El Salvador is expanding international cooperation in arts education through a new partnership with the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Dance, aimed at strengthening professional dance training and creating opportunities for emerging Salvadoran artists.

First Lady Gabriela de Bukele met with representatives of the British institution to discuss collaboration in dance education. During the meeting, El Salvador’s Ministry of Culture and the Royal Academy of Dance signed a Letter of Intent establishing a framework for joint initiatives and a shared work agenda.

The agreement will promote the exchange of expertise and teaching practices, while exploring opportunities to improve instructor training and support the development of new generations of Salvadoran dancers. The Royal Academy of Dance, which has more than a century of experience, is internationally recognized for its contribution to dance education.

El Salvador has also expanded its national dance education programs in recent years. Enrollment at the National Dance School increased from slightly more than 300 students in 2019 to approximately 1,700 in 2026, reflecting growing access to artistic training.

The country currently has three professional dance companies: the National Ballet of El Salvador, the National Dance Company, and the National Folkloric Ballet. Together, these institutions contribute to professional development, artistic production, and the promotion of Salvadoran dance.

The partnership represents another step in El Salvador’s efforts to strengthen cultural education through international collaboration and expand opportunities for young people pursuing careers in the performing arts.