Ballet school students shine in new photography campaign
Students at Elmhurst Ballet School has taken part in a successful photography campaign to mark its centenary celebrations.
The school marks 20 years in its current home in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
The brand-new campaign named Exceptional Dancers, Exceptional People celebrates the diversity, individuality, and talent of Elmhurst students from across the school.
Over ten decades, Elmhurst has firmly secured its place amongst the top ballet schools in the world, attracting local, national, and international dance students to Camberley (1923-2004) and now Birmingham (from 2004).
Elmhurst Ballet School’s relocation to Birmingham in 2004 was overseen by the then Principal John McNamara and supported by the UK Government, Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
The aim of the relocation was to meet the growing demand for professional dance training, education, and research outside of London. The invaluable link with Birmingham Royal Ballet was also initiated.
The school will commemorate its 20 years in Birmingham during the Exceptional Dancers, Exceptional People campaign throughout 2024. Kicking off the campaign, in photography by highly regarded dance photographer Johan Persson, is Year 12 student Olivia Rickard from Harrison, Australia.
Alfie-Lee Hall from Warrington, Cheshire; Amber Cook from Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire; Tom Wood from Nuneaton, Warwickshire; Omarian Beckford from Hockley in Birmingham; Elaine Fan from Guangdong, China; Joseph Chow from Boldon, Tyne and Wear; and Annabelle Handley from Kings Bromley, Staffordshire also feature in the collection of dynamic photographs, highlighting the students who live, dance, and learn at Elmhurst Ballet School.
Commenting on working with the eight students, dance photographer Johan Persson said: “The students from Elmhurst Ballet School were an absolute joy to work with on this campaign. A photoshoot can be an overwhelming experience, and being involved in a ballet photoshoot where you are looking for a perfect line, or a particular visual look, is even more challenging.
“The students engaged in it with conviction, making minor changes to their positions and lines when asked to, something that even professional dancers can find difficult. They approached it with complete professionalism and passion and allowed their personalities to shine through, which was exactly what we wanted to achieve.”
Four of the students life-size photographs are due to be unveiled at the school this month.
Joseph Chow, a student whose photograph will be unveiled said: “When I came to the Open Day at Elmhurst, I instantly fell in love with the school, and I begged my parents to let me audition.
My favourite memory of Elmhurst so far is performing in front of Queen Camilla, who is Patron of the school. It was a very magical moment for me and all my friends, and I was so proud. Some professional dancers don’t even get the chance to perform for the Queen, and as a student I’ve already been given that opportunity at Elmhurst.”
