Michelle Hogan Chalice

Michelle Hogan was the beautiful daughter of Anita Landa and Michael Hogan, both soloists with the Royal Ballet (Miss Landa was also Ballet Mistress of the Birmingham Royal Ballet).

Michelle began classes with Francesca as a little girl, went on to graduate as a Cecchetti Scholar, and finally became a professional dancer.

She danced with the Athens Ballet Company, the Israeli Company and the Irish National Ballet in Dublin. It was on returning from a successful season in Dublin in 1989, that she met with a fatal train accident. Michelle is sadly missed by everyone who knew her. She was only 24 years old and destined to become a great dancer.

Her parents graciously donated the silver Chalice to our school, to perpetuate her name, and it is awarded to our most vivacious, exciting and talented dancer. Michelle was dearly loved by us all, and is very deeply missed. She was a wonderful girl, with an exceptionally bubbly personality. She was also a beautiful dancer, with a special quality and feeling for the music and her art. We will all miss her and will remember her always, and are proud to present the "Michelle Hogan Chalice" in her name - With love to you Michelle - We miss you!

In 1993, we were very honored when Anita Landa flew to the United States from London especially and presented the Michelle Hogan Chalice to Danielle Beckmann in person.
William Hambaro, age 11, was awarded the Chalice in November 2001, at the Steinbeck Forum, Monterey Conference Center. The presentation was made by Miss Francesca, on the last night of our performance of Dr. Dolittle and the Animals.

"Dedicated to producing dancers of the finest technique & quality."