The New Wimbledon Theatre has an air of tradition; a classic old building with beautiful paintings on the auditorium ceiling. It’s stunning, and was the perfect setting to watch the English National Ballet School’s Summer Performances. The English National Ballet School is a highly acclaimed school that trains young adults from the ages of 16-19. Hundreds all over the world audition for one of 30 spaces, consequently demonstrating the high standard even before the curtain rises. The performance involved many routines, ranging throughout the year groups — some of which were choreographed by professional dancers and others by the students. It was difficult to tell which ones weren’t professionally choreographed simply because of the high standard and ability of all of the dancers.

One thing you get for free is that these young performers work harder than you could ever imagine. I found myself gazing in awe at the muscles these performers had; the men all had muscles bugling from places I had never thought muscles could bulge from before! The girls were all picturesque, all beautiful but, to my pleasure, weren’t all as thin as my baby toe. These girls were fit, rather than having the stereotypical stick thin reputation, and this is one aspect what made them beautiful and so interesting to watch.

Although I am no stranger to ballet, it would be completely redundant for me to comment on any skill set they have. All I can say is that these guys are the real deal. The movements and shapes created with their bodies, along with the perfection in their stillness, was effortless. The stories they told with their bodies were so interesting to watch from a narrative perspective also; I really loved how they incorporated traditional ballet movements with a twist, depending on the fusion style of music.

I had two favourites: one was Ups!, choreographed by second year student Maria Sousa, and the second was Stanley, professionally choreographed by Kristen McNally specifically for Archie Sullivan for the BBC Young Dancer final. Ups! was set to a rhythmically tribal piece of music which I not only found addictive to listen to, but awe-inspiring to watch. The four dancers stepped away from the traditional nature and used sharp movements, but still filled with complete grace. I couldn’t take my eyes off the dancers for a second. Stanley was performed to the music used in the opening sequence of Catch Me If You Can by John Williams. It was amazing to see how much of Sullivan’s personality came through the performance; he seemed totally relaxed and completely in his element.

The final dance we saw was a classical piece called École Classique. The curtain rose, and I gasped at the stunning picture the dancers had created. They were all dressed in white, all posed in immaculate positions, creating a picture that I wanted to photograph and hang on my wall. To think that these dancers are so young is absolutely astonishing. Although it was a little clear, of course, between the separate years, it is also incredibly clear that these young people have bright careers ahead of them. The efforts they put in as representatives of young people who aspire to achieve their dreams is something to be widely celebrated, and will continue to be celebrated in their futures.

English National Ballet School’s Summer Performances are playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 6 July. For tickets and more information, see the English National Ballet website.