Pointe Shoes. They have a tough life.

We buy them brand new and beautiful. Uniformly they sit in a box or bag, waiting for the necessary care and attention which will see them prepared and customised for their moment of glory on the stage. Patiently they journey with us up and down the country, enduring the sewing of ribbons and elastics. Bravely they endure being hacked and cut and shaved down with Stanley knives. They do not complain as they are bashed unceremoniously on concrete floors, or as they are stood on, bent, and beaten into the desired shape, for they know that their triumph is coming...

Their glory is short-lived. Perhaps for several special days they will be in favour; chosen for performances, even pas de deux, if they are lucky. They will help to hold balances, feel the excitement of doing multiple turns and enjoy the sound of rapturous applause. Dancers will pronounce: 'I love this pair!'

Yet before long, they will hear the fatal words: 'These shoes feel a bit soggy.' They will be removed, and replaced by a younger version of themselves. They might languish for weeks at the bottom of a dance bag, or immediately suffer the humiliating removal of their ribbons and elastics, that they might go on to serve another pair.

Yet even as they lie abandoned in a dressing room bin, they can look back to their finest hours and be glad that they have fulfilled their life's purpose. 'I was a Rose Adagio shoe, you know - Spring Tour 2012...wonderful times.'

To improve the life of a pointe shoe near you, donate to The Red Shoe Campaign.

www.gofundme.com/RedShoeAppeal
www.BalletTheatreUK.com

Take a break from the summer heat for a Christmas treat, as Ballet Theatre UK prepare for ballet to raise the spirits...

 



St Mary's Church - Hinckley



A New Season, New Home, New Look...

Plans for our new production of 'A Christmas Carol' are well underway, with costume production in full swing, a fantastic score taking shape and visions of ghosts and spirits already whirling around the choreographer's mind and with this in mind we are proud to launch a new look for the company!

However, the Autumn season 2012 does not just herald the arrival of another great production from BTUK, but also an exciting new phase in the development of the Company.  We are pleased to announce that from the start of September, BTUK will be relocating to the Midlands, to a take up permanent residence in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

The move opens the way for a number of thrilling opportunities for the company, including a greater number of new and diverse productions per year, as well as collaborations with other Arts Organisations. Whilst remaining committed to our vision to tour all over the UK, bringing ballet to the widest possible audience, our new base will also be established with a view to creating a real hub for Dance and Theatre in the Midlands.


"This is a really great step for the company - our new home will provide a great place for creativity and the Central location will make touring a lot easier. The productions that we have coming up over the next year and a half are all different and unique, and we are all looking forward to getting started on them!"

- Christopher Moore - Artistic Director