Jan McNulty

Links - Wednesday 31 January, 2024 Obituaries - Chita Rivera, Broadway Star: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Charles McNulty, LA Times Chris Wiegand, Guardian Mark Kennedy, Chicago Sun-Times Gallery - Chita Rivera - a life in pictures: Various, Guardian Obituary - Bené Arnold, First Ballet Mistress at Ballet West: Staff, The U Review - San Francisco Ballet, Mere Mortals, San Francisco: Jim Munson, Broadway World Review - Royal Ballet, Manon, London: Vikki Jane Vile, Dance for You Magazine Review - Northern Ballet, Tortoise and the Hare, London: Siobhan Murphy, Stage Review - Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca, Searching for Goya, New York: Leigh Witchel, dancelog.nyc Review - Works & Process, three performances, New York: Karen Greenspan, Fjord Review Review - Les Ballet de Trockadero de Monte Carlo, triple bill, Berkeley: Lauren Harvey, The Daily Californian Review - Dancenorth, Wayfinder; Marrugeku, Mutiara, Sydney: Deborah Jones, Followspot Review - Diversity, Supernova, Northampton: Lyndsey Winship, Guardian Review - Anthony Williams, Urban Nutcracker, Boston: Alisa S Regassa, Harvard Crimson Review - Malevo, Melbourne: Stephanie Glickman, Australian Stage Stream Review - Bejart Ballet Lausanne & Tokyo Ballet, The Ninth Symphony: Robert Tanitch, British Theatre Guide Report - Dance Diary January 2024, Australia: Michelle Potter, ... on dancing Report - Dance Watch looking back at December & January & forward to February, Portland: Jamuna Chiarini, Oregon Arts Watch Preview - Carlos Acosta, On Before, Plymouth: Annette Belcher, Plymouth Herald Preview - Ballet Hispánico, triple bill, New York: Staff, NY Latin Culture Magazine Preview - Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, To the Point(e) (triple bill), Monaco: Paul Brault, Monaco Tribune Preview - Iconique Gala featuring Xander Parish, The Bahamas: Staff, The Tribune News - Tiler Peck choreographs her first work for New York City Ballet: Marina Harss, Dance Magazine News - Horror as violence erupts at Swan Lake performance at Manchester Opera House: James Holt, Manchester Evening News Feature - Choreographer Helen Pickett talks about Emma Bovary, her first commission for National Ballet of Canada: Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen Feature - A ballet, tap and heels dancer each share their profound relationships with their signature shoe: Haley Hilton, Dance Magazine

You can get a bus from Leeds/Bradford Airport to Harrogate. It takes just over half an hour but then you would need another bus or taxi to the college.

Hello @Jmsix and welcome to the Forum! I assume you mean on arrival? The train from Manchester Airport takes around 2 1/2 to 3 hours and include a change at Leeds and possibly at Manchester Piccadilly. The railway station in Harrogate is nearly 2 miles from the college so probably requires a taxi ride.

