Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham will open its doors to the local community as part of the national launch of Let’s Dance!

The fantastic initiative, spearheaded by Angela Rippon CBE, is all about raising awareness for the benefits of dance on both physical and mental health, bringing people together through dance, and encouraging those that don’t usually dance to give it a go.

Founded in Camberley, Surrey in 1923, Elmhurst was one of the UK’s first vocational dance schools. In 2004, the school moved to its purpose-built new home in Edgbaston, Birmingham forming a close association with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Elmhurst has a history of notable alumni and continues to be a world-renowned centre of excellence, providing full-time vocational training in classical ballet in conjunction with a sound academic education across the whole school.

In a change to its usual students, on Sunday 2 March Elmhurst will welcome participants to take part in a Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans class, a specially designed ballet session aimed at over 55s to help improve mobility, posture, and co-ordination, and boost energy levels. Elmhurst will host three levels of class; beginner, intermediate and advanced, to ensure that all abilities are catered for. Classes will be held in Elmhurst Ballet School’s state-of-the-art studios and taught by RAD Silver Swans qualified staff. Silver Swans Licensees are trained specifically to teach ballet to adults over the age of 55, but all ages are welcome.

Let’s Dance! is a brand-new initiative spearheaded by Angela Ripon CBE. Angela’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing highlighted to her the incredible benefits of regular dancing, and now she’s on a mission to get the whole nation dancing. This campaign is all about making dance accessible to everyone, with a focus on encouraging people to embrace the joy and health benefits of dancing.

Let’s Dance! at Elmhurst Ballet School takes place on Sunday 2 March from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The cost of the event is £15, which includes a 90-minute ballet class with a member of RAD Silver Swans qualified staff and a light lunch. The event is not for profit, but any proceeds will go towards the Elmhurst Ballet School bursary programme, which supports ballet stars of the future. Get tickets here.

To find out more about Elmhurst Ballet School, please visit the school website elmhurstballetschool.org or follow the school’s social media channels.