UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 24 OCTOBER
Music students Ollie Barker and Millie Royle gained valuable experience working at Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) this semester.
The placements included performing alongside the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and dancers, as well as being given the opportunity to take part in a cover run of the performance, a run for the cast which is covering the main cast in case of illness.
BRB was established in Birmingham in 1990, performing everything from romantic ballets to new dance works, and regularly collaborates with RBC to encourage and nurturing new talent for the industry.
BRB approached Professor of Vocal and Operatic Studies Paul Wingfield for two singers to work on ‘Luna’ – a ballet celebrating the pioneering women of Birmingham.
Paul recommended advanced students Ollie and Millie for the roles and the placements were structured around this specific production.
From the outset, they Ollie and Millie were included in BRB’s creative process and were given time to prepare for their roles. During the placement, the students had the opportunity to practise professional cover work and to take part in the Sitzprope – a rehearsal where the singers sing with the orchestra to focus on integrating the two groups.
Millie commented: “Working with BRB has been an extreme honour and such a wonderful privilege.”
Ollie added: “This has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight the way in which the classical arts can move, inspire, and empower modern audiences.”
Paul said: “When I was approached by BRB, I was delighted to put forward two of our advanced students who have learned a great deal from the experience.”