I’m wearing Fever London dress and cropped cardigan, Modi in Pelle wedge boots and Mulberry Bayswater. Oliver wears Ralph Lauren Kids polo and Next jeans.
Before our fabulous London trip, we were offered press tickets to view the Northern Ballet‘s latest production for kids, the enchanting Elves and the Shoemaker- a sold out week long performance in the October half term, the last day being today.
Fear not though, despite having its world premier in Leeds, it will be touring 16 venues across the UK in spring 2015, including Northern Ballet’s national tour, so don’t miss it!
A ballet lover, this was the children’s first time- they’d sat through theatre performances from a young age and had always been captivated, so I was hopeful they’d enjoy it…and I wasn’t wrong.
Transfixed from the opening scene, Oliver was so impressed, he kept asking me if the dancers were real.
I suppose the boundaries between television, film and live performance can feel blurred at 4 1/2 and these dancers really were magical!
An incredible way to introduce children to ballet, the Elves and the Shoemaker follows other short Northern Ballet productions for small people including Ugly Duckling and Three Little Pigs which were seen by more than 53,000 people and on TV by more than 300,000 in Cbeebies adaptations, for which Ugly Duckling even won a children’s BAFTA.
Retelling the famous Brothers Grimm short of a poor Shoemaker who received help from two caring elves, this is a vibrant, awe-inspiring production (is it too late for me to train as a ballerina?) that moved me to tears by the close and had a huge, uplifting impact on my young children who danced their way out of the theatre!
It was such a joy, a visual and aural experience that TV and film just can’t satisfy in the same way. That proximity to the performance, that real surround sound of a live Orchestra is quite extraordinary and we will be returning again, as soon as we can.
The next production at the Northern Ballet suitable for children is Peter Pan, a Christmas extravaganza at The Grand from Thursday 11 November to 20 December 2014.
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That looks amazing. Would never have thought the elves and the shoemaker would be a ballet
Alison recently posted…The Best of Autumn
Looks lovely x
Ooh it looks fabulous. Gonna have a look at the Peter Pan show. We took my niece to see the Nutcracker two years ago. She was only 6 and sat enthralled the whole way through it. She absolutely loves the ballet now and I’m hoping a kids adaptation will keep her and Luca entertained. Xx
Franki | Little Luca & Me recently posted…Scarecrow Trail
My older two would love it! Beanie was given The Elves and the Shoemaker when she left her nursery, and they adore the story. My little lady has just started ballet. Her brother and her would really enjoy this performance. X
Mel recently posted…Salmon with Lime and Ginger Butter on a bed of Roasted Cabbage served with Steamed Vegetables
That’s so lovely Mel, a beautiful story and the performance was captivating, thanks for your lovely comment x
What a lovely experience! I can’t wait to take Roo to the ballet but thought I might have a bit of a wait on my hands (she is just 3). I didn’t know there were special kids productions- what a great idea! So important for children to see the arts as accessible and enjoyable from a young age if we want them to continue.
Kate, Baby Routes recently posted…A House for Hoggy!
Couldn’t agree more, so wonderful and vital children are exposed to the arts, my two adored the ballet x
Honest mum recently posted…Elves and the Shoemaker at the Northern Ballet
LOVE those pics! This sounds like SO much fun …I would love to take my girls there!
Steph @MisplacedBrit recently posted…Kommentarer till 5 Instant Pick Me Up Tools for Parents av Steph
Thanks Steph, the photos are courtesy of Northern Ballet bar me and truly illustrate the splendor of the production. Perfect for children everywhere x
Honest mum recently posted…Elves and the Shoemaker at the Northern Ballet