Review: Elmhurst Ballet School's 20th anniversary performances in Edgbaston - why I was blown away by the students' talent

Nestled in the heart of Edgbaston, Birmingham, Elmhurst Ballet School has been teaching young dancers for 20 years. I had the pleasure of attending a mesmerising evening of performances at Elmhurst, part of their summer series celebrating two decades in Birmingham.

The evening was a captivating fusion of classical ballet and contemporary dance, putting on display the remarkable talent of the students and the innovative vision of their mentors.

The event kicked off with “À la Mode,” a mesmerising piece choreographed by Chris Penfold, Christopher Tendai, and Denis Whiteman. This captivating performance was a seamless blend of jazz, ballet, and contemporary dance.

The dancers gracefully took to the stage, their movements a symphony of elegance and vitality. “À la Mode” captured the essence of the present while honouring the vibrant charm of dance in Birmingham.

Their energy sparked like neon signs illuminating a bustling city street - fluid extensions, daring lifts, and unexpected angles pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance injected with modernity.

The pulsating beats of “I Like the Way” by BodyRockers echoed through the auditorium, drawing the audience.

The ambiance, inspired by a fashion runway, set the stage, and the costumes—80s-inspired multicoloured creations by Birmingham City University’s School of Fashion and Textiles—added a dash of nostalgia.

Imagine a catwalk bathed in gentle spotlights. The dancers strutted, twirled, and leaped, and posed, as if parading haute couture. The runway transformed into a canvas for artistic expression, setting the perfect tone for this dynamic opening act.

A Showcase of Talent

The performances unfolded over 1.15 hours, showcasing the diverse talents of Elmhurst's students, from different year groups:

• Year 7: "Elmhurst Spirit" in ballet dance—a delightful display of youthful energy.
• Year 8: "Birmingham Jig" in ballet dance—a lively celebration of the city's spirit.
• Year 9: "Contagion" in contemporary dance—an exploration of emotions and connections.
• Elmhurst Ballet Company: "Spartacus" in ballet dance—a powerful portrayal of strength and resilience.
• Year 10: "Wastelands Wildflowers" in contemporary dance—a poetic interpretation of nature's cycles.
• Year 11: "Piano Concerto" in ballet dance—a harmonious blend of movement and music.
• Year 12 and 13, along with Elmhurst Ballet Company: "City of a Thousand Trades"—a breathtaking ode to Birmingham's industrious spirit.
• Grand Défilé: The entire school, including all 190 students, gathered for a triumphant finale, leaving the audience in awe.

Each performance was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students. However, my personal favourite was Miguel Altunaga’s "City of a Thousand Trades" in contemporary dance.

The stage pulsed with energy as live music by Mathias Coppens; a haunting melody—part lament, part anthem. It echoed the clang of anvils, intertwined with spoken words. Altunaga's choreography wove together threads of Birmingham's past and present.

The dancers embodied the industrious workers who moulded the legacy of Birmingham as they moved with purpose. Their bodies demonstrated human endurance as they flew, twisted, and bent. Every leap represented hope, every contraction resilience.

The storyline along with the performance was compelling, of Birmingham’s history - each dancer wore the weight of history, their movements etching authenticity.

Overall, the evening at Elmhurst Ballet School was an enjoyable and inspiring experience. The students’ performances were not only technically impressive but also emotionally engaging, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

I look forward to attending more performances in the future and witnessing the continued growth and creativity of these talented young dancers.

Elmhurst Ballet School , located in Edgbaston, Birmingham for the last 20 years, is patronised by HRH The Queen and presided over by Wayne McGregor CBE, with Carlos Acosta CBE as Vice President.

For performance dates and ticketing information view eventbrite.co.uk/elmhurst ballet school