What an inspiring update from Millie, Miss Kyla’s eldest daughter.
Hi everyone! Hope all is well.
It’s been hectic here in London but I’ve had some amazing opportunities nonetheless. most recently I got to audition for Beetlejuice West End and although I got cut, it was incredible to even just be in the room. More exciting still, I got to sing for Alfie Boe yesterday! He came to teach a masterclass, I was lucky enough to be picked to sing, and was even blessed by his vocals (and yes, they’re even more beautiful live).
I’m currently in rehearsals for The Wonderful World of Dissocia where I am playing Jane, a council member who is the victim of every crime committed in the strange world. Believe it or not, she is a comedy character! Then I’ll be moving onto the grad musical which is still a surprise but no doubt you’ll hear from me when it gets announced.
Hope everyone is staying healthy and happy!
Love Millie x
How exciting Millie, keep up the great work.
Miss Evie here- Hi guys! I’m quickly sending over some Caribbean love from St Lucia! I’m currently over here trip leading a group of performing arts and photography students from Hull College on their international exchange. (I am a performing arts lecturer at the college.)
We have been provided with a 2 week jam-packed itinerary from Caribbean Elective whom are partnered with a government backed Turing Scheme to provide students with a once in a lifetime opportunity overseas. Some of the workshops include music producing, Caribbean dance exchange, community performances, masquerade making and its symbolism, as well as many more! Of course we’ve time for the tropical beaches, beautiful sights and plenty of sun. I promise it’s a work trip, not a holiday! Although we’re all having a gorgeous time.
Thank you to my assistants whom are covering my classes whilst I’m away. It’s very much appreciated, see you all soon. Love Miss Evie xxx
Can you organise an exchange with KH Evie?🤣
Huge congratulations to former pupil Lincoln for being part of the Dance Company of Sea Witch a new musical.
Sea Witch is a new musical prequel to The Little Mermaid based on Sarah Henning's novel, premiering for two exclusive performances at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane on March 1, 2026.
The show tells the origin story of the villainous sea witch, following Evie, a young witch in a kingdom where magic is outlawed.
The cast includes Michelle Visage as Tante Hansa, Jay McGuiness as Iker, Natalie Paris as Evie, Mazz Murray as Queen Charlotte, Amy Di Bartolomeo as Annemette and Natalie Kassanga as Malvina. Choreography is by Dean Lee, with music production by Jeff Nang. Casting is by Peter Noden.
Fabulous update from another former KH pupil Mads who is in her second year at The Royal Academy of Dance ( RAD)
Hi everyone,
Ive had a super busy few months in London with assessments and things but I am loving it so so much!! We recently had our end of semester show, which was a lovely opportunity to showcase everything we have worked on since September and I have even managed to sneak to a few Royal Ballet performances and rehearsals! This year we have had the opportunity to go out on teaching placement which gave me the chance to use the teaching skills that I have built on since starting at RAD. i have also put my first set of students through for their exams/ class awards before christmas and they all recieved merits/high merits!
I hope you are all well, and I cannot wait to come and dance with you guys when I’m next home!!
Love Mads xx
Wonderful news for Miss Ali and KH dancers and former students who helped Miss Ali out in order to put on a fabulous show.
York Theatre Community Awards —
🏆 The YTCA Celebration Evening
The 2026 YTCA Celebration and Awards Evening was held on 7 February 2026
The awards were founded to celebrate the thriving theatre community in and around York and to give recognition to outstanding shows, performers, and creative contributions across that community.
Pick Me Up Theatre won an impressive 20 awards celebrating excellence in local theatre. Highlights include:
⭐ Major Awards
Best Choreography – Anything Goes (Pick Me Up Theatre) Ali Kirkham
Best Dance Ensemble – Anything Goes (AG) Charlie Fox, Sophie Kemp, Sophie Curry, Steph Rastenis plus Chloe ( non-KH)
Best Individual Dance Performance – Anything Goes – Charlie Fox
We are extremely proud of Miss Ali and our seniors, proving the standard of training at KH.
What a pleasure we’ve had this evening having Leo back in the studio, hot from his latest contract performing with Princess cruises.
We’re so lucky to be privileged at KH having so many alumni return from their professional engagements to inspire the seniors and pre-pros. Thank you Leo, we’re sorry so many missed you due to a School concert.
Message from Leo
“Thank you so much to the incredible students at Kirkham Henry! Your tenacity, drive and fast pick up make you industry ready! Thank you for being so wonderful, kind and hard-working. Being in Studio 1 again gave me throwbacks to my days of Miss Ali’s Friday jazz 12 years ago - yes, I can’t believe it too! Make the most of your time at KH and continue to shine ✨ “ x
We are so proud to announce that Steph, after being in the enviable position of being accepted at more than one performing arts college and university has chosen Urdang London to start her journey in studying for a BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.
