Summer School 2025

Over the past two weeks, from 18 to 29 August, we have had the pleasure of welcoming aspiring young dancers from around the globe to our studios for this year’s Summer Schools. These sessions provided a unique opportunity for participants to refine their dance skills in an immersive artistic environment, utilising our state-of-the-art studios. Young dancers received world-class coaching from the School’s Artistic faculty and renowned special guests. 

This year, we were delighted to host several special guests who offered a diverse range of classes alongside our Artistic staff. The curriculum included classical ballet tuition, contemporary dance, repertoire, pas de deux, pointe work, and jazz. All sessions were accompanied by Elmhurst Ballet School pianists and guest musicians, enriching the overall experience. 

Highlights from the Summer Schools 

During the summer schools, students had the opportunity to learn a wide variety of repertoire from enchanting ballets such as Giselle, Coppélia, La Bayadere and The Nutcracker. Our teachers, many of whom have performed these pieces themselves, generously shared their insights and experiences, offering valuable advice and inspiration to the students.  

Amidst their busy schedule of classes, students also participated in Q&A sessions about life as an Elmhurst student and as a Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer. They had the chance to chat with several BRB dancers, including Lachlan Monaghan and Elmhurst alumni Rosanna Ely, Sophie Walters, Alfie-Lee Hall, and Thomas Kujawa,who candidly shared their advice and inspiration. 

Additionally, our senior students had the privilege of watching Artistic Director Robert Parker lead a masterclass with Birmingham Royal Dancers Reina Fuchigami and former Elm Ryan Felix, as they rehearsed the pas de deux from Le Corsaire. Our junior students also enjoyed an exceptional experience watching Alfie-Lee Hall perform the solo from Flames of Paris and Thomas Kujawa execute the Albrecht solo from Giselle. 

Artistic Director Robert Parker reflected on our 2025 Summer Schools: “Hosting 240 students at Elmhurst Ballet School for our Summer Schools over the past two weeks has been wonderful. The students' hard work and dedication to their training has been truly inspiring. I extend my gratitude to the School’s Artistic staff, guest teachers, pianists, and musicians, who generously shared their insights and expertise with our students. It has been a very successful fortnight, and I’m already looking forward to next year.” 

Seniors teaching faculty 

Our Senior (aged 14 to 19) classical ballet, repertoire, pas de deux, pointe work, contemporary, and jazzclasses were taught by: 

Juniors teaching faculty 

Our Junior (aged 11 to 13)classical ballet, repertoire, contemporary, and jazz classes were taught by: 

Thanks to our staff, guest teachers, musicians and students for two wonderful summer schools. It was a pleasure to have you with us over the summer.