Vienna Festival Ballet

Vienna Festival Ballet at the Princes Theatre, Clacton

During half term I went with some of my friends from dancing to a workshop and then on to see a performance of the ballet Coppelia.

First we were lead into a big room, everyone was chatting and so were we.  Then we were called into the workshop.  The dancing teacher was called Eva, she told us to get in a circle and pretend to be in a forest and be beautiful fairies or butterflies.  We were all a bit shy but after a while we got more used to it and we had a laugh! Some of the ballerinas joined us; I was astonished at how supple and bendy they were.  One managed to get her leg right up to her ear!

Next we learnt some mime.  My favourite was the mime for “little devil” and “doll”.

After the workshop some ballerinas showed us around their dressing room, it was quiet small and very busy.  We met the principle dancer; she was from Japan and was very pretty.  The dancers came from all over the world.  We saw their costumes and I actually touched one, a beautiful white tutu.  It was Swanhilda’s wedding costume.

After the tour we all went and had some supper, just making it back in time for the show.

Our seats were quite near the back but our view was fab!  There was lots of mime in the ballet, so I was pleased that we had learned so much during the workshop as this made it so much easier to understand.  The show was FANTASTIC.  I particularly liked Dr. Coppelia’s workshop and seeing all the dolls.  I also thought the dancer that was Swanhilda was wonderful she had really graceful arms and loads of energy.  I was amazed at their energy and the way they danced on pointe.

After it was all over we cheered really loudly.  It was really late and I was very tired.  I really enjoyed the show and I am definitely going again next year!

Ruby Blower

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