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Forces of Nature: A Celebration of Creativity, Collaboration and Dance
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
There are few moments in the school year that capture the spirit of London Vocational Ballet School quite like our annual Summer Show. On Monday 29th June, we were incredibly proud to present Forces of Nature at the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler's Wells, curated by our Artistic Director, Louise Bennett.
For our audience, Forces of Nature was an opportunity to experience an inspiring performance of dance. For our students, however, it represented so much more. It was the culmination of months of commitment, perseverance and artistic development, as well as the chance to perform in one of London's most iconic dance venues. Experiences like these are an integral part of vocational ballet training at LVBS, our students build confidence, resilience and professionalism while creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.
A Celebration of Nature Through Dance
Inspired by the beauty, strength and unpredictability of the natural world, Forces of Nature explored a rich variety of themes through classical ballet, and contemporary and jazz choreography. From moments of serenity to displays of power and energy, each piece encouraged our students to combine technical excellence with artistry, musicality and storytelling.
Performing at Sadler's Wells
There is something truly special about performing in a professional theatre. From rehearsing on stage and working alongside professional lighting and technical teams to performing before a live audience, every moment helps prepare our students for the next stage of their vocational training. These opportunities are invaluable as they learn how to remain focused under pressure, adapt to a professional performance environment and support one another as a company. These are qualities that benefit them throughout their time with us and beyond.
A Celebration of Choreography
One of the defining features of Forces of Nature was the extraordinary breadth of choreography presented throughout the evening. Featuring original works by established choreographers alongside choreography created within our own school community, the programme celebrated creativity, collaboration and the artistic versatility that lies at the heart of life at London Vocational Ballet School. Opening with a revival of Louise Bennett’s ‘Flora’, the students experienced dancing in a large group across all ages, as well as working more closely with their own year groups on a range of new pieces. Our vocational staff contributed exciting new works, as well as our guest choreographers: Daniel Davidson, Miguel Altunaga, Bim Malcomson and our Founder and Honorary Patron, Anna du Boisson OBE.
This year's repertoire included:
‘Flora’ by LVBS Artistic Director, Louise Bennett
'Doe – a Deer' by Daniel Davidson
'In the Box – Out of the Box' by Bim Malcolmson
'Before the Silence’ by Miguel Altunaga Jr
'A Chance Encounter' by Anna du Boisson OBE
‘Serenata’ by LVBS Artistic Director, Louise Bennett
'Ombrelles' by Megan Webster-Shaw
‘Plink! Plank! Plunk!’ by Georgina McDermott
‘Where the wild thyme blows…’ by Patricia Okenwa
‘Harmonia' by Trixie Eliot – Recipient of the inaugural LVBS Young Choreographer Award
'Forces of Nature' by LVBS Artistic Director, Louise Bennett
'On the Floor' by Georgina McDermott
‘Connected’ by Brook Ogle
‘Circle of Life' by Georgina McDermott
'You Can Stand Under My Funbrella!' by Georgina McDermott
A Grand Defilé by the Megan Webster-Shaw, Brook Ogle and Louise Bennett
Each work brought its own distinctive style and artistic voice, allowing our students to demonstrate their versatility across both classical ballet and contemporary dance. From expressive storytelling to dynamic ensemble work, every piece challenged our students to deepen their artistry, musicality and stagecraft while celebrating the many different ways dance can move and inspire an audience.
We were also delighted to present our inaugural Young Choreographer Award, generously supported by the London Ballet Circle. Congratulations to Trixie Eliot, who was supported to create her original work, ‘Harmonia’, under the mentorship of choreographer Bim Malcomson. Seeing our students embrace choreography alongside performance is a wonderful reminder that vocational dance education is about nurturing creative thinkers as well as exceptional performers.
We are incredibly grateful to the London Ballet Circle for helping us celebrate the creativity, imagination and artistic ambition of our young choreographers.
Celebrating Our Year 11
This year's Summer Performances also marked an important milestone for our graduating students. As they prepare to continue their vocational training and pursue the next stage of their creative and academic journeys, Forces of Nature provided a fitting celebration of everything they have achieved during their time with us.
Their performances reflected years of dedication, resilience and artistic development, and they have become wonderful role models for the younger students following in their footsteps. We are immensely proud of every one of them and look forward to following their future successes.
Thank You
Productions of this scale are only possible because of the dedication and support of an incredible community.
Our thanks go to our teaching faculty, led by Academic Director Kate Blakeburn and Artistic Director Louise Bennett, our guest choreographers Daniel Davidson, Anna du Boisson, Miguel Altunaga Jr, Megan Webster-Shaw, Georgina McDermott and Bim Malcolmson, together with our production team, theatre staff and volunteers, whose expertise and commitment helped bring this year’s summer show to life.
To everyone who made this year's Summer Performances possible, thank you for being part of such a memorable celebration. We look forward to welcoming returning and new students for another exciting year at London Vocational Ballet School in September.
Photography by Ash @photography_byash