The Manx Ballet Company once again appointed Mari-Louise Britz from the Academy of Dance to undertake the gargantuan task of organising an all Island Youth Ballet.

Dancers were selected during auditions which were open to all students on the Isle of Man and although bound to a certain extent by the story, everybody was given a chance.

Once again a narrative ballet was decided upon for this production and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was chosen. A story about growing up, showing the world through the eyes of a girl as she begins to mature. We see how Alice struggles with the changes associated with this process as she tries to find her own identity.

Selected for her technical ability as well as the lyrical ingenuous quality of her dancing, Molly Bowman was cast as Alice, while similar attributes led to the selection of Esther Leece as the White Rabbit, and Eve McGreggor as the Mad Hatter.  Supporting them was Summer Katz as the Duchess and the dynamic and suitably haughty Amy Quayle as the Queen of Hearts.  In full support of the leading roles the remaining cast made up of many children taking on the various parts and intricate costume changes with skill and composure, whilst their dancing was a delight to the audience.

Choreographed from scratch by Mari-Louise who’s staging skills did not disappoint, we were charmed by spectacular costumes and sets with backdrops reminiscent of delicate story book illustrations.  The Fairy tale feel dream like essence of the production drew strengths from individual performers and the Kaleidoscopic skilful incorporation of ensembles was a true visual delight.

Together with the sparking melodious music of Tchaikovsky the production bore Testament to what can be achieved when schools pool talent.

Performances took place at the Gaiety Theatre on 4th & 5th November 2016.