Old Elms Alumni Afternoon
Former students from across the decades returned to Elmhurst Ballet School on Thursday 14 May for a joyful and inspiring Old Elms Alumni Afternoon, celebrating the school’s rich heritage and the enduring strength of its alumni community.
Held at Elmhurst’s home in Birmingham, the afternoon welcomed graduates from across generations back through the studio doors for an event filled with reconnecting, reflection and, of course, dancing.
Guests were greeted with lunch and refreshments before enjoying the opportunity to step back into the studio for a ballet class designed for all ages and abilities, taught by former Elm Anna Du Boisson, who earlier this year was awarded an OBE for services to dance by Prince William. Alumni also took part in a school tour, studio visits, observed current students in afternoon classes, and spent time catching up with former classmates, teachers and staff.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a special alumni panel discussion, bringing together voices from Elmhurst’s past, present and future. The conversation offered heartfelt reflections on training, careers and the lifelong impact of the Elmhurst experience, while celebrating the shared bond that connects generations of Old Elms.
A particularly moving moment came when Elmhurst pianist Da Hee Kim surprised guests by playing Heart of Holy Child, the school hymn from Elmhurst’s Camberley days. Many Old Elms joined together in song, creating a deeply emotional and special moment that resonated across generations of alumni.
Old Elms observed a coaching session for Year 13 men led by fellow Old Elm, and current Elmhurst ballet teacher, Joshua Barwick. The students and Old Elms quickly developed a rapport, with the Year 13 men showcasing their finest leaps and turns to rapturous cheers and applause.
Among those attending was Fiona Castle OBE, who studied at Elmhurst from 1949 until 1957. Reflecting on the afternoon, she said: “Thank you so much for organising and hosting such a delightful event. It was so special and so much fun, as well as a lovely excuse to get together with other Old Elms. I loved meeting up with the students, who were so friendly - I could have spent a whole day talking with them!”
Most importantly, the afternoon reinforced the sense of community that remains at the heart of Elmhurst Ballet School long after graduation day. Throughout the event, stories, memories and experiences were shared between alumni old and new, creating an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and forward-looking.
All proceeds from the event will support the new Old Elms Bursary Fund, helping to nurture and support the next generation of young dance talent.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the Old Elms Alumni Afternoon such a memorable celebration of the Elmhurst family.
