Danceworks' International Ballet Academy - as part of the London dance studios of the same name - launched its first summer school in July for 6-16 year old dancers. As one of the main providers of high-quality, drop-in dance classes, Danceworks is one of the highly influential hubs of dance activity. The first summer school was taught by Artistic Director Antonia Franceschi and Course Director Kim White, alongside guest and assistant teachers.
As a 10 day intensive, the summer school culminated in a performance for families and friends, emphasising improvements in technique, professionalism and the joy of performing. As a result of the new strand for the dance studios, the Danceworks International Ballet Academy is now enrolling students for after school and weekend classes, and is set to become London’s newest centre of excellence for young ballet dancers. There are free trial classes on 20 and 27 September where parents can meet the team, and there are a number of scholarships available.
The Academy aims to radically improve ballet training in London, focusing on the physicality of American training and developing a lifelong love of the arts, through the original course syllabus - the International Ballet Curriculum© - and promoting excellent technique. Another specific aim is to invite adult dancers from renowned ballet companies to rehearse, work with and perform alongside students in future theatrical productions, to inspire and inform.
Those at the helm of the new Academy are two renowned American ex-professional dancers: Kim White, the Course Director, and Antonia Franceschi, the Artistic Director, were both members of the New York City Ballet Company. White later founded and ran the Vevey Children’s Ballet School in Switzerland, and Franceschi also performed in the films ‘Grease’ and ‘Fame’. She teaches at The Royal Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre and Rambert.
Shake up for ballet in London
Danceworks' International Ballet Academy - as part of the London dance studios of the same name - launched its first summer school in July for 6-16 year old dancers. As one of the main providers of high-quality, drop-in dance classes, Danceworks is one of the highly influential hubs of dance activity. The first summer school was taught by Artistic Director Antonia Franceschi and Course Director Kim White, alongside guest and assistant teachers.
As a 10 day intensive, the summer school culminated in a performance for families and friends, emphasising improvements in technique, professionalism and the joy of performing. As a result of the new strand for the dance studios, the Danceworks International Ballet Academy is now enrolling students for after school and weekend classes, and is set to become London’s newest centre of excellence for young ballet dancers. There are free trial classes on 20 and 27 September where parents can meet the team, and there are a number of scholarships available.
The Academy aims to radically improve ballet training in London, focusing on the physicality of American training and developing a lifelong love of the arts, through the original course syllabus - the International Ballet Curriculum© - and promoting excellent technique. Another specific aim is to invite adult dancers from renowned ballet companies to rehearse, work with and perform alongside students in future theatrical productions, to inspire and inform.
Those at the helm of the new Academy are two renowned American ex-professional dancers: Kim White, the Course Director, and Antonia Franceschi, the Artistic Director, were both members of the New York City Ballet Company. White later founded and ran the Vevey Children’s Ballet School in Switzerland, and Franceschi also performed in the films ‘Grease’ and ‘Fame’. She teaches at The Royal Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre and Rambert.