National Youth Ballet Gala Night

For children with the dancing gene National Youth Ballet’s 2011 performances are not to be missed. This summer the highly acclaimed National Youth Ballet of Great Britain will perform a diverse and colourful programme which will inspire and delight families and ballet fans.

The highlight of the season is the premiere of Ballet Chocolat, a thematic work with an essence of Joanne Harris’s highly successful book and the MIramax film Chocolat. The ballet is set to the film’s delightful original score by British composer and Academy Award winner Rachel Portman and offers young award winning choreographer, Andrew McNicol (18), a unique opportunity to stage this 35 minute piece. Andrew is mentored by David Bintley Patron of NYB and Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet.

The innovative season also features the premiere of Feeling Groovy, cleverly choreographed by Antony Dowson who marries classical ballet with universally loved songs by Simon and Garfunkel. Alumni, Jo Meredith, returns to NYB to re-stage her acclaimed Cowardly Affair with music by Noel Coward. Other audience favourites include Captain Beaky, with music composed by Jim Parker and amusing lyrics by Jeremy Lloyd. Janet Kinson stages excerpts from her attractive Degas ballet; Les Petit Rats and Anna Meadmore’s traditional ballet Lavender Blue gives the youngest dancers a chance to dance.