Elmhurst Young Dancers Programme
With four centres located across the UK, from Plymouth to Sunderland, the Elmhurst Young Dancers Programme provides regional training opportunities for talented young dancers in school years 4 to 6.
Since its inception, the programme has been committed to nurturing gifted dancers, with the Elmhurst Young Dancers programme playing a pivotal role in developing the next generation of talent. Many alumni have gone on to achieve outstanding success both on and off the world stage.
As we prepare to open applications nationwide on 1 December for the next intake of Elmhurst Young Dancers, we spoke with Director of Dance Training, Denise Whiteman, about the programme.
Can you tell me about your background in teaching at Elmhurst?
I’ve been at Elmhurst for 21 years now, this is my 22nd year. My Elmhurst journey started in 2004 with Mary Goodhew, then the Artistic Director. I had previously worked in vocational schools, and I decided to go for an interview at the old Elmhurst in Camberley, Surrey. After speaking with Mary, I was inspired by the prospect of joining a new team and being part of something fresh and exciting. That decision led me to Elmhurst in Birmingham, where I was part of the original team when the school opened.
Over the years, I’ve taught nearly every year group. My first groups were Year 9 and graduate women, and I believe the only years I haven’t tutored are Years 7 and 8. Otherwise, I’ve worked with every other year group at one time or another.
From the very beginning, I led the RAD course. Mary was determined that RAD classes would take place on Saturdays, so that’s been a consistent part of my schedule ever since. RAD continues to be strong in the school today with consistently outstanding results, award winners and medallists in both the Phylis Bedell’s Bursary and the Fonteyn International Competition, as well as in-depth contributions to the filming of RAD vocational examinations and the piloting of the most recent vocational examination system. Approximately ten years ago, I also became involved with Elmhurst Young Dancers, which was previously known as the Pre-Vocational Programme.
Currently, I serve as Director of Dance Training. Since I first joined, I’ve overseen the Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, validated by Trinity College London. My role has evolved over time, and when Desmond Kelly succeeded Mary as Artistic Director, I was invited to join the Senior Leadership Team, where I’ve remained ever since. My focus has always been on the quality of training in the studios- supporting tutors, overseeing assessments, reporting, and ensuring the highest standards of dance education across the school.
What can students expect from a typical Elmhurst Young Dancers class?
Students can expect fun, laughter, and expert teaching- accompanied by a live pianist, which is something they may not usually encounter. We work with Years 4, 5, and 6, and there’s a touch more structure and repetition than what they might ordinarily experience in their other dance classes, but we never forget that these are still very young dancers. Above all, our focus is on enjoyment, musicality, and the gentle introduction of structure and development.
This extends beyond technique, movement, and dance. It’s also about learning how a class operates, how to respect the studio space, and how to respect one another as dancers. Our students wear a uniform and always look wonderful in it, which adds a little extra sense of pride and discipline to their training. There’s a thoughtful balance between structure, development, and fun, and our teachers are exceptional across all regions. Every tutor on the Elmhurst Young Dancers programme, whether in Birmingham, Manchester, Sunderland, or Plymouth, truly understands young people and how to connect with them.
In my Young Dancers role, I don’t have a set year group as I also teach on the RAD programme on Saturdays, but I regularly cover classes as needed. For example, I recently covered Year 4 in Birmingham, and I’ve stepped in to teach in every region when required. I visit each location at least once a term, as well as keeping a close eye on our Birmingham classes.
The autumn term is all about visiting regions to welcome new students and ensure everyone has settled in. Each dancer receives a pink ballet dictionary as a gift- a lovely reference they can keep with their diaries. The spring term is our audition season, when I travel to the regions to oversee auditions and observe classes. Depending on what’s happening at Elmhurst, I also try to visit all regions again in the summer. My goal is always to stay connected, supportive, and involved with every group throughout the year.
What are the key benefits of joining the Elmhurst Young Dancers programme?
Structure, clarity, and expert training. Our Birmingham students also have the privilege of experiencing our beautiful school facilities, something they take great pride in. Beyond training, they form lasting friendships, meeting a whole new circle of “Saturday friends” outside of their regular school environment. And of course, we make sure it’s fun!
