NACHO DUATO TRAINEE PROGRAM
Nacho Duato Trainee Program (NDTP) is a two-year pre-professional ballet program for students ages 16 and above who are preparing for a professional dance career.
The program is designed and directed by Nacho Duato himself and developed and taught by former professional dancers that have worked side by side with him for 20 years.
The Nacho Duato Training Program is a unique opportunity to work directly with one of the most important choreographers at the moment.
Our two year graduate course offers exceptional, in-depth training that will equip you with knowledge and insight for a career in dance and develop skills in classical and contemporary ballet, repertoire, movement, music, research, critical and contextual studies as well as personal and professional development to sustain you in your career in dance. NDTP is an important stepping stone that can help edge you towards your dream job.
We aim to empower and validate future professional ballet dancers as highly versatile ARTISTS and creative individuals, powerful creators that provide their communities with beauty, interaction and inspiration but at the same time give thoughtful critique to our political, economic and social system.
Our main goal is to educate strong, capable, positive and hard working individuals that would take up any chance just to be doing what they love.
Through our carefully planned studies program based on professional training, artistic education and stage experience, we offer outstanding moments and unique personal , cultural and professional experience in the heart of one of Europe’s most cultural capitals, Madrid.
TRAINEE PROGRAM
COURSE OVERVIEW
NDTP is designed to provide versatility to young dancers and form highly skilled professionals ready to access ballet companies all over the world. The unique style developed by Duato is expressive, fluid, and fast. It is fully contemporary in spirit but utilizes a strong base of classical ballet and insists on turn-out, pointed feet, and the graciousness that classical dance gives the dancer. The main goal of NDTP is to provide future dancers a possibility to become strong dancers in both classical and contemporary ballet, versatile dancers that can perform Swan Lake and yet move as contemporary dancers and become able to embrace a full repertoire of any important ballet company.
For such purpose, NDTP has been designed to work on strong classical technique and a variety of contemporary styles through workshops.Our trainee program is designed to last for two years : first year trainee program and second year internship with the Nacho Duato Company.
In the first year of the Nacho Duato Training Program (NDTP), emphasis is placed on refining classical ballet technique, laying a solid foundation for aspiring dancers. Each day commences with a morning classical ballet class, followed by immersive sessions in both classical ballet repertoire (2-3 h per day) and Nacho Duato’s distinctive style (2h per day). Complementing these rigorous practices are Graham Contemporary Ballet classes, imparting a sense of groundedness, while various workshops enrich the students’ versatile repertoire. Pilates, and Gyrotonic sessions provide essential individual training skills and injury management strategies.
Furthermore, students are exposed to cultural experiences such as concerts, exhibitions, and workshops, enriching their education and nurturing the development of well-rounded dancers and artists.During the first year, students will undergo a continuous evaluation by the artistic team. Nacho Duato will choose students that will form part of his Junior Company during the Internship period. At this point, classically inclined trainees may choose to audition for ballet companies, while others may opt to delve deeper into Duato’s repertoire.
Graduates will be conferred with an Advanced Degree in Classical and Contemporary Ballet from the esteemed Nacho Duato Academy, poised to excel in the demanding world of professional dance.
INTERNSHIP COMPAÑIA NACHO DUATO
If chosen by the choreographer, trainees will join the Nacho Duato Company as interns. During the internship period, trainees undergo an immersive exploration into Duato’s rich repertoire, delving deeper into his choreographic vision and style. This pivotal year offers trainees the unique opportunity to perform on stage as members of the Nacho Duato Junior Company, providing invaluable experience in a professional setting. We offer more than 30 professional performances throughout the year.
The daily schedule is meticulously crafted to focus on preparing a variety of full ballets for the stage, honing technical skills, artistic expression, and stage presence. Through intensive rehearsals and guidance from experienced professionals, trainees refine their abilities and develop a profound understanding of Duato’s choreography, ensuring they are well-equipped to captivate audiences with their performances. This immersive experience marks a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming versatile and accomplished dancers, laying the groundwork for successful careers in the dynamic world of ballet.
PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS
All teachers are former professional dancers who have worked directly with Nacho Duato. Through their personal experience and teaching, students can experiment the style and the method that Nacho Duato implements in all of his works as well as his high standards.
We aim to prepare students to meet the demands of professional life and physical and emotional challenges of a dance career.
Additionally, students will be supported by a team of therapists, doctors and sports physicians.
CURRICULUM
- Classical Ballet training
- Repertoire Nacho Duato
- Contemporary Graham training
- Pas de Deux classes
- Workshops
- Gyrotonic and Pilates sessions
- STAGE EXPERIENCE
LOCATION
NDTP is incorporated in the NACHO DUATO ACADEMY, a Professional Ballet School for students of age 5-18. The Academy is a unique space with more than 120 students and 25 staff members. It is situated in one of the best areas of the city center, in the Salamanca district. Our on-site system of supervision ensures that our dancers receive the necessary guidance and support throughout their stay at NDTP, in line with the school’s main educational template.For any further information on NDA, please click on the following link www.nachoduatoacademy.com
We can provide you a professional in charge of international students that can help with the following: housing, visas, academic requirements. Please contact us on that matter and we will provide you with further information.
CALENDAR
NDTP 2025-2026 will start on September 8, 2025 and end on June 19, 2026.
The teaching schedule is from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m.
AUDITIONS
In order to enter NDTP, you must pass the online and/or in-person audition and be between 16-21 years old.
Auditions for the NDTP will be held online throughout the year. For this purpose, we kindly ask you to send us your personal information and the following material:
- A video containing a classical and a contemporary solo and a short CV . For such purposes, you can use youtube, vimeo or other platforms.
- You will be contacted as soon as our team of experts has evaluated your application.
COSTS AND FUNDING
NDTP offers a limited amount of partial scholarships for talented students whose families do not have the financial means to pay for their education. These scholarships only cover tuition fees and no lodging, travel or any other costs will be covered. We strongly advise students to contact us about financial aid.
- First year program
- Internship year
- €13.900
- subject to partial or full year scholarships
APPLYING
Complete the online application form. You will receive a confirmation email when the form has been submitted.
Following this our Admissions Team will contact you as soon as possible.
The program will accept a maximum of 16 students per year. You may only apply once per academic year. We audition everyone who applies.
We are committed to making our training as widely accessible as possible. Student loans and scholarships are available. If you are a Spanish resident with significant financial needs, you can apply for a scholarship.
CONTACT
We are happy to respond to any enquiries or doubts via email
Wherever you decide to start, we’ll be here for you along the way.
ABOUT US
NACHO DUATO
Nacho Duato began his professional career at Netherlands Dance Theatre and Cullberg Ballet. He worked with Maurice Bejart, Alvin Ailey and Jiri Kylian before starting his career as a choreographer. After several years of success and international awards, Nacho Duato became Artistic Director of the National Dance Company in Madrid in 1990, where he developed his career as a choreographer of great international renown. He received the Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts, the title of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Benois de la Danse and Spanish National Dance Award among others.
In 2011-2014, Nacho Duato held the position of Artistic Director of the Mikhailovsky Ballet of St. Petersburg. From 2014-2018, Nacho Duato held the position of Artistic Director of the Staatsballett Berlin and Resident Choreographer at the Mikhailovsky Theatre, where he returned as Artistic Director in 2019.
Full bio
Nacho Duato trained as a dancer at the Rambert School in London, the Mudra School of Maurice Béjart in Brussels and at the American Dance Center of Alvin Ailey in New York.
His professional career as a dancer began in 1980 with the prestigious Cullberg Ballet in Stockholm, but it was not until a year later, after joining the Nederlands Dans Theater and under the guidance of its director Jirí Kylián, when Duato acquired true relevance in the world of dance. It was in NDT where he created his first choreography, Jardí tancat, (1983, music by Maria del Mar Bonet), with which he won the First Prize at the International Competition of Köln (Internationaler Choreographischer Wettbewerb, Köln). In 1988 he was appointed permanent choreographer of the NDT together with Hans van Manen and Kylián himself.
