Students from a primary school in Irlam o’th’ Height are preparing to take the stage at the Lowry Theatre after being selected to star in an adaptation of Snow White.
Ten children from Years 2 and 3 at Summerville Primary School will appear alongside professional performers in BalletLorent’s dance-theatre production of the classic fairy tale.
The youngsters will feature in two daytime shows on Valentine’s Day (Saturday 14 February), giving them a first taste of the professional performing arts world.
Each of the successful pupils was selected for their enthusiasm and spirit following a workshop for 120 of them, which was led by BalletLorent dancers Debbi Purtill and Gavin Coward at the school on Summerville Road.
The Salford show is part of a mini tour that takes place in five venues across England and Scotland – and the group will not be leaving their studies behind to go on the road.
Instead, BalletLorent will find a new “young cast” from each location they stop at.
With choreography by BalletLorent artistic director Liv Lorent, costumes by Lady Gaga and Madonna designer Nasir Mazhar and Libby El-Alfy (Game of Thrones) and music by Dr Who composer Murray Gold, the children will be part of an impressive line-up of talent.
Ms Tierney, class teacher at Summerville Primary, said: “The workshop was amazing.
“Debs and Gavin really brought out the best in the children. Their actions and the way that they used their bodies to show their feelings were fantastic.”
Salford schoolchildren will take centre stage as Snow White comes to The Lowry Theatre
The children were also excited after the workshop and looking forward to the performance at The Lowry in February.
One of the Summerville Primary School students, Anania, had a great time during the workshop.
Anania said: “I enjoyed it and it made me think that you have to be tough to be a dancer.”
Whilst schoolmate Faith said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and I can’t believe that I have been chosen.”
James MacGillivray, education and projects manager, BalletLorent said: “For many children, taking part in a professional stage production is a unique and transformative experience.
“It not only builds their confidence and creativity but also enhances their ability to collaborate, communicate, and express themselves in new ways.
“Schools benefit immensely too from our young cast initiative, as these workshops enrich their arts provision and inspire both students and teachers alike.”
Suitable for people aged five and above, BalletLorent’s dance theatre version of Snow White retains all the classic elements of the original Brothers Grimm tale, which has been familiar to story lovers for over two centuries.
Directed by BalletLorent founder Liv Lorent, the Summerville Primary children will join a professional cast featuring performers of all ages.
Sixty-two-year-old BalletLorent regular Caroline Reece plays the wicked queen whilst her king, Geoff Hopson, 55, came out of dance retirement especially for the production.
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