The Royal Ballet School is hosting its nextevent for its Members’ Programme in December 2024. Members will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the School’s choreographic events, ballet classes, and performance rehearsals.
The School is keen to reward members, who contribute to its General Fund. This fund enables the provision of world-class artistic training, healthcare provisions, and pastoral support.
A Fund That Opens Up a World of High-Calibre Ballet Training
The General Fund finances the School’s state-of-the-art studios and facilities, acclaimed teachers, nutritional food, award-winning Healthy Dancer Programme, boarding facilities, costumes, and performances.
The funding is also critical given flatlining government support, restrictions on the fees the School can charge, and the rising cost of living that affects students’ families. One in six of these families has a household income of under £15,000 per year , and over one-third has a household income of under £40,000 a year.
As such, the School needs to raise over £1 million in unrestricted general donations each year to cover the costs of its elite ballet training. Its members make this possible.
Perks For Royal Ballet School Members
Members of The Royal Ballet School enjoy a range of perks in return for their financial support. For £45 and £65 per year respectively, young members (aged 16-30) and digital members (aged 31+) receive:
● A pass to three online events per year, where they can watch an in-studio ballet class or performance.
● Access to tickets for the annual Summer Performances[5] [6] before they go on sale to the public.
● Bi-monthly email newsletters featuring insider videos, photos, and stories.
● 10% off the School’s video-on-demand training programmes[7] [8] and all items in the shop[9] [10] , both in-person and online.
For £250 and £500 per year respectively, bronze and silver members receive all of the above, plus invitations to the three annual preview performances of the Ninette de Valois Choreographic Programme[11] [12] . The School hosts these performances in Richmond Park and Central London. Bronze members receive one invitation per event, and silver members receive two.
For £750 per year, gold members receive the same benefits as silver members, plus two invitations to watch an Open Studio Day class at Upper School in Covent Garden, London.
All membership donations are paid annually by direct debit on the contributor’s chosen start date.
One-Off Donations
Some members choose to gift donations beyond the membership subscriptions[13] [14] , which The Royal Ballet School is grateful to receive. It’s easy to donate via the School’s donation form[15] [16] , and all contributors receive exclusive behind-the-scenes updates.
Contributors can also “support the stage”[17] [18] by:
● Supporting the Ninette de Valois Choreographic Programme and joining the Esprit de Corps (contributions start at £1,000).
● Supporting the Linden Fonteyn calendar of eight in-house previews and performances (contributions start at £2,500).
● Becoming a Supporting Stage Sponsor and joining the Patron’s Circle (contributions start at £10,000).
● Becoming a Developing Stage Sponsor and joining the Directors Circle (contributions start at £20,000).
● Becoming a Principal Stage Sponsor and joining the Chairman’s Circle (contributions start at £30,000).
These sponsors receive invitations to Open Studio visits, where they can watch rehearsals in the summer term. They can also access Emerging Choreographer previews, in-house performances, and curated events. As an added bonus, they receive a report on the impact their donation has made each year.
Other ways to support the School include donating to the Scholarships and Bursaries Programme, partnering with the School on its sustainability projects, and leaving a gift to the Endowment Fund in a will[19] [20] .
About The Royal Ballet School
The Royal Ballet School provides world-leading dance training intertwined with outstanding healthcare and pastoral support. As such, students go on to shine in careers with prestigious companies like The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. As a registered charity, the School relies on members to fund its high-calibre training for the next generation of ballet dancers and choreographers.Become a member of The Royal Ballet School.
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