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København Danser
Summer Intensive
Copenhagen Pre-Professional
Summer Ballet Intensive 2026
København Danser
Summer Intensive
Copenhagen Pre-Professional
Summer Ballet Intensive 2026
Train with internationally acclaimed artists, including Alina Cojocaru, alongside teachers from leading ballet companies and institutions.
A unique opportunity to train in a focused and inspiring environment, combining classical ballet, the Bournonville tradition, and a strong emphasis on artistic development.
- For advanced and pre-professional dancers aged 15–23
- 1-week intensive in Copenhagen
- Limited places
This July, for the very first time, København Danser will offer a Ballet Summer Intensive for junior dancers aged 15–23.
Our aim is to support the transition from student to artist, and to facilitate an inclusive environment where we learn that working both individually and as a group contributes to personal growth.
The programme will include technique classes, ballet repertoire for group and solo work, creative workshops, and discussions around the future of ballet and contemporary dance — delving into a role, cultivating curiosity for movement, maintaining the body and longevity — alongside personal artistic development.
Teachers and guest speakers will include world-renowned ballet stars, teachers, and choreographers such as Alina Cojocaru, Sorella Englund, Ulrik Birkkjær, and Arina Trostyanetskaya, among others.
Quick Facts
- Ages: 15–23
- Level: Advanced / Pre-professional
- Dates: July 13–18
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Admission: By application (video audition)
- Places: Limited
6 day programme Includes
- Daily classical ballet technique
- Classical repertoire (group and solo work)
- Contemporary repertoire, including excerpts from Alexander Ekman’s Cacti
- Bournonville repertoire
- Artistic workshops, including:
The Mad Scene from Giselle with Sorella Englund
Developing a role authentically with Alina Cojocaru
Lectures and screenings offering deeper artistic insight
This July, for the very first time, København Danser will offer a Ballet Summer Intensive for junior dancers aged 15–23.
Our aim is to support the transition from student to artist, and to facilitate an inclusive environment where we learn that working both individually and as a group contributes to personal growth.
The programme will include technique classes, ballet repertoire for group and solo work, creative workshops, and discussions around the future of ballet and contemporary dance — delving into a role, cultivating curiosity for movement, maintaining the body and longevity — alongside personal artistic development.
Teachers and guest speakers will include world-renowned ballet stars, teachers, and choreographers such as Alina Cojocaru, Sorella Englund, Ulrik Birkkjær, and Arina Trostyanetskaya, among others.
Teachers
Alina Cojocaru
Alina Cojocaru is one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation. She was a Principal Dancer with the The Royal Ballet and later with English National Ballet, where she performed many of the most iconic roles in the classical repertoire. Renowned for her musicality, artistry, and dramatic depth, she has performed with leading companies around the world. At the intensive, she will share her approach to artistic integrity, and how to approach a good mind set.
Sorella Englund
Sorella Englund is a legendary artist of the Royal Danish Ballet and one of the most respected ballet masters internationally. Celebrated for her dramatic presence and character roles, she performed with the company for decades and has coached dancers all over the world. She brings deep knowledge of the Danish ballet tradition and the artistry that defines the art form of ballet.
Arina Trostyanetskaya
Arina Trostyanetskaya brings a rare combination of elite Russian classical training and high-level contemporary dance experience. Educated at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, she later danced with Nederlands Dans Theater, one of the world’s leading contemporary companies. Her teaching blends the precision and discipline of the Vaganova method with the freedom and movement quality of contemporary dance, helping students develop both strong classical technique and artistic versatility.
Ulrik Birkkjær
Ulrik Birkkjær is an internationally recognized Danish ballet dancer who has been a Principal Dancer with both the Royal Danish Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. Known for his musicality, and versatility across classical and contemporary repertoire, he has performed leading roles with many companies internationally. He is also the founder of København Danser, where he works to create new opportunities for dance and international collaboration in Copenhagen.
Teachers
Marcelo Gomes
Marcelo Gomes is one of the most admired dancers of the international ballet world. For nearly two decades he was a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre, performing leading roles in the classical and contemporary repertoire across the globe. Renowned for his powerful technique, partnering, and stage presence, he now works internationally as a teacher and mentor, sharing the knowledge and experience of a major international ballet career.
