Coronavirus: Boys’ ballet school sets up permanent online teaching platform

An all-boys ballet school in London has announced plans to train young male dancers worldwide, with the launch of an online teaching platform to allow it to continue teaching during the lockdown.

The London Boys Ballet School said students had already enrolled in its remote-learning programme from countries including Malaysia, South Africa, the US, China, the Philippines and New Zealand.

The school plans to continue offering the service once restrictions are lifted and its Islington premises has reopened.

LBBS said it had set up the programme after seeking to find alternative teaching methods due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but now intended to continue the online timetable to provide ongoing dance training for boys globally.

Teachers, who are delivering classes from their homes, work day and night shifts to accommodate different time zones, while classes are available in styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and musical theatre.

In addition to the member of staff leading the class, two further staff members sit in on lessons to provide feedback and individual guidance to students.

Classes are grouped by availability and open to boys aged between four and 17.

LBBS founder and director James Cunliffe said: “Our primary aim was to create an online teaching tool from which participating students could truly benefit. Interaction and pupil feedback are paramount to a student’s enjoyment and online class success.

“We are confident that the future plans for LBBS Global will be well received and look forward to supporting male dancers around the globe and helping them to achieve their ambitions in dance.”