Ireland's 2026 ballet summer programmes range from fun, all-welcome kids camps (ages 3+, no experience needed) to professional-level intensives for serious dancers from Grade 4 upward. Most run July and August, across Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast, and beyond.
Two very different things, one page
"Ballet summer camp" means something completely different depending on who's searching.
For a parent of a six-year-old who's been asking about ballet since Christmas - it's a low-commitment week where your child can try it properly, in a fun environment, without signing up for a full term at a school they've never visited.
For a 15-year-old who's been dancing for eight years and wants to push their training during the summer - it's five days of serious technique work, repertoire coaching, and the kind of focused immersion you can't get in a weekly class.
Both are on this page. Here's how to find the right one.
For parents: summer camps as a way to try ballet
If your child has never tried ballet or tried it once and you're not sure it stuck, a summer camp is one of the best ways to find out whether it's right for them without the pressure of a term commitment.
Most summer camps in Ireland are open to children who don't attend that school during the year. You don't need to be an existing student, you don't need previous experience, and you're not committing to September. It's a week, it's fun-focused, and it tells you and your child a lot about whether they're comfortable in that environment before you make any further decisions.
This matters more than it sounds. A child who has a good week at a summer camp arrives at the September term already knowing the teacher, already having made a friend or two, and already knowing they enjoyed it. The hesitation is gone before it starts.
What to look for in a kids camp:
The listings that suit younger beginners will say "All Levels," include ages from 3 or 4 upward, and be described as fun-focused or creative rather than technique-led. The Odette School of Ballet's summer camp in Dublin 13 welcomes children from age 4. The Galway Ballet Academy Happy Feet camp covers ages 5–13. The Antoinette Casserly camps in Galway and Oughterard take children from age 3. Ciara Beech Dance Academy runs camps in Gort and Portumna for ages 4–10. Aideen Johnson School of Dance runs a camp in Macroom, Cork from age 4.
These aren't auditions. They're not preparation for exams. They're a week of movement, music, and making friends — which is exactly the right introduction for a child who's curious but not yet committed.
For serious dancers: intensives and training programmes
Ireland's summer intensive scene has grown significantly and the standard is high. For dancers looking to push their training, these programmes offer coaching, repertoire work, and immersive technique that weekly classes simply can't match.
Ballet Ireland Summer Intensive (Dublin, July 27 – August 8)
Two weeks at DanceHouse, run by Ballet Ireland, Ireland's national ballet company. Open to dancers aged 12 and above with Grade 4 to professional level. This is the flagship intensive in Ireland — serious, high-quality, and worth planning the summer around if you're at the right level.
College of Dance Summer Intensive (Dublin, July 13–17 and August 10–14)
Two separate weeks at the College of Dance, designed for students from 12 years to young adults with at least Grade 5 ballet experience. Intermediate level, strong focus on technique and classical training.
The Dance Institute Summer Intensive (Dublin, July 20–24)
Founded by Lindsay Ashe-Browne, Artistic Director of the Irish National Youth Ballet. Ages 10 and above, intermediate level, at DanceHouse. A well-regarded programme with a strong track record.
Jade Hannaway Ballet Intensive (Lisburn, July 22–24)
A 3-day intensive for ages 12 and above (classically strong 11-year-olds considered), at The Island Arts Centre in Lisburn. Belfast-native Jade Hannaway brings a focused classical approach to this now-annual summer programme.
Summer Dance Lab – Six Dance Collective (Belfast, July 27–31)
At The MAC Theatre in Belfast, open to dancers aged 11–21 at all levels. Two studios, multiple styles, a broader offering that suits dancers working across contemporary and classical.
Antoinette Casserly Senior Dance Intensive (Galway, July 3–5)
A focused 3-day camp for ages 13 and above at intermediate level, based at the Train Station Gym in Galway. Good option for committed dancers in Connacht who don't want to travel to Dublin.
Ciara Beech Dance Academy Senior Intensive (Gort, July 20–24)
For ages 11 and above at intermediate level, at Gort Community Centre. Another strong regional option for serious dancers in Galway and surrounding areas.
How to choose the right programme
Age and level first. Most listings specify age ranges and experience requirements clearly. Don't stretch — a camp that's too advanced is discouraging, and one that's too basic is frustrating.
Location matters. A week-long camp requires daily travel. A Dublin intensive is only practical if you're in Dublin or willing to arrange accommodation. Regional options in Galway, Cork, and Belfast exist specifically to serve dancers outside the capital.
What the week actually covers. Kids camps are usually mixed styles — ballet, jazz, musical theatre — in a fun format. Intensives for older dancers tend to be classical technique, repertoire, and sometimes pas de deux or contemporary work. Read the listing description carefully.
Open to non-enrolled students. Most camps are open to all — you don't need to be a student of that school. If this matters to you, it's worth confirming directly with the organiser before booking.
More camps being added
This list is updated regularly as schools confirm their summer programmes. Many schools announce camps late in the spring — if you don't see your area represented yet, check back or browse all upcoming events on ballet.ie.
If you run a summer camp or intensive and it's not listed, you can add it through your school dashboard.
Browse all ballet summer camps and intensives on ballet.ie →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be enrolled at the school to attend their summer camp?
Most summer camps in Ireland are open to all children, not just existing students. It's one of the best ways to try a school before committing to a term. Always confirm with the organiser when booking.
What age can children start at a ballet summer camp?
Several camps in Ireland welcome children from age 3 or 4. Look for listings marked "All Levels" with a lower age range of 3–5. These are fun-focused and designed for complete beginners.
What's the difference between a summer camp and an intensive?
Summer camps are generally fun-focused, multi-style, and open to all levels and ages. Intensives are structured training programmes for more experienced dancers, usually requiring a minimum level (Grade 4 or 5 equivalent) and focused on technique, repertoire, and progression.
Are there ballet summer programmes for adults in Ireland?
Yes. The Dance Conservatory Ireland runs a dedicated adult ballet intensive in Dublin. Several other programmes welcome adult dancers. Filter by "18+" or "Adults" when browsing the camps listings on ballet.ie.
How do I book a ballet summer camp in Ireland?
Each listing on ballet.ie includes a direct link to the school or organiser's booking page. Spaces fill up, particularly for the more established intensives — it's worth booking as soon as programmes open.
Ballet.ie lists ballet summer camps, intensives, and workshops across Ireland. Browse the full calendar or filter by location, age group, and level to find the right programme.