In 1995 he received the title of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, an award given annually by the French Embassy in Spain.After being recognized internationally, Nacho Duato became Artistic Director of the National Dance Company of Spain. He was invited in 1990 to take up the position of artistic director by the National Institute of Performing Arts and Music and the Spanish Ministry of Culture.
The Spanish Government awarded him with the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 1998.
In following years, Nacho Duato won the Benois de la Danse, one of the most prestigious international awards for choreography, presented by the International Dance Association, for his creation Multiplicity. Forms of silence and emptiness in April 2000. In 2003 he won the Spanish National Dance Award in the category of Creation.
In 2010 he was awarded the Chilean Arts Critics Circle Award, and his choreography, Na Floresta, was nominated for the Golden Mask, the highest award given by the Russian circle of critics.
In 2010 after he celebrated his twentieth anniversary with the National Dance Company, he left the position of director in July of that same year. Nacho Duato has accomplished something nobody could before-CND, The National Company of Spain, was held during his period as one of the most prestigious and talented companies with an incredible international reputation. His work has become a part of cultural heritage.
From 2011-2014, Nacho Duato was holding the position of the Artistic Director at the Mikhailovsky Ballet Theater in Saint Petersburg. Throughout these years, he created several ballets for the company, such as Nunc Dimittis and Prelude, as well as full-length ballet productions of Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker, Bayadere, Swanlake. He also revived his works from the CND era such as Without Words, Duende, Multiplicity: Forms of Silence and Emptiness, and White Darkness.
In 2014 Nacho Duato became the Artistic Director of the Staatsballett Berlin while remaining the Resident Choreographer at the Mikhailovsky Theater.
In 2019, Nacho Duato returns to the Mikhailovsky Theater as the Artistic Director of the Company.
His ballets and choreographies are part of the repertoire of the most prestigious international companies, such as the aforementioned Cullberg Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theater, but also of the American Ballet Theatre, Les Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris, Staatsoper Berlin, the Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Stuttgart Ballet, Scala di Milano, Hamburg Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, the Finnish Opera Ballet, San Francisco Ballet or English Royal Ballet.
TEACHERS
Luis Martín Oya – Compañía Nacional de Danza
Emilia Jovanovic – The Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier and Compañía Nacional de Danza
Luisa Maria Arias – Le Ballet National du Rhin, The Netherlands Dance Theatre and Compañía Nacional de Danza
Mar Baudesson – Compañía Nacional de Danza
Marlon Dino – Bayerische Staatsballet
Lorena Jiménez-Alberta Ballet and Ballet Florida
GUEST TEACHERS
Sonia Rodriguez – The National Ballet of Canada
Cedric Ygnace-The Dutch National Ballet
Jorge Christoff – Ballet Nacional De España
Dario Mealli – The Dutch National Ballet and Ballet Victor Ullate
Laura Peréz Hierro-Compañia Nacional de Danza
Juanjo Carrazo-Compañia Nacional de Danza
Catherine Coury-Marcat Dance
Paula Arevalo-Fundación Jiri Kylian
Asiya Lukmanova- Russian Masters Ballet
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Dr.Thomas Jacobs – Chiropractor
Dario Mealli – Manual Therapy
Dr.Luis Gadea- Physiotherapy, Anatomy
Dr.Med.Francisco Jose Serrano Sobrino-Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery, specialist in Dance injuries, member of the Unesco International Dance Council CID
STAFF
Nacho Duato – Choreographer and Artistic Director
Emilia Jovanovic – General Manager
Luis Martín Oya – Artistic Manager
Lucia Spagnoli – Executive Manager and NDTP alumni
Noemi Garcia- Administration
Lucia Spagnoli – Student Lodging NDTP
Maya Martin – Marketing and Social media NDA
Pau Scrowa – technician NDA
Irina Nefodova Skulskaya-pianist
CONTACT
Nacho Duato Academy
Calle de Coslada 7 bis
28028 Madrid, Spain
Contact (WhatsApp)
+34/ 674 58 56 13