Dancing stars of tomorrow have only a short time left to apply to audition for Scottish Ballet’s prestigious Associate Schemes. Offering classical training of the highest standard, the Associate Schemes have a long-standing tradition of producing highly talented dancers with excellent technique. Many dancers who have been through these schemes have gone on to study at top dance schools across the country, such as The Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School and The Dance School of Scotland.

Former associates include some of Scottish Ballet’s very own dancers! Kara McLaughlin of Irvine, Daniel Davidson of Edinburgh, Christopher Harrison of Kippen and Glasgow’s Mark Kimmet have all been through the Associates scheme and have gone on to dance high profile roles in production such as Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty. The Associate Scheme is designed to supplement students’ own ballet tuition, encouraging the development of confident and motivated dance students.

“The Associates spend time establishing the basics of a secure classical technique which under pins the majority of dance styles,” says Penny Withers, Head of the Associates Programme.

As the training scheme of Scotland’s national dance company, students are able to access the expertise of the main Company, and their classes often incorporate sections of Scottish Ballet’s repertoire. Working in studios at Scottish Ballet’s headquarters, young dancers can experience the life and practises of professional dancers, and they even have the opportunity to watch their idols in the studio.

“Watching the Company dancers in rehearsals provides an incredible inspiration,” says Penny, “They can see the amount of commitment and dedication involved in becoming a dancer.”

A career in dance requires a great deal of hard work and discipline, qualities which the Associates Schemes aim to develop, but the classes strike the perfect balance between work and fun, and this mix has proved very popular with its students.

“Classes can be hard work, but it is great to feel like a real ballerina,” says Junior Associate Hattie Grieg. “Thursdays can’t come quick enough!”

“I just love to wake up in the morning and think it’s Scottish Ballet today,” agrees Senior Associate Katie Deacon. “I love Penny’s classes; they’re so exciting and different every single week. It’s so inspiring.”

The schemes are divided into two age groups. The Junior Associate Scheme is open to children in primaries 5 and 6 at school, and the Senior Associate Scheme is aimed at students in S2, S3 and S4.

The closing date for Junior Associate applications is Friday 25th April, with auditions taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May. Senior Associate applications must be returned by Friday 9th May and auditions will be held on Saturday 31st June. Application forms and further information are available from Anne Stephen, Associate Scheme Administrator, on 0141 331 2931, or can be downloaded from www.scottishballet.co.uk 

So don’t miss the chance to audition - applying to join Scottish Ballet’s Associate Schemes is the first step towards making your dancing dreams come true!