Elmhurst Experiences
Our Experience Days are always a highlight in the Elmhurst calendar, with tickets selling out fast for these special events that offer a glimpse into life at the school.
On Sunday 12 October, the doors of our Edgbaston home opened once again to welcome prospective students, their parents, guardians, and teachers for a fun and insightful day exploring everything Elmhurst has to offer.
Choosing the right school is a significant milestone for any young dancer. Many of our students live on site, often leaving home at a very young age, so we aim to make Elmhurst feel like a second home. For many families, this may be the first time a child has attended a vocational or boarding school, and our Experience Days are designed to answer questions, ease any concerns, and help them feel confident that Elmhurst is the right choice.
This year’s event featured a guided tour of the school, an Audition Process Presentation in the theatre with staff and current students, and a two-hour audition experience class. The class, which also introduced our renowned Strength and Conditioning programme, was led by members of our talented artistic team and offered valuable insights and advice on how to succeed in the audition process.
Our goal is for Experience Day guests to see firsthand that Elmhurst is a safe, inspiring, and supportive place to live, dance, and learn. The day offers a true window into the Elmhurst world: the energy of the studios, the camaraderie among students, and the care shown by staff. Many young people who have attended our Experience Days in previous years have gone on to audition successfully and join the Elmhurst family.
In November, current Elmhurst students in Years 10 and 11 will take part in a Sixth Form Experience Taster Week, designed to give them a real insight into the transition from lower school to sixth form study at Elmhurst. The week will feature A-Level taster sessions in subjects including Art, Geography, English Literature and Mathematics, contemporary workshops led by external choreographer Jacob Wye, and ballet classes taught by sixth form tutors, Artistic Director Robert Parker, and a guest teacher from Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Year 11 students will also enjoy an introduction to pas de deux, a repertoire session with Robert Parker, and a presentation on the Trinity Diploma. As some students may go on to perform with Birmingham Royal Ballet during their sixth form training, the week will also include a visit to BRB’s headquarters at Birmingham Hippodrome, where they will observe company rehearsals, tour the facilities, and meet key members of the organisation.
If you'd like to find out more about what its like to live, dance and learn at Elmhurst, come along to our Whole School Open Day on 7 November. Book here
Applications are officially open for our Full-Time Training Programme. Apply by 7 December 2025.
