Excellent Nigerian Ballet Dancer Receives A Scholarship From The Queen Consort

Her Majesty the Queen Consort paid a visit to Elmhurst Ballet School on March 14, 2023, to commemorate the school’s centennial with current students, staff, and alumni. After that, she thanked volunteers and staff at the Southwater One Library for their significant contributions to the community.

The Queen Consort, who as The Duchess of Cornwall became Benefactor of the school in 2006, went to a unique century performance at Elmhurst Expressive dance School.

In honor of the school’s centennial, Her Majesty saw a brief performance in the studio theater. She also learned about the school’s recent efforts to improve ballet education.

Anthony Mmesoma Madu, a ballet dancer from Nigeria, was one of the students Her Majesty met with. After a video of Anthony dancing barefoot in the rain went viral online, the Queen was impressed, and so she awarded him with a scholarship to Elmhurst Ballet School in 2020.

The Queen Consort also unveiled a plaque with a timeline of important Elmhurst Ballet School events that is part of the school’s Centenary Commemorative Wall.

Tems: The First Nigerian To Be Nominated For Oscar Award

In addition to receiving a card that was created by students at Elmhurst Ballet School to commemorate the 100th anniversary, Her Majesty was also presented with a photograph of all 200 Elmhurst students, from Year 7 students to graduate students in the “Class of 2023” Elmhurst Ballet Company.

During her visit, Her Majesty stated:

“Thank you for everything you do for ballet – these schools are so important. Every time I come here, I never cease to be impressed by the students; it’s the discipline, it’s the manners and the pleasure that you all give everything. I wish you all the very best for the future”.

Her Majesty then went to Southwater One Library as well.

Her Majesty was greeted by local schoolchildren before meeting a volunteer reading support group for adults, representatives from Telford Interfaith Council, representatives of Telford Crisis Support who provide a food bank and support services for individuals and families in crisis and Telford After Care Team (TACT) who support adults in recovery from addiction.

Her Majesty then met charities STAY and Maninplace which provide housing & support services for the homeless and vulnerable people.

The ambassadors of PODS (Parents Opening Doors), a group devoted to involving and supporting families with a child or young person with a disability or additional needs, and representatives of Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST), which provides holistic, individualized support to young people who are not in education, employment, or training, also met Her Majesty.

The Sovereign Partner unveiled a plaque during the visit toward the Southwater One library prior to uncovering a dedicatory stone for Telford Veterans Trail that will be set into the path in the recreation area.