Elmhurst Ballet School will throw open its doors to welcome prospective future dancers to its annual open day on Thursday 7 November.

This is a chance for them, and their parents and guardians, to see Elmhurst on a typical day.

The day will involve tours of the building, as well as a presentation in the school theatre by members of the Senior Leadership Team and student leaders, with the opportunity to ask questions. Classroom doors will be open throughout the day, meaning that guests can look into lessons and ask staff questions as they go. The aim of the day is to show what makes Elmhurst so unique, while showing guests how the school operates across academic and dance lessons on a typical day.

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.

Students at Elmhurst Ballet School are from 11-19 years’ old. Entry to the school is by audition with students joining from Year 7 onwards and graduating after Year 14. In a typical year, 80% of students receive financial assistance to train at Elmhurst. Around 20% of Elmhurst students are from the Midlands, with a further 65% coming from across the UK, and 15% from overseas.

Choosing and attending the right school is an important step in a young dancer’s life. Many Elmhurst Ballet School students live on site and attending Elmhurst means leaving home at a very young age. For many families, sending a child to Elmhurst will mark the first time a family member has attended a vocational and boarding school, so the open day is an opportunity to answer any questions and concerns that prospective students and their families may have, and put their minds at rest that Elmhurst is the right choice for them.

Elmhurst Ballet School’s open day takes place on Thursday 7 November. It is free to attend, but places must be booked in advance here.