Summer Schools

Dance Summer School

Page Navigation

Course details

Up for an exciting challenge this summer? Join us for the summer school of a lifetime.

Held in our world class studios, enjoy the opportunity to explore conservatoire training at Trinity Laban.

Whatever your background or ability, experience an exceptional range of classes delivered by innovative companies and artists, showcasing the richness and diversity of London’s dance scene.

You create your own bespoke programme, enabling you to explore interests at the level that’s right for you. Whether you’re trying something new, getting a feel for what it’s like to train at Trinity Laban, or you’re a professional looking to develop your practice, immerse yourself in an inspirational week of movement.

Share your passion for dance with likeminded people from a global community and meet friends for life in the unique surroundings of the iconic Laban Building.

We are delighted to introduce our visiting companies for 2025: Company Wayne McGregor and Boy Blue.

Book here!

Key Facts

Duration: 1 Week Intensive
Dates: Mon 28 July - Sat 2 August 2025
Location: Laban Building
Age: 16+

Downloads

Dance Summer School Information Pack (1)

Accessibility

The Laban Building is fully accessible. If you have any medical or access needs, it is helpful if you discuss them with us before taking part in the course or let us know in our online form when booking your place. We may then contact you for further information and implement reasonable adjustments as required.

Participants Under 18

Trinity Laban has a child protection policy to ensure the safety of all children and young people we come into contact with. This policy and its codes and conditions can be seen at any time on request. Under 18s will have a specific staff contact during the Summer School, and a team member will stay onsite at the accommodation. However please note that Trinity Laban is not and does not accept responsibility as ‘in loco parentis’ i.e. it is not in the same position as a parent and does not accept that level of responsibility for participants.

Class Swaps

We cannot accommodate session change requests unless it is to accommodate an injury or medical reason, e.g. moving to a lower level for a slower paced class. Therefore, please carefully consider your class choices before choosing your timetable, ensuring you read through all class descriptions and level information.

International Participants

All Trinity Laban Summer Schools welcome participants from all over the world. We ask that participants have a good standard of spoken English, as classes are conducted entirely in English and no translators will be available. International participants are responsible for making their own visa arrangements. Any flight or accommodation bookings made before and after the fees are paid are made at your own risk, and Trinity Laban will not be liable for any losses you incur in the unlikely event that the Summer

Class Level Information

There is no audition to take part in Dance Summer School however it is an intensive course, and therefore is not suitable for complete beginners, or those who have never danced before. We require all of our participants to have had some previous dance experience.

You can select different levels in different techniques depending on your dance experience.

For example, if you have some previous ballet experience but have limited contemporary dance experience you might choose to attend a Level 2 Ballet class and a Level 1 Contemporary class.

Level 1

Level 1 classes offer a comprehensive introduction to a style or technique at a moderate pace. They are suitable for people with basic or no experience of the chosen style, or more experienced movers with lower levels of stamina. Level 1 classes focus on enjoyment and developing confidence to help you to explore and improve the essential foundations of a technique or style.

Level 2

Level 2 classes offer the opportunity to build on existing skills in the style or technique at a faster pace than Level 1 classes. They are suitable for participants with considerable experience of – and proficiency in – the class style (or a similar one), who are confident in learning and executing movement. Level 2 classes focus on enjoyment, developing confidence and enhancing the execution of the style through increasingly complex phrases and sequences.

Level 3

Level 3 classes offer the opportunity to explore complex material at a fast pace. They are suitable for participants with a high level of stamina and skill, and substantial experience in the style/technique (or a similar one). Typical Level 3 participants have studied dance professionally or are intending to in the near future.

Open Level

Open level classes are suitable for participants of all abilities, except complete beginners. Open level classes enable a mixed group of participants to work together, and our experienced teachers will adapt the material to meet the ability levels of those in the session, meaning you can work at your own pace.

