SATURDAY ASSOCIATES 2024/25
Audition: Saturday 13th July 2024
Audition Venue: BOA Academy (Birmingham)
Audition Times:
Group 1 (7-8yrs): 10:00am – 11:15am
Group 2 (9-10yrs): 11:30am – 12:45pm
Group 3 (11-12yrs): 1:15pm – 2:30pm
Group 4 (13-14yrs): 2:45pm – 4:00pm
Group 5 (15+yrs): 4:15pm – 5:30pm
Course Begins: Saturday 5th October 2024
We are looking for boys and girls aged 7yrs-21yrs, who have a passion for ballet and a sound knowledge of classical technique.
Application deadline is Sunday 30th June 2024.
Any student that is unable to attend the audition date should contact us and we will endeavour to make arrangements via video audition if possible.
Please note, all candidates must pay an audition fee of £30.00 prior to the audition taking place. Places on the programme are not guaranteed and are subject to a successful audition.
Have a question? Please email us at info@midlandtheatreballet.com and we will respond as quickly as possible
SATURDAY ASSOCIATES 2024/25
Audition: Saturday 13th July 2024
Audition Venue: BOA Academy (Birmingham)
Audition Times:
Group 1 (7-8yrs): 10:00am – 11:15am
Group 2 (9-10yrs): 11:30am – 12:45pm
Group 3 (11-12yrs): 1:15pm – 2:30pm
Group 4 (13-14yrs): 2:45pm – 4:00pm
Group 5 (15+yrs): 4:15pm – 5:30pm
Course Begins: Saturday 5th October 2024
We are looking for boys and girls aged 7yrs-21yrs, who have a passion for ballet and a sound knowledge of classical technique.
Application deadline is Sunday 30th June 2024.
Any student that is unable to attend the audition date should contact us and we will endeavour to make arrangements via video audition if possible.
Please note, all candidates must pay an audition fee of £30.00 prior to the audition taking place. Places on the programme are not guaranteed and are subject to a successful audition.
Have a question? Please email us at info@midlandtheatreballet.com and we will respond as quickly as possible
COURSE INFORMATION
What is MTB Associates?
Our Saturday Associates programme offers ballet and contemporary dance training for students aged 7-21yrs, who are seeking additional ballet training and have a passion to perform.
Our programme focusses on enhancing balletic technique, whilst also providing an environment for students to develop their musicality, artistic performance levels and confidence during repertoire and creative classes.
Throughout the course students will work with a diverse variety of teachers and choreographers, all of whom have worked, or are currently working, within renowned ballet and performing arts companies around the world.
The aim of our Saturday Associates course is to focus heavily on the foundations of classical ballet technique, with high attention to footwork, lines and posture, whilst ensuring that students have a strong knowledge of classical ballet terminology.
At the end of the programme, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate some of their learnings to family and friends in a small and intimate showcase, where students will perform ballet and contemporary repertoire.
Programme Outline
The 21-day programme, based in Birmingham, provides young aspiring dancers with the opportunity to develop their balletic and contemporary technique, to learn new dance vocabulary and to develop their performance, artistry and confidence.
Students will be challenged throughout the course in a safe and enjoyable environment, with teachers and choreographers who have worked, or are currently working, within renowned ballet and performing arts companies around the world.
Students will take part in 2.5 hours of training each week. The contents of each week will change throughout the course based on our curriculum. As a basic outline:
First Half of the Course:
- Students will take part in a 1hr ballet class, focussing on classical ballet technique, strength and flexibility. This will be followed by a 30 minute repertoire class, where students will focus on artistry and performance by beginning to put their technique into practice by learning solos and corps de ballet repertoire. Students will also complete a 1hr contemporary class, where they will learn the basics of contemporary technique and focus on the release of the body.
Second Half of the Course:
- The ballet class and ballet repertoire classes will now share the 1.5hrs, to allow students to continue to work on technical aspects whilst having additional time to work on artistry and performance development. The 1hr contemporary class will continue as before, with a shift in focus towards putting the technical training into practice by developing group repertoire.
Students will train for 20 sessions before taking part in a small and intimate showcase during the 21st session to family and friends.
Our Aim: Why Are We Different?
We are passionate about performance and strongly believe that dance education should consist of technical classes alongside repertoire and creative classes.
