During the graduation phase students embark on an internship of at least three months with one or several dance ensembles. The internship consists of assisting in the realization of a professional production and dancing in a series of performances. Characteristic of an internship is that students work and learn independently (but under supervision) in professional practice. Not only should the trainee be supervised in his/her work but attention should also focus on the learning aspect. Students are themselves responsible for finding an internship by participating in auditions although they will be assisted by staff members of the Dutch National Ballet Academy. 

Preparations for the internship program begin during the first and second study year with an introductory program and a course about business aspects relevant to a professional dance artist. These include drawing up a CV, writing a good letter of application, employment contract, etc. During this business orientation, students are introduced to the site www.beroepkunstenaar.nl, the digital FAQ for young professionals of the AHK. 

Partly on the basis of guidelines in the internship guide, students are expected to write an individual internship plan which also contains a proposal for the internship period. The internship component of the study program can be realized in different ways. Students can, for example, undertake one long or various shorter internships. Moreover, they can take part in an exchange program with other dance study programs in The Netherlands or abroad. 

Some exceptional students will be chosen to join the first year (internship year) of the Junior Company and this will then serve as their internship.

The internship supervisor visits, where possible, the trainee at least once at the place of internship to discuss his/her development or otherwise has regular contact. During these talks, the supervisor from the internship ensemble is also present. The internship supervisor will also attend a performance (foreign internships under certain conditions). On completing the internship, the student writes a report to be evaluated by the internship supervisor.  

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