Want a career in playing the piano for ballet classes?

The Dancing Piano

Not a new instrument with pirouetting legs and quickstepping feet – now there’s an idea for a children’s book – but a course, teaching the fine art of playing for ballet.

The week-long course is the brainchild of Nicki Williamson (pictured), who first played for a ballet class at the age of 16, and now works with companies across the UK including The Royal Ballet, Rambert, Matthew Bourne and many others.

Watch this Royal Ballet class, and hear the important role of the ballet pianist:

Based at Du Boisson Dance Studios in London (1-8 September) The Dancing Piano summer course is aimed at competent pianists (Grade 8 standard or higher) who want intensive, practical coaching and experience as a dance accompanist. Given the proliferation of dance classes thanks to the success of shows such as Strictly, accompanying dance is a fast-growing field of work for pianists.

Here you can actually see a ballet pianist up close:

And listen to the complexities of the piano-playing here, in this Royal Ballet rehearsal of Sleeping Beauty:

Classical and contemporary styles are covered in sessions and individual coaching. Ballet classes with dancers and a teacher offer the chance to play, observe and get feedback. No less importantly for those seeking to add the skill to their portfolio, there is specialist coaching in playing for children and young people.

The Dancing Piano