Elmhurst and Birmingham Royal Ballet

Birmingham Royal Ballet (formerly Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet) relocated to Birmingham in 1990 under the leadership of Sir Peter Wright, and quickly established itself in the Midlands as one of the truly great, international ballet companies. Performances are staged at Birmingham Hippodrome and, with its famed Symphony Hall and Orchestra, Birmingham has become a cultural centre of major importance not only in the UK but around the world. The city was shortlisted for the coveted title of European Capital of Culture in 2008.

In March 2002 Elmhurst became an Associate School of Birmingham Royal Ballet and the company’s Director David Bintley CBE became the school’s Artistic Advisor. This ground-breaking association benefits all the students. There are opportunities to join company class and see what a professional dancer's life is all about. Many students will have the opportunity to perform with the company and the school has pioneered an Apprenticeship Scheme with Birmingham Royal Ballet, which is an important element of the final year of training.

By linking the school to a major ballet company in this way, Elmhurst is able to offer pupils vocational training and potential career prospects on a par with any in the world. By the end of the three-year sixth form course, students should have developed the range of techniques, artistry, self-belief and maturity required to accept responsibility for their own progress within a major dance company.