Not only will students focus on improving ballet technique, but every week they will take part in creative classes, within which students will learn to perform repertoire from renowned ballets as well as unique pieces created by the artistic teaching team.
As well as this, our core aim is to create an environment in which students can learn from a diverse teaching faculty from many different ballet and performing arts backgrounds. This enables students to broaden their outlook and gain a greater appreciation for the different interpretations and contributions that individual teachers and choreographers bring to the studio.
Contemporary Dance: why?
Contemporary allows dancer’s to challenge the brain and express themselves with more freedom in their movement. Contemporary requires a high level of focus and it is allows students to engage with a multitude of senses in order to understand the space around them and how their body moves through that space.
In today’s age, we believe that it is vital for students to be versatile and to be able to adapt from classical ballet to contemporary. Not only is this beneficial for their progress and development as a dancer, but the majority of vocational schools and ballet companies now include contemporary works – so studying this from an early age is greatly beneficial.
Will There Be A Performance?
At the end of the course dancers will have the opportunity to demonstrate their learnings in a showcase in front of parents and guardians. During this showcase, students will perform ballet and contemporary repertoire.
Please note, this showcase is not open to the public and will be smaller and more intimate compared to the MTB Sunday Performance Programme.
Age Groups
There will be 4 groups, students will be allocated to groups which will be determined based on a combination of age and ability:
Juniors (approx. ages 7-9yrs)
Mids (approx. ages 9-12yrs)
Inters (approx. ages 12-14yrs)
Seniors (approx. ages 14+yrs)
Course Dates
The course will take place on the following Saturdays:
Audition Date: 13th July 2024
2024
October: 5th, 12th
November: 2nd, 16th, 30th
December: 14th
2025
January: 11th, 25th
February: 8th, 22nd
March: 8th, 15th
April: 26th
May: 10th, 31st
June: 21st, 28th
July: 5th, 12th, 19th, 20th (Sunday – showcase)
Course Timings
All students must take part in both the ballet and contemporary aspects of the course.
Juniors (ages 7-9yrs): 10am – 12:30pm
Mids (ages 9-12yrs): 10:30am – 1:00pm
Inters (ages 12-14yrs): 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Seniors (ages 14+yrs): 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Course Fees
Course Fees: £795.
On accepting a place, a deposit of £100 is required, which will also act as the first payment.
The remaining balance may be paid up front or in 8x monthly instalments.
All fees are non-refundable.
Uniform
When accepted onto the course, students will be sent a link to purchase the MTB Saturday Associates leotard, which they will need to wear throughout the course.
Additional optional uniform is also available to purchase via our online shop.
Audition Information
Candidates will register in the reception area of BOA Academy. Once registered, we kindly ask that all parents leave the site once children have safely entered the audition. After the audition, students will be brought to the reception area for collection.
Exact timings will be sent across via email once you have submitted your application form. As part of the audition process, candidates will take part in a relaxed and enjoyable ballet class, which will last for approximately 1hr 15 mins.
For the audition, we recommend that dancers arrive with their ballet uniform underneath their clothes, with their hair tied back off the face and with personal presentation in place as there will be no changing facilities available on the day.
Students will be informed of the audition result within 2 weeks after the audition has taken place.
Unfortunately it is not possible for us to accept every candidate onto the course after the audition process as we aim to keep our group sizes at a level that ensures we offer high quality training and attention to students throughout the course.
More teachers will be released soon!
ASSOCIATES TEACHERS 2024/25
Imogen-Lily Ash
Course DirectorImmie's Bio
Imogen-Lily began her training at Elmhurst Ballet School, before continuing her training at Central School of Ballet, where she graduated with a First-Class BA Hons in 2018. During her time at CSB, she completed a UK tour and was fortunate enough to perform works including Matthew Bourne’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and Sir Christopher Gable’s ‘Cinderella’.
Immie has previously toured with Birmingham Royal Ballet in the production of ‘Sylvia’ and has also performed as Meg Giry in ‘The Phantom of The Opera’ in Copenhagen. Alongside her work at MTB, Immie currently performs around the world as Clara in ‘The Nutcracker and I’ with Alexandra Dariescu.
As a former MTB student herself, Immie is delighted to return to the company as a Director with an enormous passion for helping young dancers to experience this fantastic opportunity that gave her the spark at the start of her ballet journey all those years ago!
