Audition for Ballet Pianists for the Royal Danish Ballet

The pianist provides musical accompaniment for daily training at the Royal Danish Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet School. Tasks may also include orchestral performance and piano accompaniment during public performances.

In addition to versatile pianistic skills, the following is expected:

• A strong technique with the ability to play diverse musical repertoire, combined with an awareness of individual dancers' and choreographers' needs regarding tempo, volume, etc.
• Particular emphasis is placed on previous experience with ballet repetition and accompanying ballet rehearsals and performances.
• In-depth knowledge of the ballet repertoire.
• Possess the experience and ability to play in symphonic orchestras at a professional level.
• A flexible and collaborative approach to the workplace.
• Knowledge of Danish and English is an advantage.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Preparation for and participation in classes and rehearsals.
• Preparation for and participation in public performances.
• Collaboration with the other pianists, the Ballet School's planner, and the manager for the pianists on the need for and extent of piano accompaniment for classes.
• Participation in touring activities as needed.

We offer

A daily routine filled with exciting and challenging tasks awaits, offering ample opportunity for artistic, personal, and professional growth. You'll join two ambitious and creative departments where tradition meets innovation, fostered by a modern workplace culture, strong collaboration, and a welcoming atmosphere where humour brightens the day.

Additionally, you'll become part of one of Europe's most distinguished ballet companies and one of the world's oldest ballet schools, both affiliated with The Royal Danish Theatre – a renowned Danish cultural institution.

Salary and employment conditions

One vacant position is a full-time position, the other is a part-time position of 25½ hours including preparation. Evening and weekend work is required.

Employment and salary are in accordance with the relevant collective agreement.

The place of employment is at the Royal Danish Theatre on Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen, and you will report to the manager for the pianists.

How to apply

Apply for the position by clicking on "søg stillingen" on the right of the advertisement. Please attach your CV, exam certificates and any recommendations.

The application must be received by the theatre no later than Wednesday 15 May 2024.

The recruitment process will consist of an audition and an interview and will take place at the end of May 2024. Qualified participants will be notified of the content af the audition in advance.

The audition may include one or more of the following elements:

• Accompaniment of a ballet class with dancers from the company.
• Accompaniment of a ballet class with ballet students.
• Prima Vista Bournonville (with ballet school students)
• Prima Vista Pas de Deux (with dancers)
• Solo performance of own choice (5-6 minutes)
• Variations – excerpts from the repertoire (scores will be sent to invited applicants one week prior to the audition).

Commencement on 1 August 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The initial three months constitute a probationary period. During this time, dismissal may occur with 14 days' notice.

Please note that a child protection certificate will be sought in conjunction with the employment.

We encourage all interested parties, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Contact person

For further information about the position, please contact the Administrative Director of the Royal Danish Ballet (interim) Anna Reinhard Danchell arda@kglteater.dk

About the Royal Danish Ballet

The Royal Danish Ballet is one of the world's most esteemed ballet companies. With its unique Bournonville tradition and an eye for innovation, the company has consistently presented a diverse repertoire of exceptional quality.

Preserving and evolving the Bournonville tradition is a cornerstone of the Royal Danish Ballet's mission. These ballets, famed for their exquisite mimetic storytelling and effortless grace, will always be the bedrock of the company's repertoire. However, the company's repertoire extends far beyond. It boasts the ability to interpret the grandeur of ballets from the Russian tradition. Additionally, it harbours an ambition to continuously expand and refresh its offerings with works by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, alongside new creations by modern ballet choreographers.

Presenting such a broad and demanding repertoire of exceptional artistic quality necessitates a large company of skilled and talented dancers who master the diverse tasks and styles showcased in over 100 performances annually.

The Royal Danish Ballet comprises a company of approximately 80 dancers. In addition to Danish nationals, the company includes dancers from the United States, England, France, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Korea and Kazakhstan.

USA, England, Frankrig, Østrig, Sverige, Spanien, Italien, Bulgarien, Australien, Canada, Brasilien, Argentina, Japan, Korea og Kasakhstan.

About the Royal Danish Theatre Ballet School

The Royal Danish Ballet School trains classical ballet dancers to the highest international standards. Established in 1771, the Ballet School is one of the few in the world housed within the theater building itself.

The Royal Danish Ballet School fosters a professional environment with a focus on student wellbeing, development, and collaboration. This ensures students gain valuable life skills applicable within and beyond the world of ballet.

Beyond ballet training, students develop a range of creative, motoric, and rhythmic skills that not only benefit a potential ballet career but also serve as a strong foundation for other artistic or elite training programs.