On Monday 16 May, Sir Matthew Bourne, creator of the dance company New Adventures came to give a talk to the students about his experience of entering contemporary dance, choreography and his current work as Director of New Adventures.

He was joined by Glenn Graham and Royal Ballet School alumna, Katrina Lyndon, both company members at New Adventures. They led a class teaching company repertoire for a ‘mock audition’ to our 2nd Year boys and girls.

Matthew said:

‘Everyone has their different ways into dance. I’m sure you’ve all got interesting stories about how you came to be here and what it means to you and whether your families were supportive. Everyone’s story is a bit different.

‘I think sometimes having to fight a bit for what you want to do, what you believe and what you want for yourself is a good thing, because it makes you work harder to achieve your dream.

‘If you don’t have a passion for it, then what are you doing? Because it’s quite hard, it really is a tough life, so you have to love it.’

Sir Matthew was born in Hackney, East London and began dancing aged 22. He studied Dance Theatre and Choreography at The Laban Centre (now Trinity Laban) graduating in 1985 and spending a further year with the college’s performance company, Transitions. Matthew danced professionally for 14 years creating many roles in his own work.

Matthew’s company, New Adventures was made famous by his all-male production of Swan Lake and his interpretations of Cinderella, Nutcracker and The Car Man.

He was knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2016 for services to dance. In 2016, New Adventures will present the World Premiere of Matthew Bourne’s latest work, The Red Shoes.