Press Release: ARE YOU A WEE MOUSE OR DO YOU DREAM OF BECOMING A BALLERINA?

[Jan McNulty]

ARE YOU A WEE MOUSE OR DO YOU DREAM OF BECOMING A BALLERINA?

 

Scottish Ballet announces autumn term 2013 and brand new auditions for the SB Youth Collective

 

 

Have you ever wanted to explore Scottish Ballet's headquarters and meet the dancers, discover the magical fairy world of the Company's beautiful story ballets, improve your ballet technique or even choreograph your own dance piece?  This autumn Scotland's national dance company will once again open its doors to an exciting new term of opportunities.

 

 

WEE MICE

"Wee Mice is a fun and magical dance class for those little people who just want to move," explains Catherine Cassidy, Scottish Ballet's Associate Director (Education).  "It is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to explore dance and movement games together in a relaxed atmosphere, as our wonderful percussionist brings our stories to life."

 

Parents or Guardians work together with their child to enter a world of dance stories, games and imaginative play to explore themes from some of Scottish Ballet's most beloved story ballets including The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Alice.  Wee Mice is a great way to encourage boys' and girls' confidence, creativity and imagination as well as developing co-ordination and balance.

 

Each class is designed for one adult working together with one child aged 3-5 years.  

 

Wee Mice: Scottish Ballet's Headquarters, Glasgow Tuesday 1.30 - 2.15pm, 20 August - 10 December £96 for the full term.

 

 

SCOTTISH BALLET YOUTH COLLECTIVE

Being part of the Scottish Ballet Youth Collective (SBYC) offers lots of exciting opportunities, with participants previously being involved in projects including Glasgow's Olympic Torch event, Go Dance - the ultimate dance festival in Scotland and even The STV Appeal Dance Marathon.  And that's not all, members of the company’s Youth Collective also have the chance to meet and work with Scottish Ballet's dancers and choreographers, visit company rehearsals and enjoy special events at Scottish Ballet performances.

 

Rachel has been part of Scottish Ballet's Youth Collective for nearly three years now, and she admits it's flown by. "I really enjoy going to classes and performing with SBYC and have lots of good friends there," she says.  "The classes make dancing really fun.  We performed recently at Theatre Royal in Glasgow and the MacRobert in Stirling - that was amazing!

 

"My favourite thing is getting to watch the professional company rehearse - I've seen them rehearse both The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty now.

 

"SBYC is a great place to learn, meet new people and be involved in exciting events without any stress - just lots of laughs instead."

 

As Catherine Cassidy, Scottish Ballet's Associate Director (Education) explains: "Scottish Ballet's Youth Collectives are an excellent choice for young people wanting to increase their ballet and contemporary technique, and creative dance skills. These dynamic sessions also provide a range of exclusive performance opportunities and the chance to connect with our dancers and to observe the professional company at work."

 

SBYC1 classes are for participants in Primary 6 or 7, with at least one year's dance experience, and SBYC 2 for those attending Secondary1 - Secondary 4.  SBYC1 and 2 offer participants the chance to explore a range of skills including choreography and performance and are run in Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

 

SBYC 1: Scottish Ballet Headquarters, Glasgow Monday 4.30 - 6pm, 19 August - 10 December £90 for the full term; and at Festival Theatre Edinburgh (Monday 4.30 - 6pm, 26 August - 9 December £78 for the full term.

SBYC 2: Scottish Ballet's Headquarters, Glasgow Tuesday 4.30 - 6pm, 20 August - 10 December £96 for the full term; and at Festival Theatre Edinburgh Monday 6.30 - 8pm, 26 August - 9 December, £78 for the full term.

 

This year, for the first time, Scottish Ballet introduces SBYC3 - a new range of classes for 15-18 year olds covering ballet and contemporary dance technique, choreography, improvisation and performing with live music.  Entry is by audition only.  Auditions will be held on 28 August, apply at education@scottishballet.co.uk or call 0141 331 6285 for more information.

 

SBYC3: Scottish Ballet Headquarters, Glasgow Wednesday 4.30 - 6pm, 4 September - 11 December £84 for the full term.  

 

 

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED BALLET DROP IN CLASSES 

And it's not just for the kids.  If you'd like to develop your technique, co-ordination and rhythm, or even improve your barre and centre work with greater emphasis on performance skills and quality of expression then Scottish Ballet's Intermediate and Advanced Ballet drop-in classes are for you.  Gain an insight into the training of a ballet dancer at Scottish Ballet's Intermediate Class, or draw on Scottish Ballet's own award-winning repertoire at the company's Advanced Ballet Class.  

 

Intermediate Ballet, for ages 16 years plus: Scottish Ballet Headquarters, Glasgow Monday 6.30 - 8pm, 19 August - 9 December

Advanced Ballet for ages 18 years plus: Scottish Ballet Headquarters, Glasgow Tuesday 6.30 - 8pm, 20 August - 10 December.

Classes are drop-in but can be pre-booked one week in advance by emailing classes@scottishballet.co.uk or calling 0141 331 6297. Classes cost £8/£6 concession - it is recommended that participants have at least 3 years ballet experience.

 

Further information on Scottish Ballet's full range of classes and Education activity can be found at www.scottishballet.co.uk/joinin or by email enquiry education@scottishballet.co.uk