'Exhibition' was a dance show inspired by famous art works and artists. All students danced in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet and Commercial pieces. They also collaborated on a group 'community art' piece.

The range of dance styles, music and costumes made for an excellent performance that brought the paintings to life - such as Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' and JMW Turners 'A Stormy Sea' and Edvard Munch 'The Scream' to name a few.

This performance demonstrated excellence from the dance department staff - from slick choreography and creative ideas, to the outstanding sheer talent within the cohort of students, especially their ability to adapt from style to style throughout the performance and to execute the movement with such energy and precision. The students really are an absolute credit to the department and school.

This performance was also an excellent opportunity for the dance course to collaborate with BOA Stage and Screen's Broadcast students who were invited to film the performance on a 4-camera set up and create and live edit of the show. We will share this performance with dance students in September. 

We are so excited for next year where we can share our Year 13 Show with you. 

Some of the notable performances told the story of influential women such as Rosa Parkes and Greta Gerwig and historical figures such as Florence Nightingale and Cleopatra. There were also more modern influences such as Madonna and the Lionesses.

The show was a real collaboration between staff and students with the support of BOA Stage and Screen's technical theatre students. 

The student talent on stage was truly inspirational. As dancers, they all brought a real sense of performance and flare. Their passion and drive as a year group really stands them in good stead for Year 11 and we look forward to what they will bring in next year's performances. 

Y12 Games Design & New Media presented 'Game Lab' - a curated selection of concept art, model designs and some excellent video game demos that brought all their game art skills together. Students made over £100 on merchandise sales! 

The showcase presented an eclectic array of musical numbers from shows such as Sister Act, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Producers, Guys and Dolls, Heathers and many more. Each number skilfully lent itself to the theme of "Saints and Sinners", with all students showcasing the excellent performance skills they have been developing thus far during their time at BOA. ​

On Thursday 11th July 50 Birmingham school children and their teachers visited Birmingham Ormiston Academy as part of #WEWILL Week and Year 12's BTEC module 4 in Community Arts. That's 97 Youth Social Ambassadors, 50 Primary School Children and 12 Teaching Staff all engaged in Youth Social Action. 

The children enjoyed learning through dance and drama all about the Egyptians, Planets and the Solar System and also watched and engaged with excerpts from musicals such as Six and Cinderella. The teachers from Springfield Primary Academy commented how completely focused and immersed the young children were and it was so lovely to see the interactions between youth and child.  Well done BOA on your continued and valued Youth Social Action. #WEWILLORMISTON @imagine_boa

Despite facing some of Britain's most relentless spring weather conditions – rain, wind, sleet, and even a touch of snow – the students rose to the challenge with solid determination. Their two (very cold) nights of wild camping became a test of endurance, resilience and spirit. However, teamwork emerged as the basis of their success - as, unified by a common goal, the students supported one another every step of the way; sharing lots of snacks, stories, and a few songs to keep morale high.

Having completed their Bronze Qualifying and Silver Practice expeditions, our students now turn their attention to the next phase of their DofE journey. For our Bronze award participants, this includes completion of their Skills, Physical, and Volunteering sections. Meanwhile, our Silver award group eagerly anticipates their next challenge – the qualifying expedition in the heart of North Wales this July (where we cross our fingers for drier weather!).

70 year 13 students across all pathways visited New York City and what a trip it was. We focused on visiting the main attractions and seeing what Broadway has to offer. This includes seeing The Book of Mormon and Six the Musical. The students even got to take part in a Broadway workshop where they got to meet some of the original cast of Hamilton, who complimented them on their professionalism and inspiring energy.

More highlights were visiting Time Square, Central Park, 5th Avenue, 911 Memorial and experiencing a Knicks' basketball game at the world-famous Madison Square Garden.

The academy is delighted to have been able to offer this trip to our students. We want to thank them for representing BOA in such a brilliant way.

A massive well done to the students involved who were extremely independent and professional leading up to and at the event. 

From there, the Dance staff and students began the choreography and piecing together of the show here at the BOA Theatre. 

From the moment we enter the Academy, we are greeted by the ambience of the foyer, festoon lighting, table decor, French jazz music and art work by some of our art and design pathway students. On entry to the theatre, we are transported to the Moulin Rouge itself, with red drapes, festoon lighting and even a light up windmill. 

The production was filled with ambitious show numbers and emotionally driven dance pieces with some truly inspiring dance solos and duets. 

