracker
with Birmingham Royal Ballet. His West End, UK and international credits include
Hello, Dolly!
The King & I
Cats
Singin’ in the Rain
West Side Story
and
Fame
, alongside extensive work as a choreographer for theatre and pantomime.
Who Should Apply?
Mid-Associates
Students aged 12-13 by August 31 2026
Senior Associates:
Students aged 14-15 by August 31 2026
The audition panel will be looking for young dancers who have the potential and suitability for a prevocational training. This includes musicality, coordination, and versatility in the young dancers. Places on the programme are offered on a one year basis, students will need to reapply to continue the following year
How to Apply
Applications are now open for 2026-2027. Entry is by audition only, with in-person auditions taking place at English National Ballet School in London on Tuesday 26
th
May 2026.
Application Deadline
- Sunday 3
rd
May 2026
Application Fee
- £35
Photographs are required as part of your application
. Please visit
Associates & Intensives
for guidelines.
2026 - 2027 Term Dates
APPLY HERE
Download our
Associate Audition Pack
ASSSOCIATE AUDITION PACK
Additional Courses
Graduate Artists Programme
Intensives
Associates
Associates & Intensives Auditions
Teachers CPD
Auditions. Performances. Opportunities.
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