Theatre, dance and ballet fans will have the opportunity to delve deeper into English National Ballet’s productions when the dancers step into the spotlight at Milton Keynes Theatre this month.
Whether you are an aspiring artist, a budding ballet dancer or just a besotted balletomane there is an event for you on offer as part of the Company’s outreach programme, designed to give theatregoers the chance to get closer to English National Ballet’s work.
On Thursday October 22, from 10am until 1pm, an exclusive live drawing workshop will focus on capturing the dancer’s body in motion as Company members take their daily class.
Specialist visual artist Heidi Wigmore will begin by leading an open discussion on the nature of live drawing and the different skills required to recreate the moving body on paper. The drawing session will then see participants sketch the dancers as they take an onstage class. Participants’ work will receive professional feedback and refreshments will be provided.
The drawing event is suitable for people aged 16 years old and above and open to all abilities – there is no need to be the next Picasso! The cost is £20 and participants must provide their own dry drawing materials.
Young dancers can get moving themselves as part of English National Ballet’s Centre Stage Series. On Saturday October 24 the Company will hold a Youth Ballet Morning for 10 to 13 year olds.
From 9.30am until 12 midday, youngsters will be immersed in ballet. Starting with a ballet class focusing on the essential technical elements of alignment, strength and flexibility, they will then learn extracts from Rudolf Nureyev’s acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet.
Participants will then watch the professional dancers in their daily ballet class on stage.
Places on the Youth Ballet Morning are £15 per person.
For balletomanes who are simply keen to get closer to the dancers, the opportunity to watch Company class is available on Saturday October 24 for £15.
From 11.30 until 12.45 all members of the public are invited to discover the hard work that goes into every daily ballet class.
Other exclusive events are also available for fans who are part of English National Ballet’s ‘Friends’ supporters scheme.
Visit http://www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/?location=Milton%2BKeynes for more information on all of the events at Milton Keynes Theatre.
English National Ballet will perform triple bill ‘Lest We Forget’ (a poignant reflection on World War One, pictured) at Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday October 20 at 7.30pm.
English National Ballet’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Thursday October 22 and performances continue until Saturday October 24.
