Photo by Andrew Ward
12 LBC members joined a group of proud parents and grandparents to watch the second this spring of Andrew Ward’s ‘Dance Forward’ events at the Ashton Studio of the Royal Opera House. Accompanied by Olga Mazour on the piano, Andrew led the classical ballet class reminding the students that barre work prepares you for the centre, centre work prepares you for the rehearsal and rehearsals prepare you for the performance. It was not clear how many of the students had ambitions for performances at the Royal Opera House, but it was a wonderful experience for them and one they will remember forever. Yasmine Naghdi, a Principal of the Royal Ballet, took them through a challenging pointe work class and those whose feet were not too painful kept on their pointe shoes and they were all taught the Medora solo from Le Corsaire. This was all about turns rather than leaps and jumps and like Andrew, Yasmine focused on artistry and musicality over technique. Inspired by a star ballerina the students, some barely 13 years old, did well and were praised for their determination and perseverance. They danced for themselves, they danced for us and they danced For (Andrew) Ward.
Following this event a donation of £240 to Dance Forward was made.