balletLORENT has once again brought its magical storytelling and dynamic movement to Hull, engaging with around 230 children, young people, and adults through an inspiring dance programme. Collaborating with Hull Dance and Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, the company has fostered creativity in four primary schools, two Hull Dance Move Together youth dance groups at Bridges and Ainthorpe Youth Centres and an adult dance group, all drawing inspiration from their latest production, Snow White.
As part of this initiative, a special session at Hull Dance saw Caroline, Keyna, and Camilla join a Flourish Movement & Dance for Wellbeing workshop—an enriching experience that celebrated the power of creativity, movement, and human connection.
balletLORENT has a rich history of working within the Hull community, with its first visit dating back to 2004. Over the years, the company has performed at multiple venues across the city, including Hull Truck, Hull New Theatre, Hull City Hall and the Hull Freedom Festival to name a few. Supplementing their shows with interactive workshops that bring dance directly to the people of Hull.
This April, balletLORENT returns to Hull New Theatre with a captivating family-friendly production of Snow White. This reimagining of the Brothers Grimm classic will not only feature the company’s talented professional dancers but will also spotlight ten young performers from Years 1 and 2 at Oldfleet Primary School. Selected from workshop sessions, these young dancers are thrilled to take part in a professional stage production.
Oldfleet Primary School teacher Kerry Garner shared her excitement:
“The children all really enjoyed the workshops. None of them had previously attended any dance, drama or gymnastics clubs, and we’re so proