Celebrating the Legacy of Sir Peter Wright at our Summer Masterclass

On Sunday 14 June, we welcomed aspiring dancers from across the UK for its annual Summer Masterclass, a special event held this year in honour of the centenary of Sir Peter Wright. 

The inspiring morning offered dancers aged 10-16 the opportunity to immerse themselves in the artistry and repertoire of one of ballet’s most influential figures. Through a classical ballet class and repertoire workshops led by Elmhurst’s expert faculty, participants explored the distinctive style, musicality and storytelling that have become synonymous with Sir Peter’s celebrated productions. 

A highlight of the day was the involvement of Birmingham Royal Ballet Principal Dancers Samara Downs and Tzu-Chao Chou, who joined the Masterclass as guest artists. Drawing on their experience performing Sir Peter Wright’s repertoire, they guided dancers through excerpts from his iconic works, sharing valuable insights into the artistic and technical demands of professional ballet performance. 

The event concluded with an engaging presentation and Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions about life as a professional dancer, training pathways, and the realities of performing with a world-class ballet company. Samara and Tzu-Chao offered candid reflections on their careers, providing inspiration and encouragement to the next generation of dancers. 

The Summer Masterclass forms part of Elmhurst’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for aspiring dancers to learn from leading professionals. This year’s celebration of Sir Peter Wright’s centenary offered a fitting tribute to his enduring influence on ballet training and performance, while inspiring participants to continue developing their own artistry and passion for dance. 

Elmhurst Ballet School would like to thank all the dancers who attended, along with Samara Downs and Tzu-Chao Chou for helping to make the day such a memorable and inspiring experience.