London Children's Ballet's Jane Eyre

As we have been publishing these last few weeks, the London Children's Ballet premieres today, May 15, a new production based on Jane Eyre (originally premiered by the London Children's Ballet in 1994, with an original score by composer Julia Gomelskaya and choreography by Polyanna Buckingham.). The new choreography is by Nicole Tongue.

London Children's Ballet
Jane Eyre
15-18 May 2008

Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street, Holborn
WC2

Premiere Performance: Thu 15 at 7pm
Public Performances: Fri 16 at 7.30pm, Sat 17 at 2pm & 5.30pm, Sun 18 1pm & 4.30pm
from £14 (book via Sadler’s Wells Ticket Office)

The London Children’s Ballet has adapted Charlotte Brontë’s classic Jane Eyre to thrill boys and girls of all ages.

The ballet opens with the forgotten chapter of the young Jane living with her cruel Aunt who banishes her to a bleak life at Lowood Charity School where she stays until her appointment as governess at Thornfield Hall. There Jane finds a world of parties, Mr Rochester and a web of mystery leading to the fateful night of the great fire…

Dance UK interviews Nicole Tongue:

The young dancers of Jane Eyre will learn a great deal working with you and each other. For some this will be the first professional experience of their young careers. What will you take with you from this production and how does this affect the next one?
Nicole Tongue in rehearsal with the dancers of London Childrens Ballet, Photography Pedro FerrerI always leave a children’s production with an immense sense of awe regarding their achievement. Mainly because I’ve aimed dangerously high and the children have risen to the challenge. Time is always an issue because you are at the mercy of the children’s learning speed. For Jane Eyre we only come together once a week on a Sunday so the lack of continuity has been a noticeable challenge. This combined with being a perfectionist has certainly increased the stress levels. However my ballet mistress has encouraged me keep moving forward, even when it’s felt like the bare bones of the ballet are barely there, and sure enough it’s now complete and in the process of being cleaned and the cleaning process is slow.
I shall most likely leave this production moved and inspired by the children’s personal stories and journeys; but also mindful of realistic outcomes, the need to be in the moment, not driven by time, and the importance of refilling my energy tank. (Anja Schall)

Categories: Dance, Jane Eyre