ABOUT THE BBA
The Challenge with Adult Ballet Training
Many adult ballet classes lack clear, structured progressions tailored for adult bodies and learning styles. Traditional training often focuses on children or professionals, leaving adults without the right syllabus, support, or performance opportunities—leading to frustration and risk of injury.
How We’re the Solution
At Birmingham Ballet Association, our adult ballet courses use a professionally developed syllabus adapted for adult learners at all levels. We provide safe, progressive training that builds technique, strength, and confidence.
Plus, we create a welcoming community with social events and performance opportunities—helping dancers stay motivated, connected, and inspired to enjoy ballet for life.
Founder & Artistic Director
Alex Montgomery-Fleming (formerly Alex Johnson)
Alex Montgomery-Fleming began his ballet training at age 10 with the Birmingham Royal Ballet Junior Associates under Helen Farrell. He went on to study at the Royal Ballet School (White Lodge) for five years, receiving rigorous training across a wide range of classical and contemporary styles. Inspired by his mentor David Yow at age 14, Alex set his sights on teaching ballet professionally, a path he pursued with unwavering focus from an early age.
He continued his training at Elmhurst Ballet School in close association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, where he performed with the company in productions such as The Nutcracker and on tour at venues including the Royal Albert Hall. While still a student, Alex gained valuable teaching experience and was often trusted to lead or cover ballet classes during his graduate year. His passion for pedagogy became increasingly evident.
While many of his peers focused on securing performance contracts, Alex devoted himself to the study of ballet education. He received recognition for his academic excellence and ballet-specific research, particularly in the areas of training methodology and curriculum development.
At just 18 years old, Alex became the youngest applicant ever accepted onto the Royal Academy of Dance’s prestigious Professional Dancers’ Teaching Diploma, a qualification typically pursued by professional dancers after many years on stage. His early acceptance reflected both his maturity as an educator and the high-level company experience he gained while performing and teaching alongside Birmingham Royal Ballet.
After graduating, Alex worked with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Dance Track outreach programme, contributing to accessible ballet training for aspiring dancers across the Midlands. He also collaborated with the company’s Ballet Training Programme, delivering Sleeping Beauty repertoire workshops to students across the UK.
Today, Alex is a Ballet Lecturer at BIMM University, formerly Performers College Birmingham, where he teaches weekly degree-level ballet classes, oversees practical assessments and supports entry-level auditions. He brings a strong blend of academic insight and industry relevance to his work in higher education.
Since 2019, he has taught across the West Midlands for the British Ballet Organisation, Birmingham Centre for Arts Therapies, Stagecoach Kings Heath, Nicholson School of Dance and numerous private schools. He delivers inclusive ballet workshops tailored for dancers of all ages and abilities.
As founder of the Birmingham Ballet Association, Alex developed a professionally structured syllabus designed specifically for adult learners. Drawing from respected international training methods, his courses provide clear progression, technical depth and a supportive environment for beginners through to advanced dancers.
Alex is known for his deep expertise, thoughtful approach, and passion for empowering adult dancers to train, progress, and belong both inside the studio and beyond. Through his extensive research, training, and teaching experience, he has learned that meaningful progress comes from combining personal enjoyment with commitment, approaching the work with respect and focus while still keeping it fun.
