Beyond Ballet® Applications

• Grow your choreographic, rehearsal direction, lighting design or costume skills in a supportive, nurturing environment 
• Expand your professional networks 
• Learn about new ways of working with a range of young people 
• Work on creative projects 
• Be an assistant to an established industry professional during rehearsals
• Take part in bespoke online mentoring
• Take part in online industry talks with industry professionals 
• Take part in online industry skills talks 

We’re recruiting young creatives for 2027 -2028 Beyond Ballet® programme. We’re looking for a range of young creatives including:

Dance artists with an interest in developing ballet language and working inclusively in the following areas:

• Choreography
• Rehearsal Direction 

Technical roles with an interest in working in a ballet setting and working inclusively in the following areas:

• Lighting design
• Costume Design and Costume Supervision

You need to be aged between 18 and 25. We accept applications up to the age of 30 for those who are d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent or those who have had an alternative training pathway into the industry. 

We actively encourage candidates from under-represented communities, different experiences and skills to apply. We are particularly keen to hear from d/Deaf disabled and neurodivergent artists as we recognise that there are a lack of opportunities for career progression for this community. 

This is a development opportunity, we are looking for people that we think we can support and develop at this early stage in their careers.

There are both paid and unpaid professional development opportunities (such as shadowing) throughout the year. Paid opportunities are paid at the rate of £140 per day.

You need to be available for the following dates:

• In-person activity in Birmingham from 30 July – 7 August 2027, Elmhurst Ballet School (please note that not everybody will be required for all of these dates).
• You will receive online mentoring and industry talks throughout the course of the programme. 
• Additional dates and opportunities may occur as the year progresses.

The programme will end in September 2028.

• We accept applications from anyone who is based in the UK and has the right to work in the UK. 
• You must have (or be willing to apply for before the start of the contract) an enhanced DBS, as this role involves working with children and young people.

You need to fill out the application form and anonymous EDI monitoring form to apply.

Using our online form. please submit your CV and a link to a video of you answering the following questions:

1. What excites you about creating new ballet work and what motivates you? 
2. Why is inclusive and accessible practice important to you as an artist?
3. How do you think you can further develop your practice? (Please use a recent experience as an example.)
4. How would being a part of Beyond Ballet® support your continued professional development?

We also need specific information for each practitioner:

• Choreographers: Please share a link to either one work up to ten-fifteen minutes, or two works up to five minutes each. We would like to see a full work, not short clips or a showreel.
• Rehearsal Directors: Please share a film (of no more than ten minutes) of you talking about the importance of facilitating an accessible dance space, how you would approach it and the values you would bring into the rehearsal studio. 
• Lighting designers and costume designers: Please share a link to a visual portfolio of your work. 

You can find our step-by-step guide on how to upload an unlisted video on Youtube here.

Please find the easy read here

• Application deadline: 5pm on Mon 25 January
• Second-round Zoom interviews: shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview in late February or early March and we’ll share the interview questions at least one week in advance.
• Final decision: successful applicants will find out by the end of March 2027
• The programme runs until September 2028.

NYB promotes a culture of inclusion. Let us know how we can support your access needs for your application, interview or the role itself by emailing admin@nationalyouthballet.org. We can send you access rider templates if needed. 

Reasonable adjustments will be made for applicants if required, so please let us know if you have any access or additional needs. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

Download an easy read version on how to apply for Beyond Ballet® (Word doc)

We are committed to safeguarding all children and young people who take part in our activities. This means we have policies and procedures in place to safeguard everyone taking part. We practise Safer Recruitment and in line with our Safeguarding Policy you will be required to complete a safer recruitment form before we can make a formal offer of work on the programme. If you are offered the role, you will be subject to a DBS check.