There are two payment options:

1 – Pay the Fee in full

2 – Pay in two instalments (Deposit at point of booking, balance due 30 June 2025)

Course Fee Payment Options

Early Bird Fee (available until 22 April 2025)

Full fee: £475.00

Deposit: £275.00 (£200.00 balance due 30 June 2025)

Standard Fee (23 April 2025 onwards)

Full fee: £575.00

Deposit: £300.00 (£275.00 balance due 30 June 2025)

There are also concession rates for Trinity Laban Alumni and National CAT (Centre for Advanced Training) students. Please contact us for more information.

Accommodation Fee Payment Options, 2025

Optional Accommodation Fee

6 nights at McMillan Student Village:

Full Fee: £385.00

Deposit: £200.00 (£185.00 balance due 30 June 2025)

Please note that fees are non-refundable, unless the course is cancelled by Trinity Laban. For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions below.

Meals are not included in the Summer School fees but can be purchased at the Laban Café or other nearby establishments. Participants can bring their own food to the building too.

We’re here to help you with your accommodation in London, so that you can stay fully focused on your Dance Summer School sessions.

We have a limited number of rooms available in our Halls of Residence. They are located in the McMillan Student Village just a 5-minute walk away from the Laban Building.

All rooms are single occupancy only, although you may request a room next to a friend also taking the course. Please email us with your request once you and your friend/s have made your bookings for the course and accommodation.

The accommodation booking is for 7 nights in total, Sunday 27 July – Sunday 3 August. Supported check in is from 15.00 -17.00 on the Sunday before the course starts. Checkout is before 10.00 on the last day of the course.

A member of the Dance Summer School team will be staying onsite at the accommodation for the duration of the course. They are there to support the safety and wellbeing of all participants in the evenings and overnight at the accommodation, but they are not acting in loco parentis. Students are encouraged to go to the Dance Summer School team in the accommodation with any concerns, at any time.

What is Included in the accommodation?

Please be aware that as these are student halls of residence the facilities are comfortable but fairly basic, with only the essentials provided.

The accommodation comprises of a single room with a bed, wardrobe and study desk. Each room has ensuite facilities, including a shower, toilet and sink.
Each room is on a corridor with the shared use of a fully fitted shared kitchen with fridge, oven, and microwave. The accommodation is self-catering; food is not included.
Bedding, towels and basic kitchen utensils are provided. You may wish to bring an extra towel to use in the showers at the Laban Building.

Can the students stay additional nights, before the course starts or after it ends?

We cannot accommodate any changes to the accommodation booking through Trinity Laban. Participants will need to contact McMillan Student Village directly about additional nights, but please be aware that this may not be possible. The McMillan Student Village have a lot of group bookings during the summer months and availability will be limited.

You design your own daily timetable, choosing from an exciting range of classes that will enhance your technical ability and inspire your creativity.

You’ll participate in four sessions a day, choosing from five different class choices each session. You’ll achieve a true sense of progression in your four chosen classes, developing your skills over the course.

On the final day of the course some of the afternoon sessions will share what they’ve been working on throughout the week.

	SESSION 1 Takes place 10.00-11.00 on Mon 28 Jul to allow for registration	SESSION 2	SESSION 3 All Open Level	SESSION 4 All Open Level
	09.30 – 11.00	11.30 – 13.00	14.00 – 15.30	15.45 – 17.15
1	Ballet level 1 – Kasper Cornish	Ballet level 2 – Kasper Cornish	Company Wayne McGregor Creative -Rebecca Bassett-Graham, Company Wayne McGregor artist	Company Wayne McGregor Repertoire – Rebecca Bassett-Graham, Company Wayne McGregor artist
2	Ballet level 2 – Ellyn Hebron	Ballet level 3 – Rebecca Bassett-Graham, Company Wayne McGregor artist	Jazz Technique – Rhiane Drummond	Jazz Repertoire – Rhiane Drummond
3	Contemporary level 1 – Hannah Cameron	Contemporary level 1 – Ellyn Hebron	Dynamic floorwork – Giacomo Pini	Yoga – Giacomo Pini
4	Contemporary level 2 – Vanessa Abreu	Contemporary level 2 – Hannah Cameron	Tanztheater – Adrian Look	Choreo Lab – Adrian Look
5	Contemporary level 3 – Rebecca Bassett-Graham, Company Wayne McGregor artist	Contemporary level 3 – Vanessa Abreu	Pilates – Ellyn Hebron	Hip-hop technique/repertoire – ,Lara Rose, Boy Blue Company Artist

Session 1: 9.30-11.00

Please note on Monday 28 July this class will take place from 10.00-11.00 to allow for registration.

