Case Studies
The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts - An Invitation to Dance
An Invitation to Dance was a project jointly developed by The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts, HIT Entertainment and English National Ballet.
The project aimed to encourage young children to get involved in, and develop an appreciation for dance. Children attended two professional performances by English National Ballet, enjoyed back stage tours, met English National Ballet staff and were visited at school by the performers.
The dancers talked to them about the importance of nutrition and health and gave them some practical guidance to encourage them to take up dance themselves. Over 100 children from three different schools were involved in the project which was figure-headed by Angelina Ballerina™, the popular children’s book and cartoon character.
Teachers, parents and the children engaged whole-heartedly in all activities and the feedback has been extremely positive. Many parents plan to, or have already, revisited one of the venues with their families.
One parent commented: “I went with my daughter to see Sleeping Beauty and didn’t realise what I’d been missing. Will definitely be going again.
As well as broadening knowledge and increasing cultural awareness, An Invitation to Dance challenged children’s perception of dance. Teachers also noted a particular improvement in pupils’ speaking and listening skills as a result of the shared experience of attending shows and workshops.
One teacher said: ”I was worried about the boys participating; one in particular didn’t want to go… Normally he’s quite disruptive, but I think he’s been converted’.
One teacher wrote: “Thank you for inviting us to the ballet. It was wonderful and excellent and beautiful and colourful and magnificent!’ and another wrote: ‘It was stupendous…I wish I can go again. Thank you very much for the free ticket.”
Click here to visit The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts website.