Yvette Knight
Ballet TeacherYvette's Bio
Yvette’s training began at The Royal Ballet School (White Lodge and Upper School) before joining Birmingham Royal Ballet as an Artist in 2007. In 2012 Yvette was promoted to first artist and in 2015 she became soloist before being promoted to First Soloist in 2018.
Yvette has toured with Birmingham Royal Ballet nationally and internationally. Some of her repertoire includes the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Belle in Beauty and The Beast and Big Swans in Swan Lake.
Yvette’s interests expand beyond performing and as well sharing her expertise through teaching, she also works with the wonderful Freefall Dance Company at Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Peter Parker
Ballet TeacherPeter's Bio
Peter Parker trained at the Central School of Ballet under Christopher Gable, from here he graduated into Northern Ballet Theatre again under the directorship of Mr. Gable.
From 1988-1994 he danced in all of the companies repertoire including Coppelia, Don Quixote, Memoir Imaginare and Strange Meeting by Michael Pink, Simple Man, Lipizzaner and The Bronte’s by Gillian Lynn. D’ensemble by Graham Lustig and Extenzions by Derek Williams. As principle of the company other roles included Albrecht from Giselle, Siegfried in Swan Lake, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, the Prince in Cinderella, La Corsaire pas de deux and the Grand pas de deux from Don Quixote.
In 1994 Peter moved to France and danced as principle dancer with Ballet Du Rhin. This gave him the opportunity to dance a large variation of neo classical repertoire such as Stool Games by Kylian, Step Text by William Forsythe, Dance, Chamber Symphony and Mandarin by Lucinda Childs, Voluntaries by Tetley, Grosse Fuge by Hans Van Manen and Worchek by Davide Bombana, Green Table, Pavanne Pour Un Enfant and Grand Ville by Kurt Josse to name a few. The company also performed many traditional ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, La Sylphide and La Fille Mal Garde all of which Peter danced principle roles.
Anna Ciriano
Ballet TeacherAnna's Bio
Anna was born in Barcelona and began dancing from the age of 3 in ‘Agueda Murillo’s Ballet School’ in her home town. At the age of 13 she joined her first vocational school in Barcelona, ‘Institut de Teatre’, where she trained up until the age of 16.
In 2014 she joined English National Ballet School and graduated in 2017. From then she has worked with various companies such as Orlando Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, where she is currently dancing.
Regan Hutsell
Ballet TeacherRegan's Bio
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Regan Hutsell began studying ballet in the Royal Academy of Dance method. She later continued her training with teachers John Magnus, Phillip Broomhead, and Kelly Ann Vitacca. She completed her pre-professional training at Feijoo Ballet School under the direction of Lorna Feijoo, Lorena Feijoo, and Nelson Madrigal. Throughout her formative years Ms. Hutsell spent her summers studying at Houston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, School of American Ballet, and with the Bournonville masters in Paris. She also had the honor of competing at the Youth American Grand Prix Finals as a soloist multiple times, and was the gold medal prize winner at the American Ballet Competition in 2019. After attending the invitational week of the Rockettes Summer Intensive on a full scholarship, Ms. Hutsell was subsequently hired at the age of eighteen to be a Radio City Rockette. While a Rockette, Ms. Hutsell was featured in The New York Post, Dance Spirit Magazine, and on NBC Nightly News. Following her time as a Rockette Ms. Hutsell also danced professionally with Bay Area Houston Ballet Theatre, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, and Ballet Rhode Island.
In 2021 Ms. Hutsell joined Birmingham Royal Ballet as an artist. Throughout her career at BRB she has had the opportunity to dance exciting roles such as Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty, Harlot in Romeo and Juliet, Spanish in Swan Lake, Snow Attendant in the Nutcracker, Ben Van Cauwenbergh’s ‘Je Ne Regrette Rein’, William Tucket’s ‘Nisi Domini’, Carlos Acosta’s ‘Dying Swans’, Jorge García‘s ‘Majisimo’, and in Black Sabbath the Ballet she originated the solo ‘In Ozzy’s Head’. Ms. Hutsell is currently on her third season, and looks forward to many more.
Gabrielle De Souza
Contemporary & Ballet TeacherGabrielle's Bio
Gabrielle trained at Elmhurst Ballet School and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. She has performed with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures in The Car Man at the Royal Albert Hall, and toured with Nutcracker! in the UK. She was involved in the R&D process and performances for No Time Like The Present by Tala Lee Turton Productions, and worked with CTC Dance Company during the R&D process for Wonderland in Alice. Gabrielle has also taught ballet at The International College of Musical Theatre.
