Students enjoy Summer Course at Rambert School

Late last month, 83 students came together at the School to take part in our first Summer Course.

The week-long dance training course offered students the chance to learn first-hand from Rambert School faculty and alumni, and culminated in students performing a 45 minute show for their family and friends.

Aged between 13 and 19 years old, they came together for a week of dance training, with students coming from as far as Australia, the USA, and Canada to participate.

With six days of intensive activities, participants had busy schedules. Alongside daily ballet and contemporary technique classes that were physically and mentally demanding, students had a taste of conditioning and improvisation classes. They also had sessions with the faculty to create and rehearse short ballet and contemporary pieces to share on the final day. Participants showed dedication and passion both in and out of the studios, with many seen making use of the studios between classes to practice technique and rehearse for the show.

The week ended with a 45 minute-long show performed twice to family and friends in Rambert School’s own studio theatre. Over 180 people came to watch the shows. Students performed both well-known classical ballet repertoire and brand new contemporary work created by themselves, in collaboration with their contemporary teachers. The performances were a delightful showcase of the Summer Course, and the enthusiastic audience would agree.

Alongside stellar performances, the evening Q&A-style talks held throughout the week with members of staff were another stand-out highlight of the course. With experience as dance artists and performers, current Rambert School teachers Amanda Britton, Paul Clarke, Stephen Sheriff and Ayumi Hikasa all shared their experience and inspiring words of wisdom with our aspiring dance students.

The live music from the accompanists added a new level of depth to the classes and performances, and some pieces had specially-composed scores created, in just six days, for the students’ performances.

Six current Rambert School students also supported the Summer Course, by assisting teachers during selected classes and helping the participants throughout the week. The Summer Course students were inspired by them, and felt they were a fantastic asset to have throughout the week.

Many participants and their families were thrilled about their experience, and were keen to share their feedback:

“Rambert School Summer Course was not my first summer school, but without a doubt it was the best one. My favourite part of the experience was the amazing faculty, and the idea of the chaperones helping us through the week.” – Student

“Our daughter did not want to leave the whole experience. She has loved the challenges, and has adored all the classes.” – A parent

“I found the extra talks really inspiring, as well as seeing so many other kinds of dancers from different backgrounds. It was an amazing experience, and I would love to do it again!” – Student

“Teaching has been inspirational, and organisation fantastic!” – A parent

“I loved the teachers, because they are so passionate about their work and it made everyone passionate too. The teachers and the environment inspired me. Thank you for the best week.” – Student

“The programme was really well thought out and [my daughter] found the whole experience to be very positive and supportive. A real showcase for the school.” – A parent