Two Hampton Academy students work with the English National Ballet at a Ballroom Workshop

Article written by Ruth Hollway and Nikita Janagol

On 18th June 2011 we went to the English National Ballet Studios (ENB), Markova House, for work experience. We found out about the work experience through our Dance teacher who had told us about the exciting opportunity. We got there at 9am by train. I (Ruth) was quite nervous, as I had never been into central London on my own before. We were met by Danielle who is the Learning and Participating Officer for ENB. She showed us around and introduced us to what we were to be doing. It was gong to be a busy 3 hours.

We first went to the Royal Albert Hall to find the costumes for the workshop, which was working towards the production of ‘Strictly Gershwin´. The room was filled to the brim with lots of glitzy and glamorous costumes. Throughout the room were big mirrors with lights around the edge. It looked like something from the movies. From there we headed back to the ENB studios and dressed mannequins with the costumes.

During the workshop we took control of organisational details and helped out. We also took photographs of the participants in the workshop. Although we didn´t join in, we still learnt lots of movements and technique about Ballroom dancing. I (Nikita) can remember a certain foot sequence used in a specific Ballroom style.

At the end of the session we were allowed to rehearse in the studio. It was such fun. We had a great time and would like to be involved with any future projects such as this. The experience of seeing what happens in a professional dance studio was excellent.