PRESS RELEASE 29 January 2024 PRESS IMAGE HERE (dropbox) HERE (We Transfer) BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET AND ROYAL BALLET SINFONIA ANNOUNCE THIS YEAR’S ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE STUDENT-IN-RESIDENCE Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia has announced BMus student flautist Lottie Mahoney as this year’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Student-in-Residence. Lottie has been selected on the 2024 scheme for one year, providing her with an exciting opportunity to work alongside some of the UK’s top classical musicians from BRB’s acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia, joining them for rehearsals in both London and Birmingham. The scheme is open to musicians from the RBC who are selected through an audition process. Royal Ballet Sinfonia Principal Conductor Paul Murphy said “We’re delighted to welcome Lottie as our third RBC Student-in-Residence. I feel sure that she will benefit enormously from rehearsing with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia over the course of 2024 and, in addition, being mentored by our wonderful colleagues in the flute section.” Lottie, originally from Norfolk, now residing in Birmingham, is currently in the third year of her Bachelor of Music with Honours undergraduate degree at the RBC and has recently played at B:Music’s Birmingham Symphony Hall with the CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) Youth Orchestra. Lottie commented “I’m extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to play with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia as their Student-in-Residence. As rehearsals for the company’s The Sleeping Beauty begin, I’m delighted to have the chance to play alongside and learn from members of this terrific orchestra.” Lottie will be the third Student-in-Residence from the RBC. Lucy Samuels a freelance cellist, and the first recipient, is currently the Concerts and Community Co-ordinator for the Orchestra of The Swan and has already played with the Sinfonia. Last year’s Student-in-Residence, French horn player Alex Hocknull, is currently studying for a postgraduate performance qualification at RBC whilst building his portfolio career. Lottie will be rehearsing in Birmingham with the Sinfonia ahead of the UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s The Sleeping Beauty performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet from February. The tour includes performances at Sadler’s Wells, London, and the company’s home base at Birmingham Hippodrome. Full tour details: www.brb.org.uk/shows/the-sleeping-beauty Notes to Editors Birmingham Royal Ballet Based at Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading touring ballet company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as ground-breaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The Company’s Director since January 2020 is the internationally renowned Carlos Acosta. Birmingham Royal Ballet standardly performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. On average, the Company performs 100 shows a year nationally and internationally. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Birmingham Royal Ballet’s permanent orchestra, it is also Britain's busiest ballet orchestra. The Sinfonia also plays frequently for The Royal Ballet and other leading ballet companies, including performances with Paris Opéra Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Kirov, Norwegian Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and La Scala Ballet. Paul Murphy Principal Conductor BRB recently announced the appointment of Paul as the Company’s new Music Director and Principal Conductor leading the company’s orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. He will assume the role on 1 July 2024, following Koen Kessels stepping down as BRB’s Music Director on 30 June 2024. Paul has been a member of Birmingham Royal Ballet for 31 years since he joined the company in 1992. He was appointed Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Principal Conductor in 1997. Royal Birmingham Conservatoire RBC is a world class institution providing exceptional training for the musicians, actors, stage managers and performers of the future. RBC’s outstanding facilities attract the best and brightest students to Birmingham, along with internationally renowned performers and teachers. With limitless collaboration opportunities for staff and students, the Conservatoire is a stimulating environment with an international reputation which celebrates diversity.

English National Ballet Carmen Sadler’s Wells, London Wednesday 27 March – Saturday 06 April 2024 www.ballet.org.uk/carmen English National Ballet presents the UK premiere of Johan Inger’s award-winning Carmen at Sadler’s Wells, London from 27 March – 06 April. Inger, whose work is rarely seen in the UK, has boldly reimagined the classic tale of seduction and obsession with choreography that combines contemporary and classical movement to powerful effect. Nine large movable mirrors frame the action – transporting audiences from a town square through to the troubled mind of Don José. Menace and foreboding loom over the stage, thanks to additional music by Marc Alvarez which complements Bizet and Shchedrin’s classic score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Inger has choreographed for major companies around the world, including Nederlands Dans Theater and Spain’s National Dance Company. He won the Prix Benois de la Danse for Carmen. Dancers: Emily Suzuki and Junor Souza. Photo © Jason Bell. Creative Direction: Charlotte Wilkinson Studio. English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. Production Sponsor: Cunard Listings: English National Ballet Carmen Sadler’s Wells, London 27 March – 6 April 2024 www.ballet.org.uk/carmen Creative Team: Johan Inger - Choreography George Bizet - Music Rodion Shchedrin - Music Marc Álvarez - Additional original music Álvaro Domínguez Vázquez - Orchestration David Delfin - Costume designs Tom Visser - Lighting Design Curt Allen Wilmer and Leticia Ganan AAPEE with estudiodeDos - Set Design Gregor Acuña-Pohl - Dramaturgy Toby Mallitt - Stager Urtzi Aranburu - Stager About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as Dance for Parkinson’s; and through talent development initiatives including Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform. English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before.

