We were very proud to have our very own Blackheath High ballet dancer, 15 year-old Julia, perform in the National Youth Ballet’s 2018 season at international dance house, Sadler’s Wells on 2nd September.

Here is Julia’s review of the experience:

About three weeks ago I attended the National Youth Ballet summer school. 105 main and junior company members formed this years ‘Bright Young Things' cast after a series of auditions.

After 10 days of intensive training and rehearsals at Elmhurst Ballet School, I performed in three shows at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham.

I was cast in two of the seven pieces that formed the show. I'm grateful for the amazing opportunity I had to work with very talented people.

The first piece I danced in was a challenging neoaclassical group dance called ‘Ada', inspired by the mathematician Ada Lovelace. It was choreographed by Louise Bennett. The other piece which opened the second half of the show was a contrasting contemporary work choreographed by Sophie Laplane and was called ‘Watusi'. It explored the similarities with a Watusi herd and angry Black Friday shoppers.

The final show was held at Sadlers Wells on the 2nd of September. It was an unforgettable experience where I met so many inspiring and brilliant dancers and choreographers. Mikah Smillie is an amazing artistic director who continues to motivate young dancers to reach for their aspirations.

I am looking forward to auditioning next year and I would encourage other young dancers to do the same.

Bright Young Things, choreographed by some of the UK’s most eminent professionals and rising talents, encompassed seven short ballets inspired by the lives of extraordinary people, and celebrating the power of imagination and being bold, with ambition and flair.

Now in its 31st year, NYB provides empowering and transformational opportunities for young people to participate in, create and perform ballet. Many alumni go on to work professionally, with recent success stories including alumni securing the lead role of The Prince in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake and the Apprentice Dancer for Ballet Ireland’s production of Nutcracker.

Huge congratulations to Julia from us all here at Blackheath High School, we are very proud of you and wish you another fantastic year ahead.