A wealth of young talent shone onstage at the Royal Albert Hall
A big thank you to everyone who took part in last night’s fantastic Dance Proms – from the brilliant performers, to their teachers who choreographed the pieces and the chaperones, to our guest acts, patrons, enthusiastic audience members and hardworking backstage crew!
With more than 450 young dancers taking to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall, it was an evening to remember with a finale that brought the packed Hall to their feet for a standing ovation.
The young dancers showcased a huge range of dance styles and cultural influences – from classic ballroom and beautiful ballet to energetic tap, Kathak, Spanish and thought-provoking contemporary dance –there truly was something for everyone to enjoy on the night.
Many great names from the world of dance were in attendance and guests including Dame Beryl Grey DBE, Lady Deborah MacMillan, Bonnie Langford, Baroness Hooper, Steven McRae, Karen Hardy, Mark Summers, Sir PeterWright, Kevin O’Hare, Jack Petchey CBE, Anthony Van Laast and Chris Hollins all showed their support for the performers on stage.
Wayne Sleep OBE commented, “Dance Proms has surely paved the way for an annual event bringing all dance styles together, at last!”
Guest acts, including Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova and Principals of The Royal Ballet Marianela Nuñez and Thiago Soares, provided inspirational performances.
But without a doubt the night belonged to the young performers who had come from all over the country to the Royal Albert Hall and, after months of hard work and a full day of final rehearsals, delighted us all with their exceptional talent and professionalism.
Chris Hollins said, “Some of the performances took my breath away. All of them were a real credit to their teachers and I went home glad to know that there are inspiring and inspired people out there.”
Congratulations to everyone – and save the date for 2012. A Dance Proms is planned for Sunday 4th November 2012!
Dance Proms is a partnership project between the IDTA, ISTD, RAD and the Royal Albert Hall working together in celebration of dance. Dance Proms was made possible by the invaluable support of donors and sponsors including Barry M, Lead Sponsor.
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Watch out for a report from one of our young dancers on Newsround on BBC1 on Tuesday 15th November at 5.00pm.
A nationwide survey carried out for Dance Proms reveals that just over 1 in 5 British adults have become more interested in dancing as a result of TV dance shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and that the same number currently participate in some form of dance. Click here to read the full survey results. Official Dance Proms merchandise can be purchased at www.radenterprises.co.uk.