Jade leaps into action for show
Originally from Sidmouth, in Devon, Jade was determined to study at Elmhurst because of its links with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
“I had done most of my studies by last year,” says Jade. “I qualified as a pilates instructor and also took administrative studies because I really wanted to make sure I had the time to concentrate on my dance. This year I have done some contextual studies in dance-related projects which will qualify me for a National Diploma in Classical Dance. But really my focus has been on developing my dance.”
And it is Jade’s skill as a dancer which has brought her to the attention of BRB director David Bintley. Jade was offered a chance to perform with the company when it visited Japan last summer and joined BRB on tour in China earlier this year.
She has also taken part in a good many dates in the UK – most recently in The Dance House, a piece choreographed by David.
And the company has recently announced that Jade has been taken on as a company member –- the only Elmhurst pupil to gain that position this year.
“I did auditions for a lot of companies,” says Jade. “With Norwegian National Ballet, with Zurich Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Prague National Ballet, but I was so pleased to be offered a place with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
“Year Dot filmed me with David Bintley and it was so special to be able to capture that on film. They have said it might be possible to get some of the pieces which were not used on the television show so I am hoping to get all of that.”
Jade officially joins the company this week and has high hopes for the future.
“It may be a cliche to say it but this is the beginning,” she says. “I have set myself lots of short-term and long-term goals. I would really like to work my way up the ranking and gain promotions. I am ambitious, driven and want to work hard. I would love to be a principal one day.
“The classical ballets are always special – they are what I entered ballet for. But I would also love to be involved with some of David Bintley’s more modern choreography. I saw his jazz triple bill and would love a role in something like that.”
Jade first danced at the age of seven and although she cannot say when she set her sights on a career in dance, she knows she is firmly dedicated to it now.
“I have had so much support from my family. Getting this job is an achievement for all of the family really, and coming to Elmhurst and having such wonderful teaching has helped so much,” she says.
“It has been really good that a year which has included so many experiences which are so important for my life, have all been recorded. All these memorable experiences have been documented for me.”
PUPILS graduating from Elmhurst this year are heading off into far flung destinations including Germany, France, Switzerland, Estonia and Slovakia while many have also gained places with leading UK companies. School director Desmond Kelly paid tribute to their efforts.
“I am pleased for all of our students who have found a job as professional dancers,” he says. “With the current climate the fact that about 70 per cent of our graduates have jobs already, and across Europe and the world, is a credit to all the teachers here.”
And he added: “Jade is one of the most together student dancers I have met. She is prepared both mentally and physically for her work with BRB.
“My dream is for more of our students in the future to gain jobs with BRB and the Royal Ballet.”
