Ballet school opens its door to celebrate launch of community dance initiative
Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham has announced it will open its doors to the local community as part of the national launch of Let’s Dance!
The initiative, spearheaded by broadcaster Angela Rippon, is about raising awareness for the benefits of dance on both physical and mental health, bringing people together through dance, and encouraging those that don’t usually dance to give it a go.
Founded in Camberley, Surrey in 1923, Elmhurst was one of the UK’s first vocational dance schools.
In 2004, the school moved to its purpose-built new home in Edgbaston, Birmingham forming a close association with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Elmhurst has a history of notable alumni and continues to be a world-renowned centre of excellence, providing full-time vocational training in classical ballet in conjunction with a sound academic education across the whole school.
On Sunday 2 March Elmhurst will welcome participants to take part in a Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans class, a specially designed ballet session aimed at over 55s to help improve mobility, posture, and co-ordination, and boost energy levels.
Elmhurst will host three levels of class; beginner, intermediate and advanced, to ensure that all abilities are catered for.
Classes will be held in Elmhurst Ballet School’s state-of-the-art studios and taught by RAD Silver Swans qualified staff.
Silver Swans Licensees are trained specifically to teach ballet to adults over the age of 55, but all ages are welcome.
Denise Whiteman, director of Dance Training at Elmhurst Ballet School, said: “Let’s Dance! is about encouraging everybody, from older people to teenagers, to embrace the joy and benefits of dancing. The more we dance, the better we will all be – as individuals, and as a society.
“Whether you’re an experienced dancer, have briefly dabbled, or are a complete novice, we warmly invite anyone to come along to Elmhurst Ballet School on Sunday 2 March to try our Silver Swans classes. Let's get the nation dancing!”
Angela Rippon said: “This all started after my appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, revisiting my roots in dance, where I had the chance to feel the benefits myself.
“It's this that sparked my mission to get the nation dancing, in the hopes of helping more people access the health and social benefits of dance.
“So please join us! Let’s come together and make 2025 the year of dance.”
For more information and to book your place here.
To find out more about Elmhurst Ballet School, please visit the school website or follow the school’s social media channels.
