Key Moments in Elmhurst Ballet School’s 100 Year History
Key moments in Elmhurst Ballet School’s 100-year history:
Founded in 1923 by Helen Mortimer, Elmhurst started life as The Mortimer School of Dancing in a studio in the grounds of a Preparatory School – for pupils up to age 11 – at ‘Elmhurst’, Heathcote Road, Camberley, Surrey.
In the very early days, the school had 12 dancing students who would participate in local galas and performances.
A senior school was added and by 1931 Helen Mortimer becomes Joint Principal of the school (with Violet Crisp, Principal of the Prep School).
By 1933, dance student numbers increased to 60.
During the 1939-45 war years, the Mortimer dancers appeared in 59 shows for the troops.
In 1942, Violet Crisp retires and Helen Mortimer is named sole Principal.
After the end of the war, the dance training provision of the school continues to go from strength to strength and new buildings are acquired to accommodate an increase in senior school students.
In 1945 the school receives recognition by the Ministry of Education.
The school is renamed Elmhurst Ballet School in 1947.
From the late forties, Elmhurst quickly becomes known for its teaching of dance and drama locally, nationally and internationally with pupil numbers at this time increasing from 90 to 240.
By Helen Mortimer’s passing in 1958 the school has 350 pupils, four dance studios, residential accommodation and its international reputation goes from strength to strength.
In 1960, Patrons include Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of The Royal Ballet companies, and Prima Ballerina Assoluta Dame Margot Fonteyn.
In 1961, the school receives its charitable status thanks to the establishment of the Elmhurst Ballet School Trust.
In 1979, Princess Margaret visits the school.
In 1981, Elmhurst sees its first male residential students, just two boys at the time.
Princess Diana visits the school in July 1983.
In 1995, John McNamara is appointed Principal of Elmhurst and sees the school through its relocation to Edgbaston, Bristol Road, Birmingham in 2004.
The 2004 move to Birmingham secures the school’s association with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
In 2010, Jessica Ward, the school’s current Principal, is appointed.
In 2016, ballet star Carlos Acosta CBE, now Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet opens Elmhurst’s state-of-the-art Health and Wellbeing Centre.
Launched as a pilot scheme in September 2017, Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Elmhurst Ballet School’s 'Placement for Pianists Programme' inspires music students to experience the working life of a professional ballet pianist.
In 2018, Elmhurst launches Elmhurst Ballet Company, an annual graduate year initiative that bridges the gap between school and professional life.
In 2019, Elmhurst pioneers The Young Performers’ Health Trust Scheme, a unique and bespoke healthcare provision for its students. The offer, believed to be a sector first, allows the school to provide specialist healthcare which responds to the specific needs of young dance students.
In 2019, Elmhurst announces its new Vice President, Wayne McGregor CBE, Artistic Director of Studio Wayne McGregor and Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden. The appointment marks the commencement of an exciting and ongoing partnership between the school and Studio Wayne McGregor.
In July 2022, 24 Elmhurst students perform in the Opening Ceremony of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
On 9th September 2022, Disney Original Documentary for Disney+ announces MADU, its new film project featuring Nigerian ballet student Anthony Madu as he continues his training and boarding at Elmhurst.
In addition to the full-time training, education and boarding opportunities at the Edgbaston site, the Elmhurst’s Young Dancers’ weekend programme can be accessed in Birmingham, Manchester, Plymouth and Sunderland.
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