The Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP) was developed to expand the reach of its educational philosophy beyond its London campuses. Through this initiative, recreational dance teachers receive structured guidance to deliver training aligned with the School’s values, technique, and artistry. ATAP empowers teachers globally to elevate their instruction while supporting the development of young dancers in local settings.

Since its launch, the Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Programme has trained and certified dozens of teachers across more than a dozen countries. These instructors work in diverse educational environments, from small private studios to established dance academies. The programme’s flexibility allows teachers to integrate ATAP methods into their existing curricula or deliver them as standalone classes. This modular design ensures accessibility for both teachers and students regardless of institutional scale.

At the heart of the Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Programme are four thematic pillars: ballet vocabulary, repertoire, creative practice, and body conditioning. These areas are explored in depth through professional development sessions and access to online resources. Rather than prescribing a rigid syllabus, the School focuses on pedagogy—how to teach—so that educators can adapt content to suit their students’ learning stages and goals.

The School’s recent partnership with the Frederick Ashton Foundation has enriched the programme’s repertoire offerings. Affiliate teachers now receive training in Ashton works such as The Dream and Les Patineurs, adapted for younger dancers. The Royal Ballet School ensures that this repertoire is taught with both historical accuracy and creative accessibility, fostering students’ appreciation of storytelling and musicality.

Francesca Hayward, Principal of The Royal Ballet and a former student of the School, currently serves as ATAP’s Lead Ambassador. Her involvement brings global visibility to the programme and reinforces its commitment to artistic integrity. Hayward’s advocacy has helped inspire broader participation in the Affiliate network, drawing attention to the long-term benefits of consistent, structured training at the pre-vocational level.

Behind the scenes, programme managers like Shaun Walters and Vanessa Donkin shape the strategic and pedagogical direction of ATAP. Walters, himself a graduate of the Royal Ballet School’s teacher training programmes, emphasises the importance of focusing on process over product. This approach aligns with the School’s belief that long-term success in dance stems from curiosity, resilience, and love for the art form.

Donkin, who also trained at the Royal Ballet School, brings decades of international teaching experience to the role. She promotes a creative and student-centred model of education, encouraging Affiliate teachers to blend classical structure with artistic exploration. Together, she and Walters oversee teacher development, assessments, and community-building efforts across the global Affiliate network.

The Royal Ballet School supports its Affiliate teachers with continuous professional development opportunities. These include online workshops, enrichment sessions with Royal Ballet Company members, and access to a digital library of lesson plans and demonstration videos. Teachers also benefit from networking events, forums, and clinics where they exchange ideas and strategies. The programme fosters a strong sense of community among educators who share a commitment to nurturing young talent.

Students in ATAP-affiliated classes are assessed through filmed submissions evaluated by moderators at the Royal Ballet School. The assessments cover both movement studies and contextual topics like choreography and ballet history. This process ensures that training remains consistent with the School’s high standards while allowing for individual expression. Students who complete the assessments receive feedback that guides their next steps in training.

Through its Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme, the Royal Ballet School brings world-class ballet instruction to a wider audience. By investing in teacher development and supporting inclusive access to quality education, the School strengthens the global dance community and opens new pathways for aspiring dancers to thrive.