Mini-Gallery – ROH Chance to Dance pupils in The Rite of Spring

Tristan Dyer and the Chance to Dance young dancers in <I>The Rite of Spring</I>.<br />© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version) — Tristan Dyer and the Chance to Dance young dancers in *The Rite of Spring*.
© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version)

www.roh.org.uk
ROH page about Chance to Dance

On the 31st May and 2 June 2013, 30 Chance to Dance children aged 9-10 danced in a special Linbury Studio Theatre double bill with the Youth Opera Company. (more about the joint bill)

We are concentrating on the dance side here where Royal Ballet soloists Kristen McNally and Thomas Whitehead adapted a special version of Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet The Rite of Spring, originally created in 1962. The role of ‘The Chosen One’ was performed by Royal Ballet dancers Tristan Dyer and Valentino Zucchetti. Costumes included some historical pieces from past productions – Sidney Nolan was the original designer.

There is a little more about Chance to Dance after the pictures…

Chance to Dance young dancers in <I>The Rite of Spring</I>.<br />© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version) — Chance to Dance young dancers in *The Rite of Spring*.
© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version)

Chance to Dance young dancers in The Rite of Spring.© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version) — Chance to Dance young dancers in *The Rite of Spring*.
© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version)

Tristan Dyer and the Chance to Dance young dancers in The Rite of Spring.© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version) — Tristan Dyer and the Chance to Dance young dancers in *The Rite of Spring*.
© Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the Royal Opera House. (Click image for larger version)

Chance to Dance
Chance to Dance was launched in 1991 by Royal Opera House Education and provides an opportunity for young people to experience ballet and to attend classes for those who might not otherwise have thought of, or had access to ballet. The programme runs in the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark and, since September 2012, in Thurrock. The children are recruited through school workshops and have the chance to see a demonstration by members of The Royal Ballet and to attend creative dance workshops in their school. Children who show a natural aptitude and a combination of physical skills, musicality, creativity and enthusiasm for dance and who are not already attending ballet classes are invited to join the Chance to Dance Company.

For up to four years (from Year 3-6) they receive free weekly dance classes at a local venue (out of school time), attend professional performances and dance alongside members of The Royal Ballet in an annual performance at the Royal Opera House.

Since the project’s inception, over 20,000 children have participated in Chance to Dance activities. Of those, over 1000 children and their families have joined the project and benefited from opportunities to develop their individual abilities and creativity participate in dance related activities and experience the excitement of live performances by professional dancers at the Royal Opera House. Some have continued into full-time dance training and careers as performers.

ROH page about Chance to Dance