Every two years, we host the Elmhurst Young Dancers Intensive. Originally held annually, it moved to a biannual schedule after the pandemic- and we’ve found that this works even better. The intensive is designed for pupils in Years 5 and 6 (Year 4 is a bit too young). The next Intensive will take place in 2026.
During the weekend, around 80 to 90 students from all regional centres gather at Elmhurst Ballet School. They arrive on Saturday lunchtime with their suitcases, quilts, and pillows, and stay until Monday lunchtime. House chaperones look after them overnight, while student chaperones assist during the day. Teachers from all regions attend, along with additional staff the students may not have met before.
The schedule is packed: classes on Saturday afternoon, a workshop on Saturday evening, a full day of classes on Sunday followed by a film night, and a final class on Monday morning. Parents are invited for a sharing session at lunchtime on Monday, where students present what they’ve learned over the two days.
It’s an intense, exciting, and inspiring weekend filled with ballet, creative dance, and sometimes classes in solos, flamenco, or jazz. An unforgettable experience for every young dancer.
What’s your favourite part of the Elmhurst Young Dancers Programme?
The children themselves… just their faces. They’re so proud to be part of the programme. Watching their excitement and sense of belonging is wonderful. Even at such an early stage, they already feel as much a part of Elmhurst as someone who’s been here for years.
And seeing how much they progress and develop is amazing. A high percentage of Young Dancers are eventually offered places at Elmhurst. Of course, not everyone chooses to apply, but it’s a strong feeder programme.
I also love the biannual intensive course. It’s exhausting but incredibly rewarding.
We also have the Extended Young Dancers Programme for students in school years 7 to 12, though that’s only available in Birmingham. Those students come for a two-hour Saturday afternoon class and they’re drawn by the facilities, the expert teaching, the live music, and the structured environment.
What do Elmhurst Young Dancers learn, and what do you want them to learn, from the teaching?
I like to think that they’re learning how to apply themselves, and that’s not easy when you’re young. I don’t want them to simply follow instructions; I want them to think about those instructions, to question and internalise them, so they can grow into independent learners. Those principles are the same whether it’s a Year 4 Elmhurst Young Dancer or an Elmhurst graduate. The difference is in how much they’ve developed and layered that understanding over time.
Ultimately, it’s about helping them gain the confidence to apply their learning to themselves- to build that connection between brain and body, to develop autonomy and self-awareness. That kind of thinking fosters confidence, and with confidence comes a stronger dancer.
More than anything, I want them to experience the love and joy of dance. If they truly enjoy what they’re doing, they can’t go far wrong.
What might people not know about the Elmhurst Young Dancers programme?
Elmhurst Young Dancers are always involved in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Patricia Tierney, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Repetiteur and Choreologist, either visits Elmhurst to select dancers or, as has been the case in recent years, holds open auditions that our young dancers attend. So, they truly do get that wonderful opportunity.
What many people might not realise is just how deeply the Elmhurst Young Dancers teachers care about the development of these children. Their commitment goes far beyond the classroom: it’s not simply a job, but a genuine vocation. They’re incredibly proud to teach on this programme and to be part of something so special.
And when it comes to the Elmhurst Young Dancers Intensive, well… let’s just say the staff don’t sleep for 72 hours! But we love every minute of it, and we keep coming back for more.
What would you say to young dancers joining the Elmhurst Young Dancers programme?
Take it all in, enjoy every moment. Cherish time with your friends and teachers. Keep your eyes and ears open and embrace the experience fully.
Keep loving what you do and give it your very best. That’s all anyone can ask.
Lastly, what are your top audition tips for young dancers looking to audition for the Elmhurst Young Dancers programme?
Show how much you love it! Don’t worry too much about technique, that will grow and develop with time. Still, if you can bring your best pointed toes on the day, it helps!
Stay present and really listen to instruction. We give direction to help you shine your brightest. Bring your smile, bring your joy, and don’t worry about anyone else.