Ballet level 1 – with Kasper Cornish

Introduction to classical ballet terminology, placement, lines and movements. Investigating the origins and evolution of Ballet through the relationships of movement, rhythm, phrasing and tempo. You’ll develop your sense of physical freedom and momentum through repetition and performance with classes designed to be enjoyable and accessible.

Ballet level 2 – with Ellyn Hebron

We’ll build on existing ballet foundations, exploring more complex barre and center work while developing your sense of timing, musicality, and confidence. You’ll build strength, refine your technique and artistry in an encouraging environment.

Contemporary Level 1 – with Hannah Cameron

These dynamic release-based classes will explore the basic principles of contemporary dance technique. We will combine improvisation and set movement material to explore efficient and expressive ways of moving. At the start of class, we will draw upon yoga principles, fundamental movement patterns and somatic practice to develop our body awareness and sensitivity. We will move towards learning dynamic movement sequences with a focus on alignment, co-ordination and timing. Throughout the class we will let go of unnecessary tension, discover efficient ways to move into and out of the floor, and find a free and full-bodied approach to moving in space. You can expect a playful and inclusive environment that works to develop confidence, curiosity, and collaboration.

Contemporary Level 2 – with Vanessa Abreu

Vanessa’s class will focus on moving from our individual sense of joy in movement, look to develop our use of flow, rhythm and musicality and explore dynamics and effort.

The session with allow for a sense of arrival and check-in with one’s body/mind drawing from a somatic and yogic approach, and will then move into freer, more open and energetic explorations within space. These will involve some improvisation, floor-work and set material.

Contemporary Level 3 – with Company Wayne McGregor artist Rebecca Bassett-Graham

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Contemporary dance technique through a range of exercises and movement phrases led by Studio Wayne McGregor Artist.

Session 2: 11.30-13.00

Ballet level 2 – with Kasper Cornish

We’ll look further into the sequencing of instructions to underpin the strength and security of classical ballet turns, jumps and adage. Investigating some advanced technical enchainment’s.

with less familiar rhythmical frameworks. You’ll develop your stamina and explore techniques to adapt physically to the more demanding class work based on repertoire. Classes are balanced with focus on both physical and performance technique.

Ballet level 3 – with Company Wayne McGregor artist Rebecca Bassett-Graham

Participants will develop their Ballet technique through a range of exercises and movement phrases.

Contemporary Level 1 – with Ellyn Hebron

We’ll dive into the fundamentals of contemporary dance, learning safe technique and efficiency of movement. This will be a predominantly Cunningham based class, with elements of release and floor work. You’ll develop your understanding of timing and spatial awareness, as well as building confidence in a supportive environment.

Contemporary Level 2 – with Hannah Cameron

Drawing upon a wide range of influences, Hannah’s dynamic release-based class focuses on building a rich sensory awareness of the dancing body. These classes will combine improvisation and lots of set movement material to explore efficient and expressive ways of moving. There will be a strong focus on efficient alignment, finding freedom in the joints, integrated connectivity patterns and clear movement intention. We will build towards expansive travelling phrases that come in and out of the floor, exploring movement quality, musicality and performance. In a supportive environment you will be encouraged to find a free and full-bodied approach to moving with a focus on technical clarity and the enjoyment of moving together.

Contemporary Level 3 – with Vanessa Abreu

Vanessa’s class will focus on moving from our individual sense of joy in movement, look to develop our use of flow, rhythm and musicality and explore dynamics and effort.

Session 3: 14.00-15.30, all Open level

Please note on Saturday 2 August the afternoon schedule will be adjusted for the end of week sharing.

Company Wayne McGregor Creative – with Company Wayne McGregor artist Rebecca Bassett-Graham

Participants will be introduced to a range of Wayne McGregor’s choreographic thinking tools to spark creativity, expression and making.

