Scottish Ballet star is new patron at Elite Dance Academy

Bethany Kingsley-Garner, who is currently performing as Cinders with the national company, will take up the position after her final bow.

She is bringing an end to a glittering 17-year career with Scottish Ballet, with 10 of those years in the role as principal.

Julie Kavanagh from Elite is thrilled to bring such a big name on board and says it is a major coup.

She said: “We are ecstatic and honoured that Bethany has decided to join us as patron of Elite Academy of Dance and Alba Ballet.

"At Elite Academy we strive to provide the very best training in classical ballet, and Bethany will naturally add to that with all her experience.

"The school follows the Royal Academy syllabus and Bethany will add to that, bringing new ideas and helping us to drive Elite forward.

"Turning to our performing company Alba Ballet, it has been fantastic that she can really identify with our aims and objectives for the future of the company.

"Her knowledge, passion and performance skills will help us push forward to attract a wider range of students and audiences in the years ahead.

"Her role will complement our fantastic teaching staff and see her assist with our current company members for our next production of Cinderella in November 2024.

"We are very much looking forward to working with Bethany. It will be truly inspirational for everyone concerned with Elite Academy and Alba Ballet.”

Elite Academy of Dance was founded in 2009 and is the only dedicated Royal Academy in Inverclyde. It offers classes to people aged from two years old up to the over 50s.

Over the years students have auditioned and continued further training with Scottish Ballet Associates, The Dance School of Scotland and the Royal Ballet in London.

Julie, who also taught two male dancers who are currently with Scottish Ballet, stresses the classes are about having fun, making new friends and first and foremost enjoying ballet. 

The highlight of each year is the annual summer show which runs for three nights at the Beacon Arts Centre.

Alba Ballet was launched in 2012 as a performance company and performed The Nutcracker in 2014 and 2022, Cinderella in 2016 and Coppelia in 2018.

Students are working on their latest version of Cinderella which will be performed at The Beacon, at Barrfields in Largs and Queens Hall in Dunoon.

Bethany says she is delighted to become the ballet school's patron and is looking forward to sharing her experience with young dancers.

She said: "I am honoured to become patron of Elite Academy of Dance and Alba Ballet.

"For me this is something really special. After doing Scottish Ballet’s 5 Wishes, I kept a really beautiful connection with Elite, Alba and Julie.

"Working especially with Alba Ballet will give a chance for me to be able to pass over experience, performance quality and touring life to give dancers extra support when they go out there on stage.

"I am really looking forward to a fulfilling journey as I contribute to future of ballet with Elite Academy and Alba Ballet.”