Darcey Bussell coaches Summer School students

Taking a break from rehearsals for the Olympic closing ceremony, Darcey Bussell has been coaching students at The Royal Ballet School’s International Summer School in London’s Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet School’s best known former students is also preparing for a new role as a judge in this autumn’s Strictly Come Dancing.

One of the most anticipated events on the international training calendar, The Royal Ballet School International Summer School’s faculty comprises the School’s Director, Gailene Stock and members of the School’s artistic staff. The faculty also attracts some of the great names in world ballet as guests teachers and coaches. As well as Darcey Bussell, this year’s students benefitted from lessons from Principal Dancers Federico Bonelli (The Royal Ballet), Cynthia Harvey (former American Ballet Theatre and The Royal Ballet), Monique Loudières (former Paris Opéra Ballet) and Zenaida Yanowski (The Royal Ballet).

Around 1300 young people from 54 countries applied to take part in the International Summer School this year, including 470 from every region and nation of the United Kingdom. Only 350 places are available.

Pictured: Darcey Bussell coaching students in the De Valois studio

Photo: Brian Slater