Congratulations to all involved in our Sleeping Beauty Curtain Raiser!

Twenty nine students studying dance at top academies and colleges in the Midlands  performed a Curtain Raiser on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage. Take a look at our gallery.

The students aged 12-19 years came from Birmingham Ormiston Academy, Stratford-upon-Avon College, Elmhurst Dance School and Walsall College and used themes from Sleeping Beauty to create a brand new dance piece ‘The Beauties Awake’. The five minute piece was performed prior to Sir Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed production of Sleeping Beauty on 11 February to a packed house.

The Curtain Raiser is part of Hippodrome CREATIVE’S continuing relationship with Sir Matthew and his company which, through his charitable arm Re:Bourne, aims to highlight the emerging talent of local dancers and student choreographers.

Liz Leck, Creative Learning Manager for the theatre said “We were delighted to present the seventh Curtain Raiser here at the Hippodrome. During this period we have worked with over 175 young dancers and 35 rising choreographers to develop their dance skills, some of whom have gone on to join professional dance companies such as Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Rambert.”

The project gave students the chance to work alongside Clare Palethorpe a professional choreographer who recently choreographed presenters from BBC Radio WM. The students also worked with Joe Walking one of Sir Matthew’s own dancers who danced in the original production of Sleeping Beauty. Both Clare and Joe helped with the development of the choreography, teaching and introducing dance students to the Bourne style of dance.

The Curtain Raiser was supported by Tilney Bestinvest.  Miles Robinson, Head of Tilney Bestinvest Birmingham said “We were delighted to support the Curtain Raiser which reinforces our ongoing relationship with Birmingham Hippodrome as a Performance Partner”

The Curtain Raiser is becoming a main feature of the annual Sir Matthew Bourne season at Birmingham Hippodrome and is highly commended by Sir Matthew himself, who is a great supporter of developing and showcasing new skills.

Huge congratulations to all involved.

Take a look at our gallery