We went to see the ballet at the company's home, Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre in Leeds. I was so impressed with how they'd transformed the waiting area to make it child-friendly - there was a ring of hay bales around an area of 'grass', a couple of bean bag toss games and a basket of pom poms (Preschooler loved these), colouring in and wind-up tortoises on the tables. In a meeting room to the side they had crafts available, with the choice of making a tortoise or a hare with paper plates. Preschooler is still playing with her tortoise today!
It always amazes me when I go to a ballet how well they can tell a story with no words - even Preschooler followed what was happening just from the fantastic dance moves and facial expressions. The music was beautifully played and well matched to the action, and the costumes were very clever in transforming the dancers into various animals. We both really loved the show and hope that, as in previous years, there will be a CBeebies version of it so we can watch it all again.
I asked Preschooler a few questions - as it's a children's ballet, I thought she should have a say in this review - and here are her answers:
Did you enjoy the ballet?
Yes!
Who was your favourite character?
The bumblebee.
What was your favourite part?
The bit with the squirrel. (Where the squirrel distracts the Hare with a game of acorn catch.)
Were there any bits you didn't like?
*vigorous shaking of head*
How did you feel when the Tortoise won the race?
Happy!
Northern Ballet will be touring 'Tortoise and the Hare' next year and I really recommend going to see it if you get a chance, it's a lovely little show and a great opportunity to introduce little ones to ballet.
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