Local Dance Students to Premiere New Work at Birmingham Hippodrome

Twenty nine students studying dance at top academies and colleges in the Midlands will have the chance to perform a Curtain Raiser on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage.

The students aged 12-19 years who come from Birmingham Ormiston Academy, Stratford-upon-Avon College, Elmhurst Dance School and Walsall College will use themes from Sleeping Beauty to create a brand new dance piece 'The Beauties Awake'. The five minute piece will be performed prior to Sir Matthew Bourne's acclaimed production of Sleeping Beauty on 11 February at 7.30pm.

The Curtain Raiser is part of Hippodrome CREATIVE'S continuing relationship with Sir Matthew and his company which, through his charitable arm Re:Bourne, aims to highlight the emerging talent of local dancers and student choreographers.

Liz Leck, Creative Learning Manager for the theatre said "We are delighted to be presenting the seventh Curtain Raiser here at the Hippodrome. During this period we have worked with over 175 young dancers and 35 rising choreographers to develop their dance skills, some of whom have gone on to join professional dance companies such as Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Rambert."

The project has given the students the chance to work alongside Clare Palethorpe a professional choreographer who recently choreographed presenters from BBC Radio WM. The students are also working with Joe Walking one of Sir Matthew's own dancers who danced in the original production of Sleeping Beauty. Both Clare and Joe are helping with the development of the choreography and teaching and introducing dance students to the Bourne style of dance.

The Curtain Raiser is becoming a main feature of the annual Sir Matthew Bourne season at Birmingham Hippodrome and is highly commended by Sir Matthew himself, who is a great supporter of developing and showcasing new skills.

The main performance of Sleeping Beauty on Thursday 11 February will commence directly after the Curtain Raiser, so the finishing time will be slightly later than usual. The Curtain Raiser is free to ticket holders.

Sir Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on 9 February and runs until 13 February. Tickets from £18.50 book online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (cost 4.5p/min plus your phone company's access charge, 5% transaction fee applies).

The Curtain Raiser is supported by Tilney Bestinvest, Birmingham.

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