BBO celebrates 80th year anniversary

Posted by bbo on 16 June, 2010 01:00

In celebration of its 80th Anniversary, the British Ballet Organization (BBO) hosted an exclusive gathering on 6th June 2010, attended by members of the BBO community, representatives from the local Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and many distinguished guests from the dance world. Special guests included: Dame Beryl Grey (Guest of Honour); BBO Patrons Wayne Sleep OBE and Doreen Wells; Chairman of the Dance Critics’ Circle, Mike Dixon; Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, Councillor Rita Palmer; BBO Patron Tandy Muir-Warden; and BBO Chairman and Director of London Studio Centre, Nicholas Espinosa.

The event was held at the BBO’s Headquarters at Woolborough House in Barnes, where it all began 80 years ago, under the leadership of its famous founders, the legendary dancer and producer Edouard Espinosa and his wife Louise Kay. Many renowned students were trained by Espinosa at Woolborough House, including Dame Beryl Grey, Phyllis Bedells and founder of The Royal Ballet, Dame Ninette de Valois, who was also a former President of the BBO.

Commenting on the 80th Anniversary, Dame Beryl Grey enthused, "Having been closely associated with the BBO for many years, I am continually impressed with the quality of its work and greatly admire the principles upon which it is based. I was very proud to be Guest of Honour at this important Anniversary celebration."

John Travis, BBO Chief Executive and former senior soloist with the English National Ballet, added, "It gives me the greatest pleasure to lead the organisation into its 80th successful year and to build upon the work of our esteemed founders and former directors. As we take a moment to celebrate this important milestone and look back over the tremendous progress the BBO has made, we remain firmly focused on our future and maintaining our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of professional practice."

Commenting on her appointment, Dame Beryl enthused, “I feel most privileged to accept such a distinguished position. Because of my links to the BBO starting at the very onset of my career, this means more to me than I can say. I look forward to being involved in shaping the next 80 years of this inspiring organisation which plays such a pivotal role in the dance world, both in the UK and internationally.”

John Travis, BBO Chief Executive added, “In recognition of Dame Beryl’s celebrated history with the BBO and as one of our, and indeed, the dance world’s most eminent and admired ambassadors, we could not imagine anyone else more suitable for this title and we are delighted that she has accepted.”

Over the past 80 years, the BBO has established itself as one of the UK’s leading dance organisations and is currently one of just four Government approved dance awarding bodies in the country. Through its wide range of dance and teaching programmes, the BBO responds to the changing needs of students and teachers at every level and provides dance education and training for all ages, across a number of genres including, ballet, tap, modern, jazz and musical theatre.