Committee

The committee is behind the running of the Ballet Club, organising things such as weekly classes, performances, teachers, competitions, social events and merchandise. We meet regularly to make important decisions and plan ahead for upcoming events.

The committee is elected at our AGM at the end of Lent term for the following year. Applicants have to write a few paragraphs and give a short speech on why they would like to join and what they will bring to the club. The committee is then voted for by our members.

If you have any questions please get in touch here.

Find out who is on the Committee and what they do...

President - Jenny Tang

I am a first year student reading Human, Social, and Political Sciences at Churchill College. Always aspiring to become a ballerina, I began taking ballet seriously around twelve years of age. I trained vocationally at Ellison Ballet in New York, Jin Bao Long Ballet Studio in Shanghai and privately with Ms Yiwen Zhang during my teenage years. In 2015, I won the ensembles Gold Award at the Youth American Grand Prix, New York Finals, dancing an excerpt from Edward Ellison’s Carmen. Leaving the profession at age seventeen, I told myself that I will continue to explore this art form, which I love deeply, and contribute to it in ways beyond dancing and performing.

I believe that the Cambridge University Ballet Club, one of the largest supplier of ballet classes and performances in Cambridge within and beyond the University, is an optimal channel through which I can realise this goal, to promote the beautiful art of ballet, and to share the sheer joy of dancing. I am ready and beyond excited to broaden the influence of our club and to lead it to greater heights in this coming year. Ballet has made an enormous positive impact on my life, physically, intellectually and spiritually, and I hope it will do the same to you.

Vice-President - Joanna Lake

I am a first year Architecture student studying at Christ’s College. Ballet has become an increasingly important and enjoyable part of my life and since the age of 4, I have taken RAD exams up to Grade 8 and Advanced Foundation. In 2014 I danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in my ballet school’s performance of The Nutcracker and in 2016, I performed with the English Youth Ballet in their performance of ‘Sleeping Beauty’. I’m so excited to have been able to continue doing ballet whilst at Cambridge; highlights this year have been performing as a cygnet in Swan Lake and competing as as part of the competition ballet team, as well as representing the club in performances at the Law Ball and Cambridge Graduate Orchestra concert. As Vice President, I am hugely excited to draw from my own experiences and work with the committee this year to organise future projects and performances!

Treasurer - Gaspard Bulso

I was encouraged to start ballet at the age of six after dancing with my sister at a family event and loving it. Fifteen years and many grades later, I am a third year Natsci studying at Churchill college who goes to as many classes as I can. As an extracurricular activity outside my course ballet has proven to be a cathartic distraction from the rigours of a Cambridge degree and an excellent way to burn off some excess energy. Playing the Jester in this year’s performance of Swan Lake was very enjoyable and inspired me to take a more active role in the Ballet Club, hence my desire to be on the committee. I am very excited to serve the Ballet Club as its Treasurer over the coming year.

Secretary - Marie Prum

I’m a first year PhD student in International Relations. I started ballet when I was 5 and have danced ever since. I have always loved being involved in organising dance classes and shows. Back in high school I set up dance class in my school, and at University I became a member of the Durham University Ballet Company, teaching classes and co-directing the annual show. I have been involved in the Ballet Club in Cambridge since my first term, taking part in the production of Swan Lake, which has been one of the highlights of my year. I cannot wait to be involved in the Lent term show and help create just as great show as this year’s. Helping organising the show will not only be a great way to be creative, but also to support the ballet community at Cambridge, which has been so welcoming so far. As Secretary, I will help to keep the classes running smoothly, so that everyone can enjoy what the Club has to offer!

Social Secretary - Anya Melkina

I am doing my MPhil in Japanese Studies. Born and brought up in Moscow, I have always loved dancing, but only came to a ballet school aged 7. Having attended the Moscow State Academy of Dance (commonly known as the Bolshoi theatre ballet school) for some time I was seriously considering a professional ballet career, but eventually moved to an amateur class to dedicate more time to my main studies and other hobbies. I took part in various dance festivals in Russia and abroad and performed solos in several ballet shows staged by S.Vlasov and L.Sabitova at the Moscow International Performing Arts Centre. I was very happy to get back to doing ballet at Cambridge after taking a 2-year break and have already taken part in several projects here, such as the 24 Hour Dance and the opera ‘Victory over the Sun’, and danced the part of Lady of the Court in the Ballet Club production of ‘Swan Lake’. I am looking forward to working as Social Secretary of the Club bringing together people who share passion for ballet!

Publicity Officer - Harriet Fearon

I’m a first year Architecture student at Fitzwilliam College. I started dancing at the age of three when I took up ballet and have continued ever since, branching into a range of other styles, including tap,modern, contemporary and hip hop. I have since danced in a range of ballets, including Paquita, Graduation Ball and most recently, the CUBC rendition of Swan Lake and I hope to participate in many more as a member of the Ballet Club. Continuing with ballet at university was essential for me, and on my arrival, I was delighted to be welcomed into such a diverse and friendly society where I was able to continue dancing and meet new people with similar interests. Other than ballet I enjoy art and photography as well as sports such as running snd squash. I lookforward to using my role as Publicity Officer to promote and get people involved with the Ballet Club and its performances this year.

Costumes Officer - Angela Herbert

I finished my teacher training and graduated from the University last year, and am now teaching Year 5 in the south of the city. Having already tried and given up ballet twice before getting to university, I gave it a third shot three years ago. Since then, I have enjoyed performing in various shows and taking the RAD intermediate exam.
I’m looking forward working with the committee and kitting out next year’s performers with lovely costumes! Do let me know if you have ideas or if there’s anything you’re able to help with.

Technical Officer - Sam Whittome

I trained at the Harlow ballet school from the age of 10, and later choreographed for and danced with the Durham University Ballet Company. Now a graduate working in Cambridge, I am delighted to continue his involvement in ballet by being on the committee.