At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chance to Dance programme by coordinating activities and engaging with schools and artists.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, enriching cultural life through dance and creativity.
- Benefits: Freelance role with competitive pay of £250 per day and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young talent and inspire a love for ballet in children.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts coordination and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 42571 - 42571 £ per year.
The mission of the Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) is to enrich the cultural life of the nation by growing the public enjoyment and appreciation of exceptional ballet and opera. Learning and Participation (L&P) is central to RBO’s mission to enrich the cultural life of the nation. An extensive programme, based at our Covent Garden and Thurrock homes and across England, aims to inspire creativity and give people of all ages the chance to discover, question and respond to the power of our artforms.
The L&P programme is distinctive in its scale and ambitions, involving more than 50,000 annual participants across three strands:
- An award-winning, multi-disciplinary National Schools Programme including a dedicated schools’ website (www.roh.org.uk/schools), which encompasses our role in supporting important school and pupil outcomes via our RBO Schools classroom schemes and teacher training, as well as a programme of work in the East of England.
- Talent development work through opera and ballet training networks.
- Enriching participatory events in our Covent Garden home.
Chance to Dance (CTD) is the RBO’s flagship young talent programme. As the longest running access programme in the Ballet sector, since 1991 CTD has introduced over 30,000 children to ballet. In 2018, after 27 years of London centric delivery, the RBO made a commitment to build a national model to expand access. Launching in a new area of England each season, the programme has now delivered residencies across Essex, the West Midlands, Doncaster, the North East, Bradford, Luton and Blackpool.
The programme works in partnership with Primary Schools and Private dance schools in 4 regional areas to deliver a depth programme of activity across a 4-year residency. We offer a professional development opportunity for our Associate dance artists alongside offering a creative programme of workshops and performance opportunities for Primary school children. Phase one of the residency focuses on artist development and talent identification and the second phase, on talent development and affecting systemic change. We aim for all children to leave the programme with a love of dance and new-found appreciation for Ballet. Some CTD graduates have gone on to join vocational schools and are working within the creative industries as performers, teachers, and choreographers in professional companies across the sector.
To support with the expansion of the programme we are looking for area coordinator(s) to join us in a freelance capacity to support the CTD Programme Manager in the delivery of the programme in each area, and act as the main conduit between the programme manager, Primary Schools, Associate Dance schools and all artists per cohort.
The Area Coordinator commitment is a total of 20 days (up to 8 hours a day), which should be spread across the deliverables roughly as one day a week for 40 weeks across the 26/27 season. Regular check-ins with the CTD Programme manager will be in place to discuss proposed grouping of days around events and busier periods across the season.
The rate of pay for this work is £250 per day, or £5,000 for the entire contract.
To declare your interest, please send an up-to-date CV and supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4) detailing your relevant experience and two referees to chancetodance@roh.org.uk by Monday 31st August at 9.00am 2026. If you would like an informal discussion about the role ahead of applying, contact Laura Bray (Chance to Dance Programme Manager) via the above email contact.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
Chance to Dance 26/27, Area Coordinator(s) - Freelance in London employer: Royal Ballet & Opera
The Royal Opera House is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in the vibrant world of performing arts. With a strong commitment to employee development, our apprenticeship programme provides invaluable hands-on experience and access to industry experts, all within the iconic setting of Covent Garden. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values fresh talent and fosters a supportive work culture, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chance to Dance 26/27, Area Coordinator(s) - Freelance in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Chance to Dance 26/27, Area Coordinator(s) - Freelance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:When applying for a freelance role in social impact projects, let your enthusiasm shine through! In your application, share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to social causes. This helps us see why you're a perfect fit for making a difference with Royal Ballet & Opera.
Craft a Tailored Portfolio:For our freelance positions, it’s really important to include a portfolio that showcases your previous work in the nonprofit sector or social impact initiatives. Highlight projects that align closely with the kind of work Royal Ballet & Opera does, and don’t forget to include metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact!
Outline Your Availability and Rates Clearly:Transparency is key in freelance applications! Make sure to include your availability and any rate expectations in your application. This gives us a clear understanding of how you can fit into our projects and helps to set the stage for a smooth collaboration.
Connect the Dots in Your CV:When it comes to your CV, focus on relevant experiences that highlight your skills in project management, grant writing, or community engagement. Tailor your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the freelance role at Royal Ballet & Opera to help us understand how you can directly contribute to our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Ballet & Opera
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As we're diving into the world of nonprofits and social impact projects, it’s vital to highlight your previous work that made a difference. Bring along case studies or examples from your freelance projects that emphasise your ability to create positive change and measure outcomes. Let’s show Royal Ballet & Opera how you’ve delivered real results!
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Remember, freelancing means you’re not just someone they hire; you’re a partner in their mission. Be prepared to sell your unique skillset and how it fits their needs. Tailor your pitch based on the social causes they're involved in to show that you understand and resonate with their goals.
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