Two weeks ago, English National Ballet School welcomed distinguished guests, supporters and visitors for Pictures in Motion, an ENBS initiative inspired by the National Gallery and supported by the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund.
The project, initiated and co-curated by art historian and Art History in Focus Director Siân Walters, invited Second Year students to transform two masterpieces, chosen by ENBS Artistic Director Lynne Charles, 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.
Over a 12-week creative process led by ENBS ballet tutor Juan Eymar, students explored how visual storytelling could be translated into dance, developing twelve original choreographies that were later performed at English National Ballet School.
The project challenged students to think beyond traditional ballet training, encouraging them to experiment creatively with choreography, musicality, narrative and performance. By drawing inspiration directly from the paintings, students were able to develop fresh artistic interpretations while experiencing the process of creating and presenting their own original work.
The performances welcomed audiences from across the arts, cultural and medical communities, including guests from C+W Hospital, Van Cleef & Arpels and the National Gallery. One guest reflected:
“It was so special to see these hugely talented young dancers performing their own choreographed pieces. It was wonderful to be transported into this completely different world.”
For the students involved, Pictures in Motion became far more than a performance project. It offered an opportunity to develop artistic confidence, collaboration and creative freedom within a professional rehearsal environment.
“This project was a great opportunity to help us build choreographic experience and self-confidence.”
This English National Ballet School initiative inspired by the National Gallery continues to create exciting opportunities for our young dancers – this autumn the National Gallery will host a separate live Members’ event hosted by Sian Walters, featuring interviews, photographs, performance excerpts and a specially commissioned film created by the National Gallery.
“It’s been a privilege to co-curate this project and I hope this will be the first of many future opportunities. I have been so impressed by the students’ commitment and by the thoughtful, creative way in which they have responded to the paintings.”
ENBS would like to thank everyone who has supported this project including the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund and staff at the National Gallery.
If you would love the opportunity to enjoy exclusive invitations and behind-the-scenes access to classes at English National Ballet School, explore our Giving Circles.
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Images © Kevin Davis.