Applications open: December 2025
Program starts: August 2026 – For dancers aged 11–18 (must be under 18 on March 1, 2026)
Application
The School of the Hamburg Ballet
Since its founding by John Neumeier in 1978, the School of the Hamburg Ballet has earned its place among Europe’s premier institutions for professional dance training. Renowned for cultivating young, visionary artists, the school prepares its students to meet the versatile demands of the contemporary dance world. Its unique integration with the Hamburg Ballet allows for regular participation in company performances, creating a learning environment that is as practical as it is inspiring at the Hamburg Ballet Center – John Neumeier.
At the heart of the curriculum lies classical ballet technique. Students refine their mastery through pointe work, pirouettes, batterie, pas de deux, and both classical and contemporary variations, while also engaging with the repertoire of the Hamburg Ballet, particularly the expansive works of John Neumeier. Modern dance and choreographic composition are central to the program, fostering creativity alongside technical precision. Complementary courses in character dance, Pilates, and strength training, together with studies in anatomy, music theory, and dance history, ensure a comprehensive artistic formation.
Interim Director Gigi Hyatt emphasizes the school’s ethos: “Technical excellence grants dancers the freedom to shape movement into true expression. Within a culture of respect and trust, young artists flourish, emerging as imaginative and inspiring voices in today’s dance landscape.”
Audition for the School Year 2026/27
All students aged 11 – 18 years
We will begin to accept applications from December 2025 for entry to our school in August 2026.
All dancers 18 years and under are welcome to apply. Your 18th birthday must be on or after March 1, 2026.
Please download our application form from our website, which we will require returned with the three requested photos, as stated on the form. We would like the form and the three photos sent as email attachments please (not per we transfer or other internet platforms).
We will also require a short film of students in classical ballet class. The film should show a short barre, adagio, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro and pointe work (for girls over the age of 13 years). If you are 14 years old or older, please include a classical variation, filmed in leotard and tights (no skirts or tutus for girls). Please send films as a youtube link (not per we transfer or other internet platforms).
Once all the details of an applicant have been evaluated, a decision will be made as to who will be invited to the audition in person in Hamburg. Our audition is by invitation only and a fee of €25 will then be required. Details of how the payments can be transferred will be given at that time.
*We support the International Audition Pre-selection Guidelines.
