J’AIME MAY 2022

“Some families might not have
stepped foot in a theatre before,
so we introduce them to that and
introduce our world. We want it to
be inclusive, but there are a lot of
barriers to break down.”
When Dance Track started in
1997, the team visited 11 schools.
This year they’ve been to 36
across South, Central and North
Birmingham. The ambition is to
expand into the East and West
of the city, too. Rebecca and her
colleagues audition Year 1 pupils
for the programme, looking for those who show
aptitude, enjoyment and focus. These children are
invited to BRB’s base in the city centre for a final
workshop. Then around 100 children are selected
to take into the new Dance Track cohort every
September. Of these, around half will be invited
back for a second year.
“They then get the opportunity to audition for the
Royal Ballet School Junior Associates or Elmhurst
Ballet School Young Dancers,” says Rebecca. “If
they’re accepted onto one of those courses, they’re
automatically eligible to graduate into Dance Track
Plus, which means they get free lessons with us for
another three years to supplement their ballet school
training.”
For Rebecca, the best part of the 25th anniversary
celebrations this spring will be seeing her Dance
Trackers having fun: “They’re getting to perform on
the professional stage, in a professional theatre, in
costume and full lighting. Even though they’re only
on this journey with us for a short time, I would like
them to have the gratification of a celebration of
SHIREENAH INGRAM AS LADY CAPULET
IN ROMEO AND JULIET, IN PART OF THE
BALLET HOO! DOCUMENTARY
SHIREENAH INGRAM IS THE YOUNGEST
MEMBER OF THE BIRMINGHAM ROYAL
BALLET BOARD OF DIRECTORS
what the programme has achieved.
“It’s also a chance for us to thank all of our donors
and sponsors, without whom the programme
wouldn’t exist. And to get as many old teachers back
as possible to say thank you for joining us on this
journey.”
She’s also looking forward to seeing how much
alumni from previous years have developed, changed
and used Dance Track as a springboard. Jakob
Myers, who now dances with Ballet Cymru, will be
performing in the gala, and Oscar Kempsey-Fagg,
one of three brothers who have been through the
programme and are now in ballet schools, will be
performing a solo.
“For me, Dance Track isn’t just about learning ballet
or the time you’re in the programme, it’s about
changing lives,” Rebecca adds. “It’s teaching life
skills, independence and focus, so they can take what
they learn on this journey as they progress through
their career - whether that’s in dance or not.”
Dance Track 25 will also feature performances
by BRB Principals Céline Gittens and Brandon
Lawrence, who will be co-hosting alongside
Shireenah Ingram, the Ballet’s
youngest ever board member.
Born and raised in Sheldon,
Birmingham, Shireenah’s
relationship with BRB began
in 2006. She was the youngest
participant in the four-part
Channel 4 documentary Ballet
Hoo! Ballet Changed My Life.
“I grew up in a working class
area,” she says. “Luckily my
school had the option to learn
instruments and put on spring
and summer shows, so there
was always the opportunity to
perform.
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