English National Ballet School’s U.S. course

The English National Ballet School will present its first international summer course at The Ballet Theatre of Toledo studio in Holland, Ohio this year.

The world-renowned ballet school, based in London, England, will be sending teachers from the school to lead a weeklong ballet intensive from July 22-27, 2013. This will be the only opportunity in 2013 for students and ballet professionals to study with this esteemed arts organization within the United States.

The course is open to advanced, pre-professional and professional dancers with master classes also being held in the evenings for intermediate-level students.

“We are thrilled to have our studios chosen by this prestigious program as the host site for this summer course,” said Nigel Burgoine, Artistic Director of The Ballet Theatre of Toledo. “Our spacious and modern ballet facility with three studios was exactly what English National Ballet School was seeking in a North American location for its summer program.”

Samira Saidi, Director of Dance at the English National Ballet School, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Nigel Burgoine and The Ballet Theatre of Toledo with our first U.S. summer school. We look forward to working with the talented ballet students from across the United States.”

To audition for a place in the course, dancers must apply by Youtube link and DVD. Dancers from the local area and region are invited to apply to join the class, which is expected to draw ballet students from across the country. Five scholarships have been provided by Dorothy Mackenzie Price.

To apply, please visit the English National Ballet School website at www.enbschool.org.uk. For further information on the course, please contact Nigel Burgoine or Anne Marie Getz at Ballet Theatre of Toledo at 419-861-0895. The deadline to apply is January 31.

The English National Ballet School is the official school of the English National Ballet. Artistically led by renowned dancer and choreographer Samira Saidi, Director of Dance, the school was founded in 1988 to provide talented young dancers with the highest quality training irrespective of their background or ability to pay. At present, a third of the dancers at the English National Ballet are graduates of the school and have contracts at all levels of the company from artist to senior principal. This relationship with the company provides students with regular work experience opportunities, enabling them to perform in core company programmes both on the main stage and various events across London. The school has maintained a 100 percent graduate employment record with graduates securing contracts with leading ballet companies within the UK and worldwide.

Photo: Students of the English National Ballet School in class. Photo courtesy of the English National Ballet.