Dame Darcey Bussell to teach at the Academy of Northern Ballet’s 2026 Summer Intensive

The Academy of Northern Ballet will welcome former Royal Ballet Principal dancer Darcey Bussell DBE to its teaching faculty for the 2026 International Summer Intensive.

One of Britain’s most celebrated ballerinas, Bussell rose to fame as a Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, where she performed many of the company’s leading roles and became one of the defining dancers of her generation. Since her retirement from the stage, Bussell has remained a prominent figure in the arts, advocating for dance education. She is also a longtime colleague of Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet, with whom she shared the stage during their time at The Royal Ballet.

Held at Northern Ballet’s headquarters in Leeds, the International Summer Intensive offers aspiring dancers aged 12 – 19 the opportunity to train in daily technique, repertoire and enhancement classes, providing a unique insight into life as a professional dancer. Students will leave feeling prepared for upcoming auditions or further vocational training.

Bussell will teach the Senior Level students on 30 and 31 July during the first week of the Summer Intensive. Her sessions will include a women’s variations class as well as repertoire and pas de deux classes, taught alongside Northern Ballet Artistic Director Federico Bonelli.

Intermediate Level students will also have the opportunity to meet Bussell and learn about her career and what it’s like to be a professional dancer during an exclusive Q&A session.

Federico Bonelli said, “I am delighted to welcome my friend and former colleague to the Academy of Northern Ballet to work with our students and talented dancers from around the world during our International Summer Intensive. Her incredible achievements both on and off stage will no doubt provide students with a rich and memorable experience to inform and inspire their training.”

The Academy of Northern Ballet’s International Summer Intensives offer ambitious young dancers the opportunity to train with an exceptional teaching faculty and guest teachers.

The Senior Level (ages 16–19) runs over two weeks: Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July 2026, and Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August 2026. Students can choose to attend one week or both weeks. The cost is £410 for one week or £745 for two weeks.

The Intermediate Level (ages 12–16) takes place over one week: Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July 2026. The cost for this level is £375.

Applications close on Friday 8 May 2026. Applicants must complete an online application form, and places will be offered on a rolling basis, so early applications are recommended.

For more information, visit northernballet.com/academy/summer

Dame Darcey Bussell, Photo by Charlotte MacMillan