Join us for our Teacher Intensive Week, an inspiring and comprehensive insight into the daily life and educational vision of the Dutch National Ballet Academy.

When?

• 16-20 February 2026 or
• 20-24 April 2026

For whom?

• Classical (former) ballet dancers who wish to be retrained as teachers of classical ballet.
• (Ballet) teachers who wish to deepen their knowledge of teaching classical ballet according to the methods of the National Ballet Academy.

Watch classes and observe our teachers, students and pupils
Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to observe a wide range of dance classes across all levels within our academy. These include amongst others ballet classes for every level, pointe classes, world dance and caractère classes. Depending on whether we are working on a production or participating in a production of Het Nationale Ballet, you will also attend a rehearsal.

Lectures and Workshops
Our theory teachers are eager to welcome you and share their expertise through a series of engaging lectures and workshops:

The Method Behind Our Training
In this lecture, you will be introduced to the method we use to train our students in classical ballet technique and get insights into how this method shapes both artistic and technical development.

Pedagogy and Didactics
You will explore topics such as learning styles, behavioral indicators, attention span development, and neurodiversity in the dance studio.

Anatomy for Dance Teachers – Recognize. Correct. Protect.
Take your teaching to the next level with this workshop focusing on anatomy and injury prevention. Learn to identify common technical issues in dancers—such as misalignments, scapular dysfunction, or limited turnout—and address them effectively through targeted exercises that enhance body awareness and functional movement.

Music Theory for Ballet Teachers                                                                             
Explore the connection between composer and choreographer—how inspiration transforms into musical and choreographic creation—and discover which composers have played key roles in ballet history.

A Week to Learn, Share, and Be Inspired
You are encouraged  to bring your questions, ideas, and reflections to this week of learning and exchange. Together with our teachers, students, and your fellow participants, we aim to inspire each other and grow as educators and artists. The week will conclude with a Q&A session with our Director, Dario Elia, offering a valuable opportunity for open discussion and professional enrichment.