PRESS RELEASE 29/01/2024 ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE Local dancers from London took to the stage for Step into Dance’s Battle 2024 Battle is an annual event by Step into Dance, a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation Image by Marble and Sky. On Saturday 27 January 2024 young dancers from London participated in Battle, an energetic and dynamic hip hop dance event organised by Step into Dance. Battle is an annual celebration of hip hop dance organised by Step into Dance, the UK’s largest inclusive dance programme run by the Royal Academy of Dance and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The event provides the opportunity for young dancers to come together and share their passion for dance, all the while battling it out in front of their friends and a rapturous audience. This year’s high energy event took place at Old Town Hall in Stratford London, where dancers from around London took part in a day of workshops and showcases. Young dancers also participated in 1v1, 2v2 and crew dance battles to be crowned champions. All battles were performed in front of a judging panel featuring Bgirl Roxy, Chris Alozie and previous Battle winner, Caine Harrison. Winners of the 1v1, 2v2 and crew dance battles included: 1v1 Beginner: Malakhi Best, Age 17 (City & Islington College), Islington 1v1 Experienced: Mia Wisniewska, Age 15 (The Norwood School), Lambeth 1v1 External: Tyler Alexis-Ward, Age 15 (Xpression Dance), South London 2v2 Beginner: Jereil Boateng (Age 13, Woodcote High School) and Nicole Jarvis (Age 13, Woodcote High School), Croydon 2v2 Experienced: Emre Djemal (Age 15, Frederick Bremer School in Waltham Forest) and Tamia Jordan (Age 17, Richmond Upon Thames College) 2v2 External: Lil P’Nut (Cold Collective) and Isiah Samuel All Style Crews Hendon School (Ages 11 - 14), Barnet Other Local schools performing in the showcases included: City and Islington College Forest Hill School Hendon School Praxis Dance Company, Uxbridge College. Audience members were also treated to two performances; one by an emerging young rap artist and the second by RAD’s youth dance company, SYNC. The piece was entitled Punctuation and was choreographed by Step into Dance practitioner, Nathan Mafwa. This year’s Battle marked an extra special celebration as it commemorated 50 years of hip hop, along with Breaking becoming a sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Tim Arthur Chief Executive of the RAD said: “Step into Dance’s Battle event raises the roof every single year – and this year was no exception. What a delight it was to see so many young dancers from across London come together to celebrate the joy and wonder of dance. Congratulations to everyone who took part in this truly fantastic event.” Gemma Juma, Chief Executive of Jack Petchey Foundation said: “The talent and sense of community from these Breakers is incredible. Year after year, young people show what they can achieve with hard work, commitment and determination. The Battle shows how much fun young people can have along the way!” Maja, a Youth Consultation Panel member of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “These young performers were brilliant, talented and inspiring. What a great day of showing off their skills.” To find out more about Step into Dance watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_lH8mVC74. Notes to Editors Step into Dance Delivered by professional dance practitioners and artists, Step into Dance supports the general wellbeing and healthy development of young people, and enables them to develop knowledge, techniques, and experiences in dance, as well as acquiring personal skills that transfer to being successful in whatever their future lives may hold. The main objective of the Step into Dance programme continues to be to reach as many young people as possible in the London and Essex regions through regular dance sessions in schools, creating opportunities for youth to connect to dance, and reaching young people that might not otherwise have this possibility. Step into Dance is a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation www.royalacademyofdance.org/step-into-dance Royal Academy of Dance Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in 85 countries. Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams. www.royalacademyofdance.org Jack Petchey Foundation Established in 1999, The Jack Petchey Foundation gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25, focusing on London and Essex. The Foundation exists to raise the aspirations of young people, to help them take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society. Since it has been established, the Foundation has awarded grants totalling over £150 million. www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

Blummin' 'eck Dawnstar that's awful. I hope you were OK. Someone had left a water access hole (about 18 cm in diameter) open on a pavement up the road from me last week, with the lid a yard away. I nearly put my foot down the hole and tripped over the lid. Fortunately I didn't fall!

https://www.thestrad.com/news/a-disastrous-situation-petition-to-save-northern-ballet-sinfonia-from-being-replaced-by-recordings/17520.article

I assume it will be SDB's, which is gorgeous. It tours well - I have seen it in both The Lowry and the Empire in Sunderland. It was a cut-down version of this lovely production that was shown at Birmingham Rep during the experimental shows of Autumn 2020. I assume from this that Acosta must have a good working relationship with SDB. So good that wouldn't it be wonderful if Hobson's Choice or Madding Crowd was announced for the Autumn!

He was always scheduled to dance the matinee on 22nd February and the evening of 28th. It's just that things went a bit bizarre when he was taken out and then reinstated on the website...

Hello @Anna1805 and welcome to the Forum!

I do believe a performance of Stevenson's Cinderella in Manchester may have been Muntagirov's first time in a leading role... I was there!

So sorry you’ve both been unwell Fiz.

Also when I went to book LCB in Bath row A was being sold for the first night but not for the rest of the week. I rang up and it was a mistake on the first night.

I’d check with the theatre. To my cost a few years ago I booked front row for something only to find months later that it wasn’t the front row and I was reallocated a circle seat as the stalls was full!

Motorists who think traffic lights don't exist for them. I was coming down the dual carriageway this morning towards a rather complex roundabout structure when a car came around the roundabout at speed and didn't even slow down, just shot through the lights on red. They hadn't just changed to red as at least 4 cars had gone ahead of me. I had to brake very hard and fortunately the car behind me also managed to stop.

It's so bizarre isn't it Peter - those were 2 of the 3 performances he was originally down for. Miki is now due to dance with Max for one performance in Birmingham and dates elsewhere. Lachlan is now partnering her too. They were truly outstanding together in Fille.

I heard this on the news this morning. It's dreadfully sad news.

PRESS RELEASE 26 January 2024 Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Website ANNA HAINSWORTH ANNOUNCED AS PRODUCER AT BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET Birmingham Royal Ballet has today announced Anna Hainsworth as their new in-house Producer. Anna Hainsworth is a producer working across dance, theatre and opera. Anna has worked in a breadth of roles within the arts sector, beginning her career in fundraising before moving into creative learning and producing, with companies including Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Elmhurst School for Dance, Opera North and Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Since 2021, Anna was Senior Producer for Scottish Dance Theatre and Dundee Rep Theatre, and prior to this was the Tour and Projects Producer for National Dance Company Wales, managing a varied programme of new commissions, organising and delivering tours throughout the UK and abroad, and managing projects including Scottish Dance Theatre's co-production with Celtic Connections in 2023 and NDCWales performances as part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. In 2021, she began a freelance practice, working on projects with independent artists and established companies, including Scottish Opera, Surrogate Productions, Jasmine Ellis (Munich) and Rosana Ribeiro (Salzburg). Anna holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, Festivals and Cultural Management from Queen Margaret University and is Chair of New Opera in Scotland Events (NOISE). Anna said; "I'm delighted and very privileged to be joining the team at Birmingham Royal Ballet. The diversity and scale of projects delivered by this ambitious company is incredibly exciting and I'm looking forward to delivering performances which attract new audiences and ballet enthusiasts alike." Birmingham Royal Ballet will begin a UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s classic production of The Sleeping Beauty in its 40th anniversary year from 8 February. www.brb.org.uk. Notes to Editors: Birmingham Royal Ballet Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading touring ballet company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as ground-breaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The Company’s Director since January 2020 is the internationally renowned Carlos Acosta. Birmingham Royal Ballet standardly performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. On average, the Company performs 175 shows a year nationally and internationally. Music is at the heart of BRB’s activities and the company is committed to regularly commissioning new orchestral music for ballet. Through BRB’s Ballet Now programme which was launched in 2017 BRB has commissioned the largest number of new orchestral music for Ballet since Diaghilev.

I would assume that, as with many such jobs, at least 6 months notice would be required to give time for the next incumbent to be found. Once the job is advertised the cat is out of the bag so all they have done is make the announcement before advertising the job and causing even more speculation.

London City Ballet will be performing at Latitude this year: https://www.latitudefestival.com/artists/london-city-ballet/

Hello @CaronJ and welcome to the Forum!

Hello Spottydotty and welcome to the Forum!

