Christmas at Central School of Ballet

20 December 2023

Here at Central School of Ballet, we have many things to be thankful for this festive season. Central would like to thank all our generous supporters, who through their contributions and dedication to the school, allow Central to continue providing inspirational dance training in the heart of London. After another successful Big Give campaign, Central will be able to continue offering a range of exceptional short courses and programmes for dancers aged 4 to 18. Each year, Central is helping to support a thriving future for the arts, and we are very happy to have reached so many creative people this year through our various programmes.

As we look back at 2023, there are several achievements that deserve to be highlighted. In another successful Ballet Central tour, our final year students performed for three months across the UK. With thirteen venues visited, Ballet Central dancers were thrilled to be performing the programme of classical ballet and contemporary works at theatres including Sadler’s Wells Lilian Baylis Studio, and the Britten Theatre at the Royal College of Music. The strength of our dancers demonstrated the quality of our teaching, which in 2023, included an increase in Central’s strength and conditioning offer for degree students. The state-of-the-art health and wellbeing suite ensured students can immediately access the support they need to minimise the impact of injuries and illness on their progress, further helping to supplement and sustain their training.

This year we also hosted three wonderful summer courses over a two-week period, welcoming talented students from around the world, including Japan, New Zealand and Singapore. In July, the class of 2023 celebrated graduation with performances of their final solos and a ceremony at the Britten Theatre. Many of this cohort also attended University of Kent’s graduation ceremony at Rochester Cathedral in November, formally completing their university studies in cap and gown. In September, we welcomed a new cohort of undergraduate students from more than 10 different countries. They are all settling into the vocational training well, having just performed in their first Winter Showcase in the Gable Studio Theatre.

Central is also very much looking forward to 2024 and the possibilities the year brings. In January, we hope to welcome more of our Southwark neighbours to The Countess of Wessex Studios with a new discount for adult dance classes, available to all Southwark residents. Preparations for the Ballet Central tour for the summer will continue and a variety of short courses will be on offer, starting with the February half-term courses.

Central would like to say congratulations to all students who have been with the school throughout this year. Once again, we would like to thank all those who have joined us for classes and performances in 2023. We hope that everyone has a relaxing and joyous Christmas break, and we look forward to welcoming you all back to the Countess of Wessex Studios in 2024!