The Manx Ballet Company returns this winter with a spectacular and enchanting production of Alice in Wonderland, following its successful first ever youth production of Snow White three years ago.
The Manx Ballet Company's chairman John Bethell asked Mari-Louise Britz, a founder of The Academy of Dance, to choreograph and lead the classical ballet production after her choreography of Snow White was hailed a 'triumph' by the press.
Children from all over the island aged 8 to 18 auditioned for Alice in Wonderland in February and 60 successful dancers were selected on the basis of good technique and artistry rather than physique. They have been rehearsing every week since April and their hard work culminates in a performance on Friday 4th November and matinee and evening performances on 5th November.
Mari-Louise chose Alice in Wonderland because she felt it would appeal to both young and old audiences as well as resonate with the dancers themselves. "It's a fun and bizarre tale", explains Mari-Louise. "But the main thread of the storyline is about Alice growing up and trying to understand how to behave in a complex world, which is a situation both children and adults can identify with."
With this Manx Ballet Company production Mari-Louise was keen to give the children responsibility for their work. “I want them to begin to take ownership of their work, which is why I chose this ballet. It is their ballet. I do the choreography and I guide them, but I'm not spoon-feeding and some bits they have choreographed for themselves. For example, there are three Cheshire cat teams, and each team will have a slightly different performance."
Dancers have learned their parts and also become familiar with the dances of those who accompany them, enabling them to work effectively together to interpret and perform the story. While the children have worked on their emotional interpretation and mime, along with their ballet technique, the senior corps de ballet has had to master very challenging pointe work. Alice in Wonderland is set to music by Tchaikovsky.
Commenting on this second youth production, John Bethell said: “Local talent is in abundance on this island and over the years the Manx public’s appetite for classical dance has been shown through their strong support for the Manx Ballet Company.” The Company was officially formed in 1999 to present classical ballet appealing to a broad audience.
This elegant and visually rich ballet production promises to entertain every member of the family, from toddlers to great grandparents. Tickets are now on sale from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre 686801 and the Villa Gaiety website villagaiety.com with prices ranging from ?20 (full price), ?16 for concessions and ?10 for under 18s.
If you require any further information, please contact Anna Templer on 484077 anna@templer.co.uk. Photos are available on request.
Image by Beryl Quayle
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