Type Independent school Artistic Director Robert Parker Phone +44 121 472 6655 Founder Helen Mortimer | Principal Jessica Ward DfE URN 134908 Tables Number of students 189 President David Eastwood Gender Mixed-sex education | |
Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall Location 249 Bristol Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
West Midlands
B5 7UH
United Kingdom Address 249 Bristol Rd, Birmingham B5 7UH, UK Profiles | ||
Elmhurst School for Dance is an independent school for professional Classical Ballet in the United Kingdom, and an associate school of Birmingham Royal Ballet. It takes students aged 11–19 years who intend to pursue a career in professional classical ballet. The Independent Schools Inspectorate commented that the school is a world-renowned centre for excellence in its field. Elmhurst provides a full academic day in conjunction with a full vocational course in ballet and dance training."
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History
One of the oldest vocational dance schools in the United Kingdom, Elmhurst was originally established during the 1920s in Camberley, Surrey, the school was relocated to purpose-built premises in Edgbaston, Birmingham in 2004. The facilities occupy an area of 5-acre (20,000 m2) and include a 250-seat studio theatre, a theatre workshop and seven dance studios. There is also a medical centre and a physiotherapy/exercise centre. In addition to day students, there is on-site boarding accommodation for up to 121 resident students and off-site boarding for 30 sixth-formers.
The artistic director since 2008, former principal dancer Desmond Kelly OBE, stepped down in September 2012 and was replaced by former Birmingham Royal Ballet principal dancer Robert Parker.
Staff
Mary Goodhew is a former Artistic Director.