Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is delighted to announce that Matthew Bourne has become a patron of the school.
Tring Park School has had close links with Matthew and New Adventures for many years; 17 of the school's former students have been involved in New Adventures productions. Eight of these students are currently performing in Swan Lakeand will be in our World Premiere tour of Romeo and Juliet, with six current students aged between 15 and 18 are a part of the Young Cast.
Bryony Wood, 18, who is in her graduate year at Tring Park School, has been cast in the main role of Juliet and will be dancing alongside Tring Park alumni Paris Fitzpatrick and João Carolino.
One of Tring Park School's other patrons, Adam Cooper, created the role of The Swan in Swan Lake, back in 1995, and three of the school's teachers, David Rhys, Tim Blowfield and Jodie Blemings have all worked with Matthew over the years.
Speaking about Sir Matthew becoming a patron, Tring Park School principal Stefan Anderson said: "Everyone at Tring Park is thrilled that Matthew has accepted our invitation to be patron of our school. He is undoubtedly the UK's most popular and successful choreographer and director; his unique style helps to bring dance to a wider audience and we are lucky to have Sir Matthew as patron.
His passion for involving emerging male and female dancers from around the UK in his productions ensures that young dancers have an opportunity to experience what it is like to be involved in such high-profile productions while they are still studying dance.
Matthew met some of our students and teachers recently on a visit to the school, and everyone was so excited to meet him; it was a truly memorable day."
Tring Park School has its roots in dance and is world famous for its dance credentials, having produced many a professional dance star and choreographer, including international stars such as Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) who started their training on the dance course at Tring Park.
Daisy attended Tring Park from the age of 11 to 19. Other famous students include Lily James (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Disney's Cinderella, Downton Abbey and War and Peace) and Jessica Brown-Findlay (Downton Abbey).
