On 18th February 2024, Downland Dance will be thrilled to welcome Robert Parker – one of the leading names in British dance and dance education – to the dance studio at Didcot Aureus School for a fun day of ballet master classes and a Q&A.
Robert Parker
Elmhurst Ballet School Artistic Director
Robert Parker trained at the Royal Ballet School and joined the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1994, then under the directorship of Sir Peter Wright. He became a Principal dancer in 1999, where he collaborated with Artistic Director and acclaimed Choreographer David Bintley to create many leading roles for the company. He made guest appearances with the Royal Ballet and performed in many Galas around the world. His accolades include a Critics Circle Dance Award nomination, an Olivier Award nomination in 2001, and a Critics’ Circle Award for Outstanding Male Artist in 2003.
After retiring from Birmingham Royal Ballet, Robert passed his RAD Professional Dancers’ Teaching Diploma with distinction, and completed a Master’s degree in Philosophy in Education. Robert became Artistic Director of Elmhurst Ballet School in 2012. That same year he was appointed President of the London Ballet Association. He has guest taught for Ballet companies around the world, and is regularly invited to deliver Master Classes and to sit as a Juror member for International Ballet Competitions including a long standing relationship with the Youth American Grand Prix.
What’s happening?
Robert’s success both as a dancer and teacher have enabled him to develop a fun and charismatic approach to teaching, which has proven a huge hit with children and adults alike! After the huge success of his first visit, we are delighted that Robert will return to deliver classes across two levels, for ages 11 years until adults, in the dance studio of Didcot Aureus School, Didcot (OX11 6GS). On top of this, we are pleased to announce that Robert will be holding an informal Q&A session, complete with light refreshments, to give students and parents the ideal opportunity to learn just what it takes to make it in the dance industry. The Q&A session is free and open to attendees of either of the scheduled ballet classes, and their parents.
Timetable*
The age brackets below are a guideline only, and more importance should be given to ability when choosing the right class.
10.00am – 11.30am: Level 1 Ballet Class (ages 11 – 14)
11.45am – 12.30pm: Q&A session
12.30pm – 2.00pm: Level 2 Ballet Class (ages 15 – adult)
Prerequisites
Robert is skilled in delivering diverse classes, and will be able to tailor his classes to meet the general standard he has on the day. The master classes will however be in open class format, consisting of free exercises which will be set on the day. To gain the very best from the experience (and make sure you have the most fun!), students should be able to learn and repeat simple exercises as they are taught, and have an understanding of the ballet vocabulary used in their usual daily ballet classes. If you are unsure whether you’d be suited to the class, please ask your ballet teacher or contact info@downland-dance.co.uk.
Prices
| Class | DD Members | Non-Members |
| Level 1 Ballet | £20.00 | £25.00 |
| Level 2 Ballet | £30.00 | £35.00 |
| Q&A | £0.00 | £0.00 |
Booking
Please use the form below to purchase tickets. For more ticket information, please click here.
DD Students – Don’t forget to use your discount code to get £5.00 off the listed price!
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Small Print
* Timetable subject to alteration. All bookings are non-refundable.
Classes may be filmed or photographed for promotional purposes.
