Millfield School appoints a new Contemporary Dance teacher

Millfield has appointed a professional dancer to teach Contemporary Dance. 

Eleanor Duval, who trained at the Hamburg Opera in Germany and The Rambert School in London, has performed at prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and Glyndebourne Opera, in numerous productions. Throughout her career, Eleanor has taken on many notable roles such as, Mina Harker in the Mark Bruce Company productions of Dracula and Lady Macbeth. Her portrayal of Lady Macbeth earned her a nomination for the National Dance Award’s Outstanding Female Modern Performer 2018.  

Eleanor first visited Millfield while working with the Mark Bruce Dance Company, where she served as the Assistant Artistic Director and led the Education Programme. She said, “Last year, I came to the school with the Mark Bruce Company to work with the students for their production of Frankenstein. I love how dedicated to the arts the school is. This is a rare thing.” 

Eleanor, who joined Millfield in January, will focus on teaching Contemporary Dance, but will also be choreographing pieces for upcoming shows, and helping students with their own choreographic skills. Eleanor will also be introducing Barre Fit to the dance students, which combines elements of ballet, pilates, and yoga. She emphasised the importance of physical wellbeing, stating, “I feel strongly that it’s not just about dancing, it is about looking after your body and strengthening it, just as you would in all sports.” 

Reflecting on her new role at Millfield, Eleanor said, “Dance is taken seriously here, just as the sport is. I was excited when I saw the opportunity to work and teach here.” 

Over 100 Millfield students participate in dance as part of their Games programme, with more than 30 classes offered throughout the week. Students can choose from a variety of styles, including Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Street Dancing, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. 

Millfield has six dance tutors who offer a wide range of expertise and work to prepare students for exam work, taking junior and senior dance classes, and acting as choreographers for dance shows and school musicals.  

To learn more about Dance at Millfield, listen to our podcast with Millfield Director of Dance Rhian Fox by clicking here.