Introduction

The Royal Ballet Summer Intensive (RBSI) is a highly prestigious and competitive program for serious ballet students from around the world. Getting into RBSI requires more than just a strong technical background; it demands passion, natural talent, and a willingness to unlock one's full potential. In this article, we delve into the selection process, the criteria, and what it takes to stand out as a candidate.

Selection Process and Criteria

The RBSI selection process is rigorous and multifaceted, designed to identify dancers with exceptional talent, artistic potential, and a strong dance foundation. Here are the key elements involved in the selection process:

Video Audition

Applicants are typically required to submit a video audition showcasing their ballet technique, performance quality, and artistry. This video is critical as it provides a comprehensive view of the dancer's abilities and potential. The duration and structure of the audition video should reflect the complexity and proficiency of the movements being performed.

Experience Level

The RBSI is designed for serious ballet students, and prior experience in ballet is essential. Candidates are evaluated based on their training background, experience, and age. The program caters to dancers at various stages of their career, from aspiring novice dancers to seasoned professionals.

Artistry and Potential

Selection panels prioritize dancers who not only possess technical skill but also exhibit natural artistic potential and a willingness to grow. Judges look for creativity, emotive expression, and a dance language that is both authentic and expressive. Dancers who show a hunger to learn, adapt, and develop their art are highly favored.

Diversity of Skills

The ability to adapt to different styles and techniques is another important quality. The RBSI program emphasizes versatility and the ability to fuse various ballet styles, which allows dancers to excel in a wide range of performances and roles.

Recommendations

In some cases, recommendations from teachers or mentors can enhance an applicant's profile. These endorsements can provide additional validation of a dancer's skills and potential, making a strong case for their admission into RBSI.

Alternative Perspectives

While the RBSI is a highly esteemed program, it's essential to consider the diverse backgrounds of applicants. For instance, Indian classical dancers might find the process different due to the inherent styles and techniques involved. Here, the emphasis might not solely be on external performance but also on posture, stances, hand lines, feet positions, and other foundational aspects of classical dance. Video auditions in such cases can be more effective in gauging a dancer's natural abilities and potential.

Valuing Natural Talent

Interestingly, the RBSI often prioritizes dancers with natural talent and potential over those with advanced technical skills. When I was a part of the program, I recall that the instructors sought "uncorrupted by other teaching" students. This means they preferred to work with natural talent without the influence of other methodologies. They believe in nurturing the innate qualities of a dancer rather than strictly adhering to a particular technique.

As a result, technical proficiency is not the sole criterion for admission. Instead, judges focus on identifying young dancers with potential, a natural physique, and a genuine passion for ballet. The program uses the summer intensive as a platform to discover and nurture talent that might not otherwise be recognized.

Conclusion

Getting into the Royal Ballet Summer Intensive is challenging, but it's not just about having an advanced skillset. Passion, natural talent, and a willingness to grow are the key factors that can set apart an applicant. If your child is lucky enough to get a place, encourage them to embrace the opportunity and enjoy the experience. And remember, if they don't get a place, there are many other excellent ballet schools to explore. The most important thing is to stay true to their passion and continue to develop their artistry.