Alina Cojocaru
Alina Cojocaru is one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation. She was a Principal Dancer with the The Royal Ballet and later with English National Ballet, where she performed many of the most iconic roles in the classical repertoire. Renowned for her musicality, artistry, and dramatic depth, she has performed with leading companies around the world. At the intensive, she will share her approach to artistic integrity, and how to approach a good mind set.
Marcelo Gomes
Marcelo Gomes is one of the most admired dancers of the international ballet world. For nearly two decades he was a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre, performing leading roles in the classical and contemporary repertoire across the globe. Renowned for his powerful technique, partnering, and stage presence, he now works internationally as a teacher and mentor, sharing the knowledge and experience of a major international ballet career.
Sorella Englund
Sorella Englund is a legendary artist of the Royal Danish Ballet and one of the most respected ballet masters internationally. Celebrated for her dramatic presence and character roles, she performed with the company for decades and has coached dancers all over the world. She brings deep knowledge of the Danish ballet tradition and the artistry that defines the art form of ballet.
Arina Trostyanetskaya
Arina Trostyanetskaya brings a rare combination of elite Russian classical training and high-level contemporary dance experience. Educated at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, she later danced with Nederlands Dans Theater, one of the world’s leading contemporary companies. Her teaching blends the precision and discipline of the Vaganova method with the freedom and movement quality of contemporary dance, helping students develop both strong classical technique and artistic versatility.
Ulrik Birkkjær
Ulrik Birkkjær is an internationally recognized Danish ballet dancer who has been a Principal Dancer with both the Royal Danish Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. Known for his musicality, and versatility across classical and contemporary repertoire, he has performed leading roles with many companies internationally. He is also the founder of København Danser, where he works to create new opportunities for dance and international collaboration in Copenhagen.
THE VENUE
Erik Aschengreen Studio
Practical information and requirements:
- We are looking for dancers passionate about movement, storytelling, and artistry. Our selection process is based on inclusivity and diversity.
- Application: Send your CV, a portrait photo, and a video of a short ballet class and variation (max. 15 min.) to arina@kbhdanser.dk
- Duration: Monday 13 July–Saturday 18 July, 6 days, 09:30–17:30, with lunch and a few short breaks
- Admission fee: 5,000 DKK // 670 Euros
- The use of pointe shoes for repertoire classes is optional and gender neutral
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from 17 March until 1 June, free of charge. You can expect a response within two weeks of your application date. Please note that spaces are limited.
Accommodation is not provided.
Lunch will be offered at an additional cost.
Confirmation Your place is secured upon receipt of payment following your acceptance.
For any additional questions, please check our FAQ or contact: arina@kbhdanser.dk
FAQ Application process
- Is the age limit flexible?
All applicants should be between age 15 and 23 at the start of the Summer School. Applicants who are slightly younger or slightly older than this range are also allowed to apply.
FAQ Payments
- How can I pay?
After you have submitted your application, it will be assessed, and you will then be notified whether you have been accepted. Once you confirm your place, you will receive payment details by email along with a payment deadline. - How do I know my participation is confirmed?
You will receive an email within two weeks from the date of your application
- Can I register and pay later?
Payment has to be made by the deadline specified in the registration link.
- I cannot attend the course anymore. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are only possible upon presentation of a medical certificate documenting an injury more than 30 days prior to the start of the course. - Who do I contact in case of a problem?
arina@kbhdanser.dk
FAQ Practical Information
- Will there be a performance to mark the end of the Summer School?
There will be a sharing in the studios among the students and teachers of the course. - Do I need to bring specific clothing?
Students should wear their regular ballet clothes - Do you offer meals?
Lunch will be provided at an additional costs - What languages are spoken at the Summer School?
The classes will be held in English
FAQ Travelling to/from Copenhagen
- When should I arrive in Copenhagen? When should I depart?
We recommend arriving a day before the start of the Programme (13/7/2026). The classes will be finished by 18:00 on 18/07/2026. There will be a farewell gathering afterwards, and you are welcome to stay. If you arrive a few days earlier or decide to stay longer, you are welcome to attend our regular classes at an additional costs - Which airport should I fly to, and how to get from there to the city centre?
You should fly to CPH airport, as it is the only airport in Copenhagen. Once you are out of the arrival zone at the airport, you should take the metro (ticket machines are available in the hall). All trains departing from the airport are direct to Kongens Nytorv, which is the stop where the theatre is located, at the very center of the city. It only takes 20 minutes, there are trains 24/7, and the service is extremely safe. - Is there a pick-up service at the airport?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a pick-up service and all students must find their own transportation.
