Universities Offering Ballet Majors Around the World
Hello, I am Chaerish.
I started ballet as an adult and am currently receiving training at an academy to become a professional ballerina. In Korea, it is commonly believed that one must major in ballet at a university to be recognized as a professional dancer, so I am considering university admission for more professional training. This led me to wonder how professional ballet dancers are trained in other countries. I’ve looked into universities around the world where ballet majors are offered and will share the information.
Countries with Ballet Majors at Universities
Many countries around the world offer ballet programs at universities and specialized institutions, particularly those with a strong ballet culture or emphasis on arts education. Below are some notable countries and their unique characteristics:
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1. Russia
- Characteristics: Known as the birthplace of classical ballet, Russia offers a highly structured ballet education.
- Notable Institutions:
- Vaganova Ballet Academy (St. Petersburg)
- Bolshoi Ballet Academy (Moscow)
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2. United States
- Characteristics: Ballet in the U.S. includes both classical and contemporary styles, with universities and ballet schools offering a wide range of education.
- Notable Institutions:
- The Juilliard School (New York)
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts (New York)
- Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Indiana)
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3. United Kingdom
- Characteristics: A blend of traditional and modern ballet, with many renowned ballet schools and companies.
- Notable Institutions:
- Royal Ballet School (London)
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (London)
- Central School of Ballet (London)
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4. France
- Characteristics: As the origin of ballet, France offers strong classical ballet training, along with contemporary dance education.
- Notable Institutions:
- Paris Opera Ballet School (Paris)
- Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse (Paris)
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5. Canada
- Characteristics: Known for international ballet education, offering both classical and modern ballet programs.
- Notable Institutions:
- National Ballet School of Canada (Toronto)
- York University (Toronto, Dance Program)
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6. Germany
- Characteristics: Emphasizes creative and contemporary ballet alongside classical dance training.
- Notable Institutions:
- Hamburg Ballet School (Hamburg)
- Palucca University of Dance Dresden (Dresden)
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7. South Korea
- Characteristics: With a growing passion for ballet, South Korea offers ballet programs at several universities.
- Notable Institutions:
- Korea National University of Arts (Seoul)
- Sejong University (Seoul)
- Sookmyung Women's University (Seoul)
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8. Australia
- Characteristics: A balanced approach to both classical ballet and contemporary dance education.
- Notable Institutions:
- The Australian Ballet School (Melbourne)
- Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne
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Other Countries
- Italy: La Scala Ballet School
- Denmark: Royal Danish Ballet School
- China: Beijing Dance Academy
Each country offers its unique ballet style and educational approach, so it’s important to choose a destination that aligns with the student's goals and preferences.
