Pupils at five Blackpool primary schools get a free, first taste of ballet this week, with workshops inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland delivered by the Royal Ballet
Around 250 pupils from five primary schools across the town are taking part in free creative ballet workshops led by professional dance artists from the Royal Ballet this week.
The workshops are part of 100 Classes for 100 Years, a national project marking the Royal Ballet School’s centenary. Blackpool is one of six regions taking part, alongside East Anglia, Devon, Manchester, Newcastle and Westminster. Around 2,500 Year 3 and 4 pupils at 58 schools will take part in total, with each school hosting one or two classes.
Blackpool was chosen because the Royal Ballet School already works in the area through its national Associate Programme and Primary Steps Legacy Programme. Westminster Primary Academy, Thames Primary Academy, Park Community Academy, Boundary Primary School and Devonshire Primary Academy are all getting the Royal Ballet treatment.
One-hour sessions draw on the Royal Ballet’s production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. They use simple ballet-inspired movements and imaginative storytelling to get children moving, whatever their experience. The aim is to show them that ballet is for everyone, and to build creativity and confidence along the way.
Victoria Collinson, head of associates and Primary Steps Legacy at The Royal Ballet School, said the school wants to create opportunities “for children and young people across the UK to engage with dance, regardless of background or circumstance”.
“As part of this year’s centenary celebrations, we are thrilled to partner with Royal Ballet and Opera Schools Dance to offer students and teachers the chance to experience a ballet class in-person,” she said. “These sessions will not only encourage creativity but also help pupils build confidence, develop musicality, and gain a deeper understanding of this inspiring art form.”
Tina Ramdeen, director of learning and participation at Royal Ballet and Opera, said: “For many children, these workshops will be their first experience of ballet, opening the door to creativity, confidence and self-expression.”
The project also aims to get ballet and dance into everyday school life. After the workshops, teachers will be pointed towards free continuing professional development (CPD) from Royal Ballet and Opera. The Royal Ballet and Opera Schools Dance programme also offers classroom resources and live dance lessons, with no prior dance experience needed.
The Royal Ballet School was founded by Dame Ninette de Valois in 1926. Its alumni include Margot Fonteyn, Kenneth MacMillan and Darcey Bussell. Its Associate Programme offers ballet training to students aged 8 to 18 at centres across the UK.
Teachers who want to bring ballet into their classrooms can find out about free CPD through Royal Ballet and Opera Schools here.
