The Royal Ballet School places significant emphasis on nutrition and overall wellbeing as essential components of professional dance training. Recognizing the physical demands of ballet, the institution has developed systems to support students’ health through structured meals, comprehensive wellness programs, and access to specialized healthcare services.

Students at the Royal Ballet School begin their day with a nutritious breakfast served in the dining hall, designed to fuel their bodies for hours of physical and academic exertion. Meals are carefully planned to meet the dietary needs of young dancers in full-time training. Occasionally, guest chefs such as Dr. Rupy from The Doctor’s Kitchen are invited to contribute meals that align with health-conscious principles, offering variety while promoting informed choices around food.

Throughout the day, students are provided with balanced meals during lunch and dinner. These mealtimes are communal and serve as key moments of rest and social interaction within the structured schedule. The Royal Ballet School ensures that every meal contributes to energy management and recovery, playing a crucial role in supporting students’ performance in the studio and the classroom.

Physical wellness is monitored and maintained through the dedicated Healthcare Suite located on the White Lodge campus. This facility houses a multidisciplinary team that provides physiotherapy, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Students have the ability to schedule visits through the Smartabase app, which allows real-time tracking of health concerns and treatment plans. This integration of digital tools reflects the Royal Ballet School’s commitment to proactive and student-centered care.

In addition to injury management, the wellness program includes regular sessions in Pilates, strength and conditioning, and flexibility training. These activities are embedded into the weekly timetable and are tailored to support the physical needs of dancers undergoing intensive training. By addressing core strength and joint stability, the Royal Ballet School helps students reduce the risk of long-term injury and prepares them for the physical resilience required in a professional setting.

Mental health is also supported as part of the wellness framework. The school’s residential setting encourages peer bonding and emotional stability, while staff remain available to assist students with personal concerns. Wellness is treated as a shared responsibility, and students are taught strategies for rest, reflection, and time management, which are vital for sustaining motivation and focus throughout the academic year.

Weekend routines allow for greater flexibility in rest and recreation. Students may participate in staff-organized outings such as bowling or visits to nearby parks, or engage in on-site activities like arts and crafts. These moments of relaxation are crucial for recovery and help maintain emotional wellbeing in a high-performance environment. The Royal Ballet School also hosts events like tea parties, themed dinners, and scavenger hunts, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

From the beginning of their journey at the Royal Ballet School, students are introduced to routines that center physical care and emotional balance. These habits are cultivated early and evolve throughout their training, ensuring that students graduate not only with artistic skill but also with the tools needed for a sustainable career in ballet.

All candidates are accepted to the Royal Ballet School based on classical ballet potential alone, with no academic or financial criteria. Eighty-eight percent of enrolled students receive financial assistance, enabling access to the school’s extensive wellness programs and professional support regardless of background.

The Royal Ballet School continues to define excellence not only through technical instruction but by shaping a culture of health, strength, and resilience for the next generation of dancers.