Pictures in Motion: In Conversation with English National Ballet School

Join us for a special presentation of ‘Pictures in Motion’ and discover how the world of art has inspired a new generation of young dancers.

‘Pictures in Motion’ is an exciting new creative project presented by the English National Ballet School (ENBS), devised and co-curated by Art History in Focus Director Siân Walters. Second‑year students were invited to transform two masterpieces from the National Gallery’s historic collection, Titian’s Diana and Actaeon and Velázquez’s The Rokeby Venus, into original choreographic works through movement, music and performance. Led by ENBS ballet tutor Juan Eymar, they explored how visual storytelling could be translated into dance, resulting in twelve brilliant new choreographies, performed by over twenty talented young dancers. One of the pieces, Actaeon’s Quietus by Barbara Cardinali is the subject of a specially commissioned film, created recently by the National Gallery’s Audiovisual Department.

We are delighted to welcome choreographer Barbara Cardinali and ENBS Director/project co-curator Lynne Charles for an evening of conversation, featuring the opportunity to watch the newly commissioned film.

“The collaboration between the National Gallery and our students created a meaningful avenue for creative development and artistic discovery … To stand before a painting, to observe its scale, texture, colour and atmosphere, allows inspiration to arise naturally from within oneself. This project gave students that opportunity — to slow down, to observe deeply, and to transform that experience into artistic expression through their own creativity and movement” (Lynne Charles)

Lynne Charles is Artistic Director at English National Ballet School and an internationally renowned dancer, teacher and creator of the 4Pointe training method. She trained in New York before performing with companies around the world, including Hamburg Ballet. She has worked globally as a Guest Artist, Ballet Mistress, Guest Ballet Mistress and Dance Teacher, including a tenure from 1991-5 as Guest Artist at the English National Ballet.

Barbara Cardinali grew up in Lisbon, Portugal. Starting ballet classes from a young age, Barbara excelled in many activities including gymnastics, swimming, and guitar. Classical ballet continued to be her greatest passion. Barbara joined English National Ballet School in September 2024 after a successful audition when she was awarded the Viviana Durante Scholarship for excellence. Approximately 60% of students at ENBS need financial support to train at this elite level and are helped through the School’s Scholarships and Bursaries programme. Barbara’s choreographic work for the National Gallery was selected due to its creative interpretation and storytelling showing her natural talent for artistry.

All monies raised from tonight’s online event will go directly towards supporting scholarships and bursaries at the school.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

This is a live, online event starting at 6.00pm (UK time). It will last approximately one hour including interactive Q&A. Tune in from anywhere in the world or watch on catch up. Each session is recorded and will be made available to all participants for one week, including those who have watched live. You will be contacted after the event has been broadcast with instructions on how to watch the recording (until the end of the following Thursday at midnight, UK time). Please note, it is not possible to purchase a recording after booking has closed.

Booking closes the day before the event is streamed. Please refer to the Further Information panel below.