Ever wonder what life is like at one of the most celebrated centres for classical ballet training in the world? Dance Informa spoke to three students – Giulia Tramacera (2nd Year, Upper School), Eva Palmer (Year 11) and Mirabelle Hogan (Year 9) – to find out what life is really like as a student at The Royal Ballet School.
What time do you usually wake up, and how do you start your day?
Mirabelle Hogan
“I normally wake up around 7am and start my day with the amazing school breakfast – there’s always lots of different cereals, fruits, bacon, sausages, eggs, toast and more to give us a nutritious start to the day. Then I do my hair in a bun and tidy my dorm.”
Eva Palmer
“My alarm goes off at 6:50am, though I usually press snooze a couple of times before getting up! I’m always up, dressed and ready for breakfast at 7:30am.”
Giulia Tramacera
“My alarm goes off at 6:30am. I’ve had the same little alarm clock since I was accepted into The Royal Ballet School in Year 10. We have breakfast all together like one big family. As an Italian, I wasn’t used to savoury breakfast, but now I can’t start the day without toast and scrambled eggs. Then I put on my leotard and uniform, style my hair in a bun or a French twist, grab my bag and catch the bus from our boarding in Pimlico to Covent Garden.”
Can you walk us through a typical day at The Royal Ballet School?
Mirabelle
“The day begins with either assembly at 8:15am or registration at 8:20am, followed by two hours of academics (each class is 40 minutes). At 10:30am, we have a snack break, then head to the studios for ballet from 11am-1pm. Lunch is 1-2pm in the dining hall, followed by another academic block from 2-4pm. After a quick break, we finish with two hours of artistic classes, which might include choreography, Irish, Scottish, character, pointe work, strength and conditioning. Dinner is at 6:15pm, followed by free time, an hour of prep and lights out at 9:30pm.”
Eva
“Academic classes start at 8:20am. We’re really lucky to have small class sizes, especially as we’re working towards our GCSEs. We have six 40-minute lessons each morning, with a break at 10:30am for a snack and a quick catch-up with friends. Most of us also prep our hair for ballet then, too. Lunch lasts an hour, and our first vocational class starts at 2pm with a 1 hour and 45-minute ballet class focused on technique and artistry. After a short break, we have another class — repertoire, contemporary, pas de deux, choreography or solos — followed by a final vocational session until 6:15pm, often Pilates, strength, or character class. By then, we’re ready for dinner, so head straight to the canteen!
Then we have house meetings, followed by ‘prep time’ to complete homework and unwind. We can use the studios to do some stretching or work on individual goals. The last hour before bed is spent relaxing…we’ve got a pool table, dart board and piano to keep us entertained, and there’s always time to call home before lights out.”
Giulia
“The day begins at 9:00am. with academic lessons. In Upper School, we study for a BA in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance, alongside an Academic Enrichment Program with courses chosen by the student.
Then we have a 1 hour and 45-minute ballet class, followed by lunch. Afternoons are filled with classes, like repertoire, pas de deux, character, contemporary, and Pilates until 6pm. I’m really devoted to my Pilates and stretching sessions to avoid any unpleasant injuries. We have a professional healthcare team, including physios, nutritionists and psychologists, to help us deal with these challenges. We’re lucky to meet with professional dancers, internationally renowned choreographers, and dance experts, who often host Q&A sessions. Sometimes, we watch ballet rehearsals and performances at the Royal Opera House, which means the world to me.”
What is your favourite class?
Mirabelle
“Ballet. I love barre, centre and corner work, but also really enjoy pointe and choreography. Choreo is a chance to be creative and share our ideas.”
Eva
“Definitely ballet. I love working towards my goals, learning new things and preparing for performances. I also enjoy rehearsals – I love the process of seeing a piece through from rehearsal to the stage.”
Giulia
“Ballet and repertoire, but it’s important to be a versatile and well-rounded dancer. I love becoming a character, focusing on technical and artistic details. It’s so challenging!”
What are you currently rehearsing for?
Mirabelle
“We’re currently focusing on technique and class work, but we’re about to start rehearsing for The Nutcracker! It’s an amazing opportunity to dance on the opera house stage, and I love the rehearsal process, which involves learning the choreography and roles in the studio, costume fittings and stage calls.”
Eva
“We’re preparing our solos for the Year 11 Solo Evening. We learn four different options, then work with our teachers to decide which best fits each of us. We are also preparing performances for the Choreography Show, which is exciting.”
Giulia
“I’m preparing a solofor the Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance, next November. 2026 marks 100 years since the school was founded, so there will be special performances, too.”
What’s your favourite part of the school day?
Mirabelle
“The afternoon artistic classes are my favourite. I love applying what we worked on in the morning to something new.”
Eva
“Ballet – and speaking to my family. (I am very glad that we have FaceTime!)”
Giulia
“Placing my hand on the barre in the morning for the first ballet class. The barre is the beginning of everything.”
How do you usually unwind after a long day?
Mirabelle
“I like to relax with my friends in the dorms and common room. We play games, watch TV, play pool table and board games, and listen to music.”
Eva
“A long, warm shower, TV and reading, and writing in my journal, before lights out.”
Giulia
“Listening to music on the bus, dinner with friends, a relaxing shower and relaxing in the common areas. I videocall my mum and sister every day; being away has been the hardest part of my journey here in London.”
What are your personal goals for this school year?
Mirabelle
“To improve my technique, especially as we start to do more complex exercises and pointe work. I’m also looking forward to choosing my GCSE options for next year! And, of course, being part of this year’s centenary performances.”
Eva
“To do well in my GCSEs, feel confident for my upper school auditions and to enjoy my last year at White Lodge.”
Giulia
“To learn even more about my capabilities. We work with coaches to help us face our own challenges and overcome our limits. I love these coaching sessions because they push me to reflect and improve.”
What advice would you give to younger dancers who hope to attend The Royal Ballet School one day?
Mirabelle
“Listen to your teachers and take in all corrections – they are the stepping stones to improvement! Joining the Junior Associate course is a great opportunity for any young dancer looking to progress their ballet even further.”
Eva
“Enjoy dancing! Have fun, learn lots of different dance styles, and take part in performances to help develop your confidence and show your passion for dance. Focus on developing a strong classical technique ready for your audition and enjoy the experience.”
Giulia
“Nowadays, everything seems to be a competition: the dancer with the highest jump or the most tricks and pirouettes wins. Here, the focus is on artistry, expressiveness, and potential. Ballet is rigour, precision, and attention to detail, but above all, artistic communication.”
By Allie D’Almo of Dance Informa.
