London Children's Ballet, Ballet Shoes, Peacock Theatre

London Children’s Ballet is a unique organisation in Britain: a company that gives 9-16-year-old aspiring ballet dancers a precious opportunity to get on stage and show off their talent. As the company patron, Dame Darcey Bussell, puts it: ‘To dance on a stage is a dream for so many dance students. Unfortunately few get this opportunity, which is one reason why London Children’s Ballet is so important.’

2019 is a landmark year for London Children’s Ballet, as it marks its 25th anniversary; and to celebrate, the company are reviving one of its greatest hits, Ballet Shoes, based on the children’s novel by Noel Streatfeild.

Set in the 1930s, Ballet Shoes tells the story of the three Fossil sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy. Pauline and Posy dream of a life on stage; while Petrova is a budding mechanic, dreaming of tinkering with motor cars and flying an aeroplane.

Each follows her dream, learning useful lessons along the way; rather like the dancers of London Children’s Ballet, who grab their chance with gusto and remarkable professionalism.

For this year’s outing, Ballet Shoes is being re-choreographed by a company alumna, Ruth Brill, now a First Artist of Birmingham Royal Ballet. 18 years ago she starred as Pauline in the original production of the ballet, which was choreographed by Cathy Marston; and she credits that experience with giving her the impetus to become the artist she is today.

Read our interview with Ruth Brill here

Ballet Shoes is danced to an especially commissioned score by Raymond Warren, which will be played live; and every aspect of the production is thoroughly professional from sets and costumes (Charlie Camm, Kate Ford) through lighting design (Mark Jonathan).

Every year some 700 children audition to join London Children’s Ballet for a year. The 60 that go on to join are chosen on the basis of talent only, regardless of height, shape or income. They are given free training, and the whole experience culminates in a live performance on a real theatre stage.

London Children’s Ballet’s Ballet Shoes is an ideal family show, appropriate for children aged 3+ and, of course, their adults.

Note: the premiere of this production is a gala performance on Thu, 4 July. Full details and booking here