Shannon Parker
Ballet TeacherShannon's Bio
Shannon was a principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre and Theatre Ballet Du Rhin. She has danced all major roles extending from full length Classical, Neo Classical and Contemporary works from Balanchine, Forsythe, Bintley, Christensen, Taylor and Bruce.
Shannon was a runner up on Sky 1’ HD’s ‘Got To Dance’ in 2013, being the only classical act to reach that stage. As well as this, Shannon was a finalist and the judge’s Wild Card on Britain’s Got Talent in 2016, again being the only classical act to reach that stage.
At present, Shannon is currently performing with Chantry Dance Company and performing for corporate events and festivals around the world, whilst teaching and choreographing for various school companies.
Zoe Chambers
Contemporary TeacherZoe's Bio
Zoe began her contemporary training on the Dance4 CAT training programme, learning from well renowned artists across the country. She then continued her training at the University of Central Lancashire, gaining a first-class degree in Dance Performance and Teaching.
Since graduating, Zoe has predominantly worked in the contemporary dance sector. Within her work, Zoe has choreographed, performed and taught for companies such as FABRIC, Ludus Dance, Curve Theatre and Studio79.
The majority of Zoe’s work is now focused on working with young people to create innovative contemporary dance work. Within her teaching work, Zoe continues to support young dancers to go on to schools such as Laban, Northern School of Contemporary Dance and The Place. A huge part of Zoe’s work is based on improvisation and the importance of having ownership over your own movement.
Xolisweh Ana Richards
Ballet TeacherXolisweh's Bio
Born in Birmingham, England, Xolisweh began her journey as a dancer, honing her skills and passion for ballet at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School. Her dedication led her to embark on a career in the world of dance.
In September 2019, Xolisweh reached a significant milestone in her career by joining the renowned Scottish Ballet.
Before her time with the Scottish Ballet, Xolisweh had the privilege of dancing with esteemed companies such as the English National Ballet, Theatrul De Ballet Sibiu and Ballet Cymru.
Harriet Ellis
Contemporary TeacherHarriet's Bio
Harriet (she/her) is a freelance dance artist based in Birmingham/London who has performed internationally in both stage and sight specific dance work, most recently touring as the only female cast member of ‘S.C.R.U.M’ 2023, by the award winning, Avant Garde Dance Company.
Previously she has received ACE funding as a developing choreographer, mentorship from Gary Clarke Company, and worked as a dancer, rehearsal director and/or commissioned choreographer with contemporary companies: Lisa Simpson Inclusive Dance, Rosie Kay Dance Company, Corey Baker Dance (Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony), Beyond Words Dance, SEH Company, Balbir Singh, Keneish Dance, Cohoots NI, Midlands Actors Theatre and VDC Company.
She loves to share her passion for movement with all ages and abilities and her teaching practice ranges from leading community workshops to training pre professionals as a university lecturer.
Jacob Wye
Ballet & Contemporary TeacherJacob's Bio
Jacob Wye, trained at the Royal Ballet School and Central School of Ballet before joining Ballet Black (2012) and Rambert (2017).
Featuring as “Siegried” in the show “Peaky Blinders”, he has also featured in music videos from Jessie Ware and Years & Years. Jacob was a rehearsal director for The Common Wealth Games Opening Ceremony and is currently ambassador for ROH’s, Chance To Dance program.
Jacob is currently working as a dancer and collaborator on a project titled “The Limit” with the Royal Opera House and frequently works at schools in the North West, sharing his eclectic knowledge of dance and movement.
Victoria Paine
Ballet TeacherVictoria's Bio
Victoria is from Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. She was a Junior, Mid and Senior associate with The Royal Ballet School before training professionally at Central School of Ballet, London, graduating with a First Class BA Hons in Professional Dance and Performance. Here she was awarded the Classical Ballet Award and also toured the UK with Ballet Central.
During her graduating year, Victoria joined The Phantom of the Opera World Tour. After touring with this company for three years, she then joined the Swedish and Danish productions and performed in Scandinavia for a further two years. Victoria has also performed at The Thursford Christmas Spectacular.
In 2020, Victoria began 1-1 coaching in Grimsby and has adored teaching and nurturing the next generation of dancers since. She is also the associate teacher for Ballet Boost in Hull.