The Royal Ballet School continues to expand its global reach not only through student training but also by investing in dance educators. Its Enlighten webinar series, part of the 2024–25 schedule, offers professional development opportunities to teachers seeking structured and evidence-based guidance in key areas of dance instruction. Designed for both national and international participants, the webinars reflect the School’s commitment to educational excellence beyond its studios.
These online sessions span four central themes: flexibility development, postural alignment, dance school management, and dancer health. Each topic is presented by experts from the Royal Ballet School’s training and healthcare divisions, providing an authoritative perspective rooted in the latest research and industry practices. The goal is to equip educators with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical tools to apply in their own dance environments.
In “The Healthy Dancer 2: Understanding Flexibility,” Emma Porter explores strategies to safely increase range of motion in young dancers. She draws from current physiological research to advise teachers on accommodating different stages of development, helping them identify suitable modifications during growth phases. The session targets sustainable flexibility gains rather than short-term performance.
Sarah Daultry, Teacher Training Manager, leads “Postural Alignment with the Franklin Method® 2.” Her session emphasizes alignment techniques that integrate movement imagery with anatomy and proprioception. Educators participating in this webinar learn to foster efficient movement patterns that support both artistry and injury prevention.
A different approach is taken in “Maximising Your Dance School’s Potential,” where Karen Berry delivers practical insights on managing a dance school. From operational guidance to maintaining artistic integrity in a competitive market, this webinar aims to support teachers in strengthening their business models. It’s particularly beneficial for educators who may not have formal training in entrepreneurship but seek to build long-term sustainability for their institutions.
The final session, “The Healthy Dancer 3: Understanding RED-S in Dance,” addresses Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). This condition, relevant to physically active populations, including dancers, can affect metabolic rate, immunity, and bone health. The webinar presents intervention strategies and red-flag awareness to help educators support dancer well-being.
Each Enlighten webinar functions as a standalone session or as a complement to the Royal Ballet School’s Inspire seminars. Sessions are structured to balance theoretical depth with real-world application. Participants receive access to curated resources, including lecture notes and extended reading, ensuring they can revisit key topics after the session ends.
By maintaining a clear focus on dance pedagogy and physical development, the Royal Ballet School continues to set a benchmark for teacher training. The Enlighten series positions the institution not only as a centre for dancer development but also as a global resource for educator advancement. Teachers who join these sessions can expect to return to their studios with fresh clarity, updated practices, and renewed confidence in their roles.