Another Fantastic Academic Year at Central

9 August 2024

Friday 19th July marked the final day of term for Central School of Ballet students. Now that the academic year 2023/24 is completed, we feel it is important to summarise the achievements of our students and school across the last three terms.

Most importantly, we have said farewell to our third-year students, who are now entering the industry to forge their career paths. Out of the 34 young dancers, many are going on to join companies both nationally and internationally while some are continuing with postgraduate education. This cohort began their training under the challenging circumstances of Covid-19, and should therefore be recognised for their determination, resilience and adaptability. In their final year, they produced a fantastic Ballet Central tour, performing for over 2,500 audience members across the various venues.

The Ballet Central tour ended last week with the final performance at Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music. Despite touring for ten weeks, the dancers maintained their energy throughout a busy show week, which included Central’s Summer Showcase and the graduation solo performances. Guests of these graduating students were also invited to Central’s graduation presentation, a joyous event and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their hard work and achievements.

Central received some fantastic reviews throughout the week. Georgina Butler wrote a dazzlingly descriptive retelling of the works presented: “A smorgasbord of different dance offerings, all underpinned by balletic foundations.” Amanda Jennings from Bachtrack describes the evening as being “put together with professionalism and dedication”. Lastly, Dance Europe’s August/September issue also features a review of the Summer Showcase, in addition to a wonderful interview with graduating student Shiori Akimoto on her experience at Central, and her exciting contract with Sibiu Ballet Theatre.

Preparations for the 2024 tour began long before the premiere night at Lilian Baylis Studio in May. The company began working with this year’s choreographers back in September: Jules Cunningham, Carolyn Bolton, Daniel Davidson and Adela Ramirez. The tour was supported by a fantastic team of technical and creative staff, including Ben Warbis, Philip Feeney, Chloe Ivey-Ray, Andrew Ellis, Claire Wilmore, Katherine Camps-Kilgour, and Central’s Artistic Director, Kate Coyne.

Beyond Ballet Central, this year’s graduating cohort took part in a variety of other activities. Students performed on the banks of the Thames, advocating for environmental awareness. They took part in photoshoots, interviews, auditions and performances whilst also writing their dissertations. Four students completed placements with Scottish Ballet; Ross Black, Millie Thompson, Leanne Wong and Harvey Woodward, plus Shiori Akimoto who performed with English National Ballet during her placement with the company.

This academic year also saw two new students join Central’s MA Choreography course, with their exciting new work shared as part of the Summer Showcase. A series of incredible fundraising campaigns were held, including Anna Brodrick’s inspirational Half Iron Man campaign, our Ballet Central Appeal and Central’s Big Give campaign, which exceeded its target with a total amount raised of £26,853.
Throughout the autumn and spring terms, Central held a series of UK and international auditions, and we are thoroughly excited to welcome our new cohort in September. Our current second years have already begun their transition into final year, ready to take on the Ballet Central company role. As in any academic capacity, each year rolls into the next and the consistent dedication of staff, supporters and participants keeps Central alive and striving forward.

Central has many exciting updates to share at the start of the next academic year, and we would like to thank everyone who has been a part of and supported the school throughout 2023/24. Congratulations class of 2024, and we look forward to starting back in September.

Images: (top right) Photography by ASH, (bottom left) Drew Forsyth