Narrator at Royal Ballet
Appearances
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance
The normally serene and sophisticated Royal Ballet and Opera in the heart of London's Covent Garden was filled with the laughter and chatter of thousands of excited children from all over England. They'd come to see the first performance of the ballet version of Cinderella, the fairy tale about a downtrodden young woman who is suddenly blessed by fortune and ends up marrying a prince.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance
And the young audience also got a glimpse behind the scenes, finding out how the enormous intricate sets are moved and changed during the intervals. For many children, opportunities like this are not common. But thanks to money from donors, the theatre has hosted seven such schools events this year, including ballet and opera performances of Alice in Wonderland and Hansel and Gretel.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance
These children from a school in Rotherham in the north of England spoke about what the experience meant to them.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance
Gillian Barker, Director of Learning and Participation, explained why it's important this tradition continues.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance
The reaction of the children spoke for itself. Kevin O'Hare is the director of the Royal Ballet.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance
Kevin O'Hare says opportunities like this can truly shape a child's life. What can seem like just a memory can actually be the moment someone decides what they want to spend their life doing.
Global News Podcast
The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance
So what did the children think of their first Royal Ballet experience?