Jazz Technique – with Rhiane Drummond

This class will take a modern twist on classical jazz technique, reflective in the up to date and current music choices throughout the class. You will come away with a wide knowledge of core jazz skills, as well as improving on your overall fitness and energy levels required for dance training.

Dynamic floorwork – with Giacomo Pini

Inspired by Flying Low (created by David Zambrano) and combining elements of other floorwork techniques and embodied practices, Giacomo’s Dynamic Floorwork class is a focused, experiential session where movers are encouraged to explore their relationship with the floor and with each other, as individuals within the group, through the use of breath and using principles of spiral, cohesion and expansion. In each class, we will thoroughly warm up together, awakening our sense of presence and connection to each other; then we will move across the room learning and practicing some short patterns that will challenge your coordination, musicality and use of the floor, to finally build up to longer choreographic sequences moving into and out of the floor that will make you sweat and smile with adrenaline! The class is physically demanding, but Giacomo will always provide alternative options and modifications to suit your individual needs.

Tanztheater – with Adrian Look

Our goal during the classes will be to learn to use the Tanztheater technique, known for its unique aesthetic inside the contemporary dance world, to express an emotional state. We’ll embody the Tanztheater philosophy by using authenticity and depth to combine technique supported by some improvisation into one unique artform. Through exploring your creativity, strength and artistry you’ll visualise your emotional state, let yourself go and lose yourself in dance to experience your art on a deeper level.

Pilates – with Ellyn Hebron

A versatile mat work class suitable for all abilities, designed to improve core strength, flexibility, and alignment. Modifications are provided to meet individual needs, with an aim to develop a deeper awareness of your body.

Session 4: 15.45-17.15, all Open level

Please note on Saturday 2 August the afternoon schedule will be adjusted for the end of week sharing.

Company Wayne McGregor Repertoire – with Company Wayne McGregor artist Rebecca Bassett-Graham

Participants will have the opportunity to learn excerpts of Wayne McGregor’s choreography and gain an exclusive insight into his creative process.

Jazz Repertoire – with Rhiane Drummond

By implementing your core jazz skills, you will learn jazz repertoire from a variety of diﬀerent shows including different jazz styles – from theatre to contemporary jazz. This will build character and boost jazz musicality.

Yoga – with Giacomo Pini

‘Our bodies tell our stories, and they always tell the truth when we listen ‘(Ana Forrest).

Whether you are a professional dance artist or dance student or simply enjoy moving and exploring a deep sense of grounded presence in your body, this class will have something for

you. Giacomo’s style of yoga is Dynamic, with influences from Vinyasa, Power Yoga and the teachings of Forrest Yoga (created by Ana Forrest), focusing on your individual sensation during the class overachieving ‘ideal’ form. During each class, we will explore different aspects of Yoga, including Asana (posture), Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. We will play with backbends, hip openers, exercises to build core and arm strength to move upside down, and much more. Finish your dancing day with a reinvigorating practice that will give you valuable tools to implement in your daily life, in order to design routines that you can go back to time and time again to find your ‘home’ wherever you may be! All levels are welcome as modifications are provided to suit your individual needs, especially if you are working with injuries.

Choreo Lab – with Adrian Look

This session will focus on the improvisation and devising techniques used in Tanztheater. The unique Questioning and Answering approach allows for a wide range of authentic creations, with the opportunity to work creatively both individually and in groups. You will be given tools to develop dance phrases to express specific and refined states, teasing gesture phrases, meaningful actions and poignant ways to use the voice to make use of both worlds of Dance (Tanz) and theatre.

Hip Hop Dance Foundations & Combos
Build your hip hop skills with foundational techniques and Boy Blue Moves & Grooves. This high-energy class enhances musicality, creativity, and confidence while working towards a final performance piece.

Thanks to the generous support of Evangeline Dobson Douglas’s family and Victoria Worsfold Griffiths’s family Trinity Laban is able to offer bursaries to cover the full cost of Dance Summer School and How Movement Works in 2025. Find out more here.