For serious young dancers in Ireland, the journey from a local studio to a professional company can be confusing. While full-time classical ballet conservatoires are limited on the island, a robust system of intermediate 'stepping stones' exists.
This guide provides a comprehensive directory of the essential pre-vocational courses, Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) colleges, youth companies, and third-level degrees available to dancers in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Note: Many of the institutions listed below hold annual audition rounds. View our Latest Auditions Page to see who is currently accepting applications.
1. Pre-Vocational & PLC Courses
Pre-Vocational (PLC) courses are intensive, often 1 or 2 year programs taken after the Leaving Cert (or transition year). They are a crucial 'bridge' for Irish dancers, providing the full-time hours needed to prepare for major vocational college auditions.
Leading Courses
College of Dance (Dublin): A highly prestigious 2-year intensive program preparing students specifically for auditions to major UK/European vocational schools.
Inchicore College of Further Education (Dublin): Offers QQI Level 5 & 6 Dance Studies, focusing on building technical foundations and versatile performance skills.
Bray Institute of Further Education / BIFE (Wicklow): Offers a well-regarded Pre-University Dance course.
Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast, NI): Offers the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance)-the standard vocational route for dancers in Northern Ireland.
2. Youth Dance Companies
Youth companies offer a taste of professional company life, with weekly rehearsals and seasonal performances. Joining a company is the best way for serious dancers to build their CV and stage experience without leaving their local school.
Leading Companies
Irish National Youth Ballet (INYB): Based in Dublin, INYB is the premier classical youth company on the island. They hold annual open auditions for dancers from age 11.
High Points Youth Ballet CIC: Northern Ireland's premier Youth Ballet Company, offering Vaganova-based training and full-length classical performances.
Dublin Youth Dance Company (DYDC): Focus is primarily on contemporary dance, which is crucial for creating versatile, intelligent performers.
3. Third-Level Degree Options
For dancers who want to balance their academic education with high-level dance training, these university courses offer recognised degrees (BA and MA) in dance.
Leading Universities
University of Limerick (Irish World Academy): Offers the prestigious BA in Voice and Dance and an MA in Contemporary Dance Performance.
Ulster University (Magee Campus, NI): Offers Drama and Performing Arts degrees that include strong dance training modules.
The Next Step: UK Conservatoires
To secure a contract in a major classical ballet company, most serious Irish students eventually complete a 3-year Degree or Diploma at a vocational school abroad, starting at age 16 or 18. The most common target schools for Irish dancers include Central School of Ballet, English National Ballet School, London Studio Centre, and Ballet Theatre UK.