Ballet Cymru is a touring classical ballet company based in Newport, South Wales, formed in 1986 by Yvonne Greenleaf and choreographer Darius James.[1] Currently formed of 10 professional dancers, and up to 12 pre-professional dancers the company tours to around 70 venues each year throughout the UK. The Independent described them as "a brightly gifted, energetic young ensemble that tours England, Wales and Ireland, taking dance to smaller venues that might otherwise be starved of ballet."[2]
Ballet Cymru, formerly Welsh ballet, and Independent Ballet Wales[3] and, prior to that, Gwent Ballet Theatre,[4] is a touring classical ballet company based in Newport, South Wales, formed in 1986 by Yvonne Greenleaf, dancer and Artistic Director Darius James.[1] Following the success of Ballet Cymru's educational work Amy Doughty become the joint Artist Director alongside Darius James.
The company is currently formed of 10 professional dancers, and up to 12 pre-professional dancers the company tours to around 50 venues, performs to audience in excess of 12,000 and undertakes education work for around 2300 young people and adults across the UK. The Independent described them as "a brightly gifted, energetic young ensemble that tours England, Wales and Ireland, taking dance to smaller venues that might otherwise be starved of ballet."[2]
The company aims be a beacon for quality classical ballet in Wales. Ballet Cymru is one of Arts Council of Wales’ revenue funded organisations, since 2011 and plays a vital role in the dance ecology of Wales. Over its long history, it has established itself as a company which seeks to inspire a love of ballet amongst as wide an audience as possible. It is continually seeking out ways to improve how it does this through collaborations, training and creating high quality accessible work.
Ballet Cymru have gone on to be awarded the Best Dance Production, Theatre Critics of Wales Awards in 2014, 2017, 2018. Further to this Critics’ Circle UK National Dance Awards, Audience Award 2006.
The company host a Pre-Professional Programme called Ballet Cymru 2. This full-time, intensive course provides opportunities to train and perform alongside the company, offering the chance to develop choreographic skills with performance opportunities, networking opportunities, as well as workshops in light/costume design, marketing and writing grant applications to create comprehensive industry professionals.
Engagement work
The company undertakes a wide variety of education work as part of its programme all across Wales.
The company pride themselves on their Duets National Dance Training Programme, enabling young people to access high quality ballet tuition across the country regardless of economic, social or geographical circumstances. The programme is specifically designed to identify talent, provide progression pathways and improve aspiration for young people who would not usually have the opportunity to access and engage with dance, particularly those living in deprived areas of Wales. This programme partnerships with 6 theatres, 9 schools and 5 dance organisations.
Further to this the company host a weekly inclusive ballet class called Ballet Cymru 3, for young people aged 8 and upwards. These sessions are open and welcoming to all regardless of ability or disability. The sessions focuses on creativity and individuality, providing a supportive space for freedom and expression. Sessions often include warmups, technique practice, creative tasks, choreography and composition, observation, improvisation, and of course a game or two.
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