WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF BALLET SCHOOLS
WELCOME TO THE WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF BALLET SCHOOLS
Bringing YoungTalent to the Big Stage
“to educate children in the art of dance and to give them the opportunity and experience of performing in public”.
About Us
BRINGING PERFORMANCE TO LIFE
WABS
The Church of England's Children's Society Annual Matinee
took place at the Pavilion Theatre for some 30 years and was the inspiration for WABS. Christopher Shiner, a local musician, arranged the music and conducted the orchestra for the last 'matinee' in December 1972.
In 1973, Janice Perry, principal of the Selsdon School of Dancing, together with 5 other teachers and Christopher Shiner, formed the Bournemouth Association of Ballet Schools. In 1975, the name was changed to the Western Association of Ballet Schools (WABS) with Christopher Shiner as Chairman and large scale productions were produced, first at the Winter Gardens and then from 1980 at the Pavilion Theatre.
In 1979, WABS became a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee with its objectives being "to educate children in the art of dance and to give them the opportunity and experience of preforming in public."
WABS is administered by a committee of trustees and these, along with the dancing school principals, undertake their activities on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration for their services.
Meet the Principals
JAN MIZEN DANCERS
JANETTA MIZEN
Meet The Officers
The team of volunteers and dancing school principals at WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF BALLET SCHOOLS work hard in the background to produce compelling performances and experiences for all the pupils involved with WABS. We wouldn’t be where we are today if not for their amazing talent and hard work. These are the faces behind the dance.
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PAULINE HOPKINS
CHAIR
ALISON LATTER
TREASURER & SECRETARY
JANE FARRELL
MINUTE SECRETARY
Grant Scheme
The grant scheme, which was introduced in 2002, is continuing to give many WABS students the opportunity to take part in professionally run Easter and Summer courses, as well as attending professional schools teaching ballet, contemporary and modern jazz. Fees are subsidised by a percentage of the total cost, which is dependent on the number of students applying and the amount of funds available. This scheme gives the WABS students the opportunity to further their dance training and to gain an insight into the dancing profession.
Any WABS students who are interested can obtain the necessary application form from their dance teacher.
"The WABS grant allowed me to take part in this exciting and beneficial experience and I couldn't be more grateful for the help it gave me."
MARTHA TRIBE
CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET SUMMER SCHOOL
"I went to Urdang Academy with some others from my dance school and had an incredible time there, so thank you WABS as you gave me these opportunities which I will always treasure."
KIMI EXLEY
"I got a grant to help me go to Bournemouth Pavilion summer school. I hope to do it again next year as I got so much out of it, so thank you very much."
LILIANA DART
Dates for your diary
SUPPORT THE CHILDREN AND ENJOY ONE OF OUR SHOWS
If you’re interested in seeing one of our productions, take a look at our calendar for a listing of current and upcoming events. We hope you’ll join us soon!
THE ART OF DANCE
(THE PAVILION SHOW)
SUNDAY, 24th NOVEMBER, 2024
Over 250 talented young dancers from 7 affiliated dance schools in the local area, will be showcasing an exciting mix of dance genres, including ballet and contemporary, in a dazzling display of dance and costume.
Please do come along, enjoy the show and give your support.
MUSIC AND DANCE
(THE LAYARD SHOW)
JULY 2025
A fantastic opportunity and exciting day in our calendar.
Consisting of two performances, the proceeds of these go directly to help us to fund our Pavilion shows, student grants and workshops.
Please do come along, enjoy the show and give your support.