Once again, a real credit to students, dance staff and the creative and production team 

'In March, Year 13 put on their impressive interpretation of the world-renowned Chicago the Musical. They had 4 weeks to piece together the all-singing, all-dancing showbiz extravaganza and we could not be prouder of them. It was an amazing way to showcase the talent in the year group after many students have been here for 2 or 4 years of training. Well done Year 13!

The weekend was packed with workshops and classes for students to participate in as well as their performance slots on the Main Stage.

The Royal Family Dance crew from New Zealand were the headline act and offered workshops during the day as well as a 30 minute performance at the end of all 3 evenings.

Prior to rehearsals starting, the cast and the staff team took a journey to London’s West End to see the show, experience a Q and A with 2 cast members and went up onto stage after the performance. It was also fabulous to see 2 ex-BOA students on stage in the performance.

Students were also lucky enough to have Ivan De Freitas, who plays Santiago, visit and be on the panel for their show auditions.

The show will be performed at the BOA Theatre on 18th 19th 20th and 21st March.

Director of Dance Mr Edwards was deep in thought and in awe as he stepped onto the stage – hoping to replicate some of what he saw into our very own performance!

Year 10, 11 and 12 Dance students took a piece and performed at Regional Dance platform as part of the Black Country Dance Hub at Walsall Arena.

The contemporary piece was executed with a real sense of emotional connection and was well received among parents and guests at the event.

Their piece was received well and their presence at the event offered the dancers a fabulous experience, taking part in classes and workshop by some of the Country’s top choreographers.

Best YSA Secondary Community Impact Project with "To do is to Dare"

Best YSA Secondary Project - Inclusion & Diversity Project. BOA Super Saturday School

Exceptional Student Personal Development – Mia Paige Leek Year 13

Creative Writing - Maryam Jamal Year 11

 We have already made plans to continue the outreach work, which is student -led and has received wonderful feedback from partners. 

The summer 2023 showcase looked fantastic in the atrium and was positively received by many visitors who navigate it inspired and appreciative of the high standards of the work. A shop offered items made by students with all the funds going towards local charities. 

We hoped you enjoy it, and we cannot wait to see in you in the next showcase. 

Above is Chloe Barney and Isla Memie in their own choreographed piece.

Rhys choreographed the opening number for our recent sell out dance show ‘En Vogue’.

Pictured here are the Year 10 in their opening number costumes.

Photo credit Steve Gregson

The show told the story through an eclectic mix of dance styles and genres, with interjected voice overs and acting-based scenes. 

As a production, this epic project transformed the BOA Theatre into a 1920s speakeasy with cabaret tables, chequered floor, palm trees and even chandeliers; this made for a truly immersive experience as an audience member where the onstage action was up close, intense and thoroughly engaging. 

This dance show offered staff and students a completely new take on choreography and performance, demanding some refreshing approaches to live performance.

The sell out performance allowed the dancers to portray a number of characters and some key roles from the film, alongside the technical demands of the dances. 

Many of the cast have been accepted at some of the country’s top training schools and continue their studies from September.

I wish them all a heartfelt congratulations on a fabulous performance and best of luck for the future.   

The show was filled with a range of dance styles and brought the Romeo and Juliet story into the modern day. With exciting choreography from BOA staff and also from the student body, the whole show told this famous story through dance and character. 

Ivan De Freitas, a cast member from the smash West End Hit Musical &Juliet was invited in to choreograph the opening number and offered the students a real insight into working and learning at an extremely fast pace and under pressure. This experience created an excellent start to the performance. 

With a Graffiti walled backdrop, the ambience of the theatre really allowed the students and audience to engage with the characters and conflict between the Montagues and Capulets.  

Many of our Year 11 students will continue into Year 12 Dance Pathway whilst others will continue their studies at other dance providers across the region.

We wish them all the very best in their dance courses and other qualifications between now and the end of this academic year.

Remote is a play that reflects our world and society as it is now. It tackles challenging issues and highlights the importance of looking after our precious planet for generations to come.  The cast worked tirelessly to create rich and creative performances, and the ensemble did an amazing job of taking the audience on a journey through the play. It was a challenging and extremely rewarding process and I am very proud of the progress the cast made, not just as budding actors but also as young people. 

It is a play about protest, love, protecting yourself and most importantly, climbing trees...