Michelle Ballentyne
Michelle won a scholarship to study at Laine Theatre Arts for three years where she gained her Associate in Cecchetti Ballet with Distinction. During her time there, she also won a scholarship to The Royal Ballet Summer School.
After her studies, she immediately gained a place as a Principal Dancer with Union Dance Company, touring both nationally and internationally. Michelle went on to perform in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats (where she played the roles of Demeter, Bombalurina, Cassandra and Tantomile), and also Starlight Express, where she played the role of Buffy.
Michelle was also a Principal Dancer with The Carol Straker Dance Company, and has worked extensively in both theatre and television productions. In 2008, Michelle graduated from Middlesex University with a BA Hons in Dance Studies. Upon graduating she continued to demonstrate Martha Graham Technique at Middlesex University, and went on to work very closely with Robert Cohan and Anne Donnelly on the first drafts of the 'Rescen' projects, documenting Martha Graham Technique for future resources.
Michelle has dedicated many years to teaching ballet and contemporary dance, and currently teaches at The Urdang Academy, Bird College, The Tring Park Associates Programme, Ballet Black, and also teaches Adult Ballet for The Classes and Courses Programme at The Place. Michelle is also working on the English National Ballet's Ballet Futures project alongside Kerry Nichols (ENB's Associate Director, Artistic Development).