Media release: 24 January 2024 ELMHURST BALLET SCHOOL STUDENTS SHINE IN NEW PHOTOGRAPHY CAMPAIGN The prestigious school celebrates 20 years in Birmingham in 2024 In 2023, Elmhurst Ballet School celebrated its centenary, and the celebrations are continuing into 2024 as the school marks 20 years in its current home in Edgbaston, Birmingham. A brand-new campaign Exceptional Dancers, Exceptional People celebrates the diversity, individuality, and talent of Elmhurst students from across the school. Tom Wood Over ten decades, Elmhurst has firmly secured its place amongst the top ballet schools in the world, attracting local, national, and international dance students to Camberley (1923-2004) and now Birmingham (from 2004). Elmhurst Ballet School’s relocation to Birmingham in 2004 was overseen by the then Principal John McNamara and supported by the UK Government, Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Royal Ballet. The aim of the relocation was to meet the growing demand for professional dance training, education, and research outside of London. The invaluable link with Birmingham Royal Ballet was also initiated. The school will commemorate its 20 years in Birmingham during the Exceptional Dancers, Exceptional People campaign throughout 2024. Kicking off the campaign, in photography by highly regarded dance photographer Johan Persson, is Year 12 student Olivia Rickard from Harrison, Australia. Alfie-Lee Hall from Warrington, Cheshire; Amber Cook from Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire; Tom Wood from Nuneaton, Warwickshire; Omarian Beckford from Hockley in Birmingham; Elaine Fan from Guangdong, China; Joseph Chow from Boldon, Tyne and Wear; and Annabelle Handley from Kings Bromley, Staffordshire also feature in the collection of dynamic photographs, highlighting the students who live, dance, and learn at Elmhurst Ballet School. Commenting on working with the eight students, dance photographer Johan Persson said: “The students from Elmhurst Ballet School were an absolute joy to work with on this campaign. A photoshoot can be an overwhelming experience, and being involved in a ballet photoshoot where you are looking for a perfect line, or a particular visual look, is even more challenging. The students engaged in it with conviction, making minor changes to their positions and lines when asked to, something that even professional dancers can find difficult. They approached it with complete professionalism and passion and allowed their personalities to shine through, which was exactly what we wanted to achieve.” Olivia Rickard Four of the students whose life-size Exceptional Dancers, Exceptional People photographs are due to be unveiled at the school this month, said: Joseph Chow, Year 8: “When I came to the Open Day at Elmhurst, I instantly fell in love with the school, and I begged my parents to let me audition. My favourite memory of Elmhurst so far is performing in front of Queen Camilla, who is Patron of the school. It was a very magical moment for me and all my friends, and I was so proud. Some professional dancers don’t even get the chance to perform for the Queen, and as a student I’ve already been given that opportunity at Elmhurst.” Annabelle Handley, Year 9: “I was involved with the Elmhurst Young Dancers scheme for three years before I came to train at Elmhurst full-time, so I’ve been coming here for most of my life. I really like it here; everyone is so friendly. Because we spend such a lot of time with each other, it feels different to a normal school. To me, ‘Exceptional Dancers, Exceptional People’ means that we always give our best in everything we do, and we always strive to be our best self in dance and in every other aspect of life.” Annabelle Handley Amber Cook, Year 13: “People look at Elmhurst and just see an incredible ballet school, which it definitely is, but there are so many different aspects to Elmhurst which come together to make it the school that it is. For example, the catering, the gym facilities, the dance studios, our teachers; everything comes together to give us the full experience we have here. I’ve been at Elmhurst for six years, and when I think back to being in year 7, when I was that little girl who walked through Elmhurst’s doors for the first time, I had these big hopes and dreams. And I look at where I am now, and it makes me realise how much I’ve grown. I’ve grown up at this school, it’s my home. Elmhurst gives you growth not only through dance, technically and artistically, but also as a person. I can see the evolution from when I joined, and how young I was, and the maturity that I’ve gained. I wouldn’t be the person or the dancer that I am today if I hadn’t attended Elmhurst. It has shaped me and will continue to shape me in the future.” Alfie-Lee Hall, Year 13: “Elmhurst gives you lots of life opportunities and makes you determined to succeed in life as well as dance. The facilities here are extraordinary and it’s just an incredible environment to be in. Life at Elmhurst isn’t just about dance. It’s about growing as a person as well and being the best person you can be. We get a lot of opportunities at Elmhurst to perform throughout the year, with a winter show and a summer show, and I was lucky enough to perform in last year’s graduate company show, which was amazing. One highlight that stands out for me was when I got to perform at His Majesty’s Theatre in London for the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, where I won the award for my own choreography. The school supported me through this in a big way; the teachers here helped me progress with rehearsals and supported me throughout. It helped me gain confidence in the pieces that I was doing. It was an amazing experience.” To find out more about Elmhurst Ballet School, please visit the school website elmhurstballetschool.org or follow the school’s social media channels. Notes to Editors Photo Credit for all photographs: Johan Persson Omarian Beckford About Elmhurst Ballet School Elmhurst Ballet School is a world-renowned centre of dance excellence in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, which trains young dancers aged 11-19. Celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023, the school was founded in Camberley, Surrey in 1923 and relocated to Edgbaston in Birmingham in 2004. The school aims to nurture individuality through dance training, academics and health & wellbeing and guide students to become independent, collaborative, and versatile artists. Elmhurst's dance training is delivered by current and former dance professionals. The training is enhanced by the association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, an ongoing relationship with Studio Wayne McGregor, and many visiting choreographers and dance artists work collaboratively with the students during the school year. Elmhurst’s exceptional training opportunities is available to young dancers regardless of their financial, social, or cultural backgrounds. Although Elmhurst is an independent school, 89% of students benefit from UK Government support or in-house bursaries to train at the school. Recent graduates are working with companies across the UK and internationally including Birmingham Royal Ballet, New Adventures, Northern Ballet, Scottish Ballet, and the Royal Ballet. Wayne McGregor CBE is President of the school, and Carlos Acosta CBE and Dame Merle Park are listed amongst the school’s Vice Presidents. Elmhurst Young Dancers’ Programme provides weekend pre-vocational training in Birmingham, Manchester, Plymouth, and Sunderland. A new Research and Performance Department is the first in the world to support evidence-based practice in a vocational dance school setting. www.elmhurstballetschool.org Social media: Twitter: @ElmhurstBallet Instagram: @elmhurstballetschool Facebook: elmhurstballetschool

For immediate release PRESS RELEASE Date: 23/01/24 Royal Academy of Dance’s The Fonteyn comes to London in 2024 The Fonteyn is one of the world’s most prestigious dance competitions Image of The Fonteyn 2023 Gold medallist Jakob Wheway-Hughes. Image by Martin Bell. Today the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is delighted to announce that its flagship event The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition comes to London in 2024. The Fonteyn (previously known as The Genée) is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, representing the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus. Beginning in 1931, the competition has toured the globe and is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A launch pad for a professional career, past winners of The Genée and The Fonteyn – including Steven McRae and Francesca Hayward - have become professional dancers with companies worldwide and enjoyed long-lasting careers in the arts. Tim Arthur Chief Executive of the RAD said: “The Fonteyn is such a special event loved by so many people across the international dance industry. Each year we bring together dancers from around the globe for a week of dance that they’ll remember and cherish forever. We’re delighted to be putting on this event in London this year and look forward to creating even more Fonteyn memories.” The competition begins on 1 September, with coaching days kicking off the week. Three days of semi-finals then follow, hosted at RAD’s state-of-the-art dance studios in its HQ. The semi-finals will see candidates take part in a judged class on stage and performing one variation from the Classical Repertoire list. Candidates also perform a ‘Dancer’s Own’ piece – a newly choreographed solo created by themselves, their teacher, or a peer, to a piece of music of their choice. After the semi-finals, the grand final will be held at His Majesty’s Theatre, London on 8 September. During The Fonteyn 2024 competition, candidates will work with a top choreographer on a variation commissioned for the competition. The finalists will perform this at the final, where it will have its premiere. Last year’s commissioned choreographer was The Royal Ballet first soloist Valentino Zucchetti who choreographed Jeunesse. Bursaries are now open! In 2023 RAD was able to give bursaries to around a quarter of The Fonteyn candidates. This scheme provides vital support for young dancers facing additional barriers to achieving their dreams. Bursary applications for The Fonteyn 2024 are now open and close on Friday 1 March. Candidate applications for 2024 Candidate applications for The Fonteyn 2024 competition open on Friday March 1 and close on Friday 31 May. Ticket sales for public will open in the next few months. You can find out more at The Fonteyn website https://www.thefonteyn.org/ Notes to Editors About the Royal Academy of Dance Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in over 80 countries. Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.