Residential Performance Activity 2026
National Youth Ballet is thrilled to announce that auditions are now open for our two inspiring summer courses, the Residential Performance Company and the Residential Performance Company Intensive!
Both courses offer an unforgettable opportunity for young dancers to create, collaborate, perform and learn from world-class creatives and like-minded young artists who share their passion for dance.
The Residential Performance Company (RPC) is a full-scale performance experience that takes dancers from intensive rehearsals at Elmhurst Ballet School to live performances at Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre, culminating in a spectacular Gala at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. It’s an incredible chance to experience life as part of a ballet company and to perform on stage at these world leading theatres.
The Residential Performance Company Intensive (RPCI) offers a shorter, high-impact course for dancers who want to challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop their technique and artistry in a nurturing and creative environment, culminating in a sharing at Elmhurst Ballet School.
Photo © Drew Tommons. Proudly supported by Dansez.
Residential Performance Company 2026
The Residential Performance Company is open to dancers aged 10-19 (we welcome d/Deaf or disabled dancers from 10-21) from across the UK who are passionate about performing, show a strong balance between technique and artistry, and are eager to experience what it’s like to be part of a professional ballet company.
The 2026 season will be developed from ideas initiated in our 2025 course, but the 2026 residency is designed to be a standalone experience. Whether or not young dancers were involved in the 2025 season, we encourage all who wish to be involved to apply.
Participants must be at least 10 years old by 31 July 2026.
Course Dates
Residential (Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham)
Friday 31 July – Saturday 8 August 2026
(10-13 year olds to attend Sunday 2nd August – Saturday 8 August 2026)
Rehearsals and Performances (Crescent Theatre, Birmingham)
Tuesday 11 August – Thursday 13 August 2026
Gala Performance (Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London)
Saturday 5 September 2026
‘IKEN’ at Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (2022)
Photo © Sean Purser
Residential Performance Company Intensive 2026
In 2026 NYB is excited to offer up to 20 places on our Residential Performance Company Intensive. This is available to dancers aged 13-16 years (we welcome d/Deaf or disabled dancers from 13-21) and will take place over 3 days and 2 nights.
Intensive company members will explore the full power of the National Youth Ballet residential experience, without the pressure of taking part in a long residential or a large-scale public performance.
Dancers will gain invaluable skills, building confidence in performance technique, collaboration and creativity, culminating in an in-house performance in the beautiful Elmhurst Ballet School studio theatre.
Course Dates
Residential (Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham)
Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August 2026
In-House Performance (Studio Theatre, Elmhurst Ballet School)
Sunday 2 August 2026
‘Carnival’ at Elmhurst Ballet School Theatre, Birmingham (2024)
Photo © Lachlan Monaghan
Course Fees
All course fees include a 2026 Company T-Shirt.
*The Residential Performance Company welcomes d/Deaf or disabled dancers from 10-21 and The Residential Performance Company Intensive welcomes d/Deaf or disabled dancers from 13-21.
Bursary Application Information
NYB aims to support a diverse range of applications by removing financial barriers. In 2026, thanks to the generosity of those who supported our Relevé Appeal, we are delighted to offer two Relevé Bursaries as part of the bursaries available for applicants from different socio-economic backgrounds that meet our eligibility criteria. Bursaries can support participation fees, residential fees and travel costs. For more information click here.
To be considered for a 2026 bursary please complete this form by Friday 6 March 2026.
Successful bursary applicants will be notified as soon as the audition outcomes are communicated.
Photo © Drew Tommons. Proudly supported by Dansez.
Easy read and access support
Access Support:
An easy read copy of this page can be found here in PDF format and here in Word Document format.
An audio description can also be found here.
An easy read copy of our Residential Performance Company FAQs can be found here in PDF format and here in Word Document format.
An audio description can also be found here.
If you need any support with completing an application form please contact us at admin@nationalyouthballet.org. Please note: there is also a space for you to share your additional access needs within our form, and we welcome any access riders via the email address above
“NYB creates a company environment which is really interesting and the team are all so kind and supportive.”
“It feels more creative and all of the dancers are involved and included.”
“It is more innovative and gives us an opportunity to make friends and have new experiences living away from home.”
Information about 2026 fees
NYB is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation and has always had to find charitable funding to subsidise fees charged to participants, which do not cover our costs. NYB will continue to work hard to make activity accessible and to keep fees as low as possible.