English National Ballet School was proud to take part in the very first Chelsea Arts Festival, held across London this past weekend. Our involvement began with members of the Philanthropy Team, including Executive Director Amanda Skoog, attending the Festival’s official opening at the Saatchi Gallery, before our students took to the stage at the grand Cadogan Hall and an iconic Chelsea square to share their artistry.
Students from Senior School, and our Graduate Artists’ Programme (GAP) performed highlights from our recent Summer Performance, including excerpts from El Cid, the Swan Lake Pas de Deux, and Études on a Theme of Satie by Artistic Director Lynne Charles. The programme also featured a new contemporary work choreographed and performed by Level 3 student Alisha Tan, demonstrating the creativity and dedication flourishing within the School.
The festival gave our students the chance to perform for an audience of all ages from an almost packed theatre at Cadogan Hall to an open air performance in the lively Duke of York Square. In addition, ENBS welcomed members of the local community into the School on Saturday with a series of free ballet classes, introducing new audiences to both ballet, and the training we provide in our Chelsea studios.
Artistic Director Lynne Charles says community involvement is integral to both the School and our students’ growth, on and off the stage.
“Being part of the Chelsea Arts Festival is a wonderful way for our students to grow as performers while connecting directly with the community. It is especially meaningful to contribute to the festival in its inaugural year.”
Our performances also received praise in the press. In their review of the Festival, Country & Town House wrote,
“Sequined bows, floral dresses and princess costumes took over Cadogan Hall this morning as families gathered for a showcase from the English National Ballet School. Opening with a contemporary-inspired solo, the dancer clutched and flipped herself around the barre like a gymnast … For those eager for a more classical style, the crowds were delighted by a romantic Swan Lake-inspired pas de deux, sparkling with all the lifts, arabesques and tutus their ballet-loving hearts could desire.”
You can read the full review on Country & Town House here.
We are grateful to the Chelsea Arts Festival for inviting ENBS to be part of this exciting new cultural tradition, and we look forward to returning in future years.
Opportunities like this are made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. By giving to ENBS, you help talented young dancers train, perform, and share their artistry with the world.
Find out how you can support ENBS →
Interested in going behind the scenes at English National Ballet School? Throughout the year we host special events, from invitations to watch classes and dress rehearsals to opportunities to attend live performances.