Birmingham Royal Ballet’s First Steps

Sister company of the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s specially adapted 'First Steps' performances aim to introduce young children aged three to seven to some of its most delightful classical repertory in order to expand the reach of its work. The first in the series, 'First Steps: a child's Coppélia', is just an hour-long, suiting short attention spans. It is an interactive programme which features a storyteller who sets the scene of the production for the young audiences, and introduces the children to the music and characters. The storyteller also shares some of the technical magic surrounding the staging of this delightful, classic tale. The First Steps Coppélia is different to usual interpretations for young audiences, it is an interactive 1 hour long programme which features a storyteller who introduces the children to the characters and music along with the wizardry surrounding the staging of this imaginative tale. This is followed by a performance of Act II featuring the full company of dancers. Any performance of this kind is a fantastic way of introducing young ones to ballet without them having to endure long, and perhaps tedious productions. Young audiences can also download games, colouring sheets and a cartoon story guide to prepare for the ballet, all explained by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s mascots, George and Victoria (the Lion and the Unicorn). These additional resources also help to set the scene of the ballet for the children, and introduce the music and characters fully. It is a perfect way to get young audiences interested in ballet and the arts, hopefully inspiring a lifetime of love.