Chance to Dance
Chance to Dance works with 20 primary schools in Lambeth and Southwark to provide a creative introduction to ballet for all Year 3 children through a mix of Royal Ballet demonstrations and practical workshops. Children identified with enthusiasm and aptitude for dance are invited to join the Chance to Dance Company for up to four years, going to weekly classes locally, attending family days at the Royal Opera House and working towards an annual performance alongside dancers from the Royal Ballet.
Teachers in each partnership school also receive training to deliver their own creative dance projects, with the chance to share their work with other schools and attend a Royal Ballet dress rehearsal.
Project Aims
- Create access to ballet for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the art form
- Give all Year 3 children in Chance to Dance schools the opportunity to see, participate in and enjoy dance through demonstrations and in-school practical workshops
- Through establishing strong relationships with schools, strengthen their engagement with dance and the Royal Opera House, particularly by developing teachers’ enthusiasm for, and skills in, delivering creative dance
- Link the programme with the wider dance education ecology at both local and national level, in order to maximize its contribution to good practice and the establishment of effective progression pathways for young dancers
The Chance to Dance Company Aims
- Develop every child’s self-confidence, creativity and self-discipline through participation in regular ballet-based dance activity and public performance
- Enable every child to enjoy dance and realize his/her full potential as a dancer
All the children wear shoes provided at no cost by Freed of London, a major supplier of custom-made pointe shoes. The company also supports the programme’s end of year performance, when the children have the opportunity to perform at the Royal Opera House.
Chance to Dance is generously supported by Mrs Lily Safra, The Shauna Gosling Trust, Marina Hobson MBE, C H K Charities Ltd, Liz and Simon Dingemans, Gonzalo and Maria Garcia, Richard J Gnodde, Simon and Tracey Holden, Bernard and Genevieve Mensah, Julian Metherell, Dame Sue Street MBE, Freed of London, Deborah Cowles.
Generous philanthropic support from MariaMarina Foundation, The Shauna Gosling Trust, J. Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust, Marit Mohn, Simon and Tracey Holden, Mrs Lily Safra, Marina Hobson MBE and The Hobson Charity, CHK Charities Ltd, Liz and Simon Dingemans, Gonzalo and Maria Garcia, Richard J Gnodde, Bernard and Genevieve Mensah, The Metherell family, Katrin and Christoph Henkel, Marina Kleinwort Trust, Dame Sue Street DCB, The Tufton Charitable Trust, Deborah Cowles. Dancewear is provided by Freed of London Ltd.