The triple threat programme offers an intensive specialist training in dance, singing and acting, equipping students with the skills needed for a career in the professional entertainment industry.
Many Urdang students go on to work in the West End, national and international theatre, TV and feature films, as choreographers, and dancing for major arena tours.
We’re beyond proud Steph, lots of love From all your KH teachers.
Good morning everyone- Miss Angela here- Sharing this inspirational story of 99 year old Sir Peter Wright whose ballet Giselle opened last night. Sir Peter has been at The Royal Opera House for two weeks overseeing rehearsals and giving feedback.
Former KH pupil and my youngest daughter Sam as senior Répétiteur of the Royal Ballet has been working closely with Sir Peter on the production. Many of our White and Silver swans will be watching Giselle at The Palace cinema Malton on 3rd of March live from the ROH. So keep your brain alert and keep dancing. ❤️
✨ OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ✨
I am incredibly proud to share that I have successfully passed The Royal Ballet School Affiliate Teacher Training Programme, achieving the highest possible outcome of ‘Exceeding Standards.’
Becoming an Affiliate Teacher of The Royal Ballet School is a prestigious recognition of excellence in ballet education. The Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP) is rooted in the School’s internationally renowned System of Training — a methodology developed through decades of pedagogical research, anatomical understanding and artistic excellence.
I couldn’t have achieved this without the amazing expertise of the team at The Royal Ballet school and the teachers known as the 2026 cohort. Without this kind group of fantastic teachers from around the world, encouraging me when due to my commitments to KH I felt I couldn’t continue, I wouldn’t be announcing this unbelievable news. Thank you ladies for your friendship and kindness throughout the year.
ATAP is not simply about steps and syllabus. It represents a holistic approach to ballet training, placing equal importance on:
• Technical precision and purity of classical line
• Safe practice grounded in dance science and anatomical awareness
• Musicality and expressive artistry
• Individual physical development
• Confidence, resilience and performance mindset
• Progressive, age-appropriate training
This qualification ensures that our pupils at Kirkham Henry benefit from a carefully structured training pathway that nurtures the whole dancer — physically, artistically and mentally.
Through ATAP principles, we are able to:
• Develop strength and coordination safely and sustainably
• Support correct alignment and injury prevention
• Encourage independent thinking and artistic ownership
• Foster discipline alongside creativity
• Build a strong technical foundation that supports long-term progression
To have achieved Exceeding Standards reflects a deep understanding and application of these methods, and it elevates the quality of training we offer.
This affiliation places Kirkham Henry in alignment with one of the most respected ballet institutions in the world and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional ballet and performing arts education.
May I thank all pupils who took part in the videos from the initial video to the final one of me teaching the class. Huge thanks to Miss Kyla and Miss Joanne for aligning with the training as a whole school approach and helping during the video sessions.
Miss Angela x
Photo taken during the last day of the summer intensive on the Bridge of aspirations that links the Royal ballet upper school with The Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
As your colleague and friend I would like to add , what an incredible accomplishment! Congratulations!
Your dedication, expertise, and passion for dance continue to inspire everyone around you. Our school is so fortunate to have such visionary leadership and such a caring approach to training
Miss Kyla
#RoyalBalletSchool #ATAP #AffiliateTeacher #ExceedingStandards #KirkhamHenry #BalletTraining #HolisticDanceEducation #ClassicalExcellence
Here’s a fabulous update from former pupil Ben who called last November to tell Miss Angela his news to keep secret until it’s officially announced.
Ben here-
The show is called “House of the Dragon” a fantasy drama series serving as a prequel to Game of Thrones, streaming on Now TV, Amazon Prime and Apple TV. It is produced by HBO and written by George R.R. Martin.
Season 3 is released in June 2026 and I will be in the first episode. My character is called Tom and he is a soldier for The Staunton army, fighting for the true Queen of Westeros x
Well done Ben from all at KH.
What a fabulous evening with our principals of our Youth Ballet and York Youth Orchestra rehearsing for the collaboration of The Three Cornered Hat. Thank you for getting yourself to York and to Ben and Jill of York Music ed. Such a worthwhile evening listening and dancing to the orchestra and bringing the story alive.
Join us for our welcoming, accessible Dance and Movement classes, held fortnightly at Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Whether you prefer to stay seated or move around the room, you’re free to take part at your own pace.
There's no pressure and no expectations - just a friendly hour of movement, music and connection.
Our volunteers are on hand to offer support whenever you need it.
The next ‘Dance and Movement’ class is on Monday 2 March, 11:45 – 12:45 pm (please arrive by 11:30am) at Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre, Horsemarket Road, Malton, YO17 7NB and costs £6 per class.
To book a place or have a chat, including about transport, please email enquiries@sightsupportryedale.org or call 01653 698 860.
**All activities are subject to volunteer and transport availability.
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