School Spotlight
Royal Danish Ballet School
The Royal Danish Ballet School is one of the oldest ballet schools in the world, tied to the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. It is the keeper of the Bournonville style, a distinctive nineteenth-century Danish tradition known for its light, buoyant footwork. Training here means stepping into centuries of living ballet history.
Fast facts
- Founded
- 1771
- Location
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Training
- Bournonville method
- Affiliation
- Royal Danish Theatre
What Royal Danish Ballet School is known for
- One of the oldest ballet schools in the world
- Home of the Bournonville method
- Direct pipeline to the Royal Danish Ballet
- Rooted in the Royal Danish Theatre
Notable alumni
Dancers associated with Royal Danish Ballet School include Erik Bruhn, Peter Martins, Nikolaj Hubbe, Peter Schaufuss.
How to audition
Entry is by audition, and the school feeds directly into the Royal Danish Ballet. Current audition details are published through the Royal Danish Theatre.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bournonville method?
It is a Danish ballet style developed by August Bournonville in the nineteenth century, known for fast, light footwork and an understated, elegant upper body.
Does the school connect to a company?
Yes. It is closely tied to the Royal Danish Ballet and the Royal Danish Theatre, so it serves as a direct training ground for the company.
Where is Royal Danish Ballet School located?
Royal Danish Ballet School is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
When was Royal Danish Ballet School founded?
Royal Danish Ballet School was founded in 1771.
Is Royal Danish Ballet School connected to a ballet company?
Royal Danish Theatre.