bbo - british ballet organisation

National Events and Professional Development

Throughout the year the BBO co-ordinate dance and training events both regionally and nationally for students and teachers.

Student Events

The Regional events for students are co-ordinated by our Regional Representative and we are hoping to appoint a Regional Development Officer to help increase the provision of events throughout the UK.

In recent months, activities have included
  • Mini Days for Mini Dancers
  • Workshop by Independent Ballet Wales
  • Musical Theatre Workshops
  • Careers Days for Dancers

Please click here ( map ) to see events in your area

  • Dance Days April 2010

    Dance Days is the British Ballet Organization's annual dance event and is greatly valued by our Membership. BBO trained students from around the UK and abroad have the opportunity to take part in this intensive and inspiring residential dance course. Male and female students can dance some of the most prestigious dance schools in the country with professional studios, top class faculty and oodles of fun. Students participate in a variety of classes and workshops at the appropriate level for their age and experience.

    The days commence with classical ballet and repertoire classes taught by world-renowned ballet teachers who are accompanied by a team of first-class musicians. Musical theatre, jazz, tap and street dance classes are taught by dancers, many of whom are currently appearing in the West End. If the Dance Days course is deemed suitable for a residential course, a range of evening activities are organised providing students with the opportunity to socialise and make new friends. Activities may include trips to musicals, quizzes, discos and theatre trips. A team of chaperones are responsible for the students' welfare throughout and ensure that Health and Safety standards are met. At the end of each course, students perform a short presentation for parents. Achievement Awards are presented by BBO Patrons and each student is presented with a Certificate of Participation.

    dance_practice In October 2009, the BBO returned to Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham to provide another high quality course for students. The collaboration between Elmhurst and the BBO has provided both students and teachers with the opportunity to work in "state of the art" studios and stay in superb facilities at one of the finest vocational dance training schools in the country. A distinguished guest faculty coach students and Male Students are particularly encouraged to attend as there are specific classes with a male teacher, focusing on male technique and repertoire.

    Dance Days April 2010 will be held at Elmhurst School for Dance, 249 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7UH, Thursday 8th - Saturday 10th April 2010.

    A dance and performing arts course for students of all ages and ability. Don't miss out on this special event as part of BBO's 80th Anniversary year celebrations. It promises to be the best ever!

    Students must be aged 9 years by 8th April and have achieved Grade 1 in either Ballet, Modern, Jazz or Tap. Students will be grouped taking into account their age and grade achieved. Fun workshops, creative sessions and specially planned dance classes with content and class times to suit the age and ability levels. Students will be supervised throughout the course by an experienced team of Housemothers.

    All students will also have the opportunity to sing! But don't worry if you haven't sung before as classes will accommodate beginners and those who have singing experience.

    dance_practice_pairs

    The course will start with registration from 10.00am on Thursday 8th April with presentations and performances by students on Saturday 10th April.

    Please see booking for below for full fee details.

    Professional Development

    Teachers Professional Development conference

    ELMHURST SCHOOL FOR DANCE, BIRMINGHAM, 10th April 2010

    Elmhurst School for Dance, 249 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UH (car parking facilities are available). An Opportunity to enjoy the splendid surroundings and superb facilities at Elmhurst School for Dance. Teachers can also gain CPD credit points (necessary for BBO Registration and membership).

    The course will start with registration from 10.00am on Thursday 8th April with refreshments on arrival. On each of the three days teachers will be able to watch students at different levels in ballet, jazz and musical theatre being taught by a superb faculty. Teachers will have the chance to discuss teaching styles and methods following the classes. It is planned to include seminars on current dance issues and practical sessions.

    The following days will include:

    Thursday 8th April 11.00 - 6.30pm, An opportunity to learn the new Male Intermediate Foundation Ballet Syllabus from its creator, Simon Horrill.

    Friday 9th April 9.30 - 6.30 pm, Deborah Clark takes teachers through the new Adult Tap Syllabus

    Saturday 10th April 9.30 - 6.15pm, Janet Lupino and Brenda Last with demonstrators discuss the amendments to the Advanced 1 Ballet Syllabus.

    Additional Seminars: An opportunity to join our Teaching qualifications students for a variety of seminars including music and dance, teaching theory and practical sessions in classical ballet and theatre dance.

    Please see booking form below for full details and fees

    Certificate in Safe and Effective Dance Practice - courses and workshops 2010/2011

    BBO are delighted to offer the new Trinity College London, Certificate in Safe and Effective Dance Practice qualification
    This qualification recognises best practice in delivering safe and effective dance activity. The course covers basic anatomy and physiology, nutrition and hydration, injury management, studio conditions and relevant legal requirements and child protection issues. A dance practitioner who has successfully gained this Certificate will be able to apply the principles of safe and effective dance practice to the design and implementation of any dance activity. The Certificate provides evidence of their knowledge of safe and effective dance practice for their employers, dancers, and parents of young dancers. The professional skills and knowledge attained through achieving this qualification are applicable to all styles of dance. This could be in dance styles as diverse as Ballet, Ballroom, Hip-Hop or Tap. The Certificate in Safe and Effective Dance Practice is recognised by the Council for Dance Education and Training and Dance UK, and validated by Trinity College London for teachers at local and vocational dance schools and state/public schools, as well as community dance practitioners and educators, rehearsal directors and choreographers working in and with dance companies in the UK. BBO is offering students the chance to select the area/s of Safe Dance Practice in which they need further information. A selection of relevant workshop sessions led by experts in Safe Dance Practice are available at BBO Headquarters in London. Following attendance at your chosen session/s, BBO will provide individual support to guide you through the assessment process necessary to gain this qualification. Should you wish to find out more about this qualification please contact us.

    Please contact us tq@bbo.org.uk or call 0208 748 1386

    teaching

    The British Ballet Organization believes that continuous professional development for all its teachers is essential in sustaining and improving the standard of teaching. Teachers are actively encouraged to extend and improve their skills as part of a life-long learning process and to comply with Quality Assurance procedures. It is essential that teachers remain conversant with current dance practice including syllabus development, health and safety issues, child development and legislative changes.

    Below you can see a small selection of events available this year. For further information about Professional Development opportunities available to you through the BBO,
    please contact 0208 748 1386.

    Scholar's weekend

    Date and Venue: The Scholars weekend will take place on Saturday & Sunday 23rd & 24th October 2010. It will be held at Elmhurst School of Dance in Birmingham. Our Scholars both Jazz & Ballet will have the opportunity to participate in a two day intensive course.

    Places available for non scholars: The BBO is pleased to be able to offer a limited number of places for each of the Scholarship schemes. The access criteria are: Junior Ballet - Students must have achieved Ballet grade 4 with Distinction and be aged 11 or over Jazz - Students need to be studying at Intermediate Foundation level and be aged 13 or over Senior Ballet - Students must have achieved Ballet Intermediate Foundation with Distinction and aged be 13 or over

    ALL students need to complete the application forms (to be posted on the website soon) detailing their highest grade and genre. A signature will be required from their teacher approving the application. Please note places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Further information: Application forms, costs and further details will, shortly, be posted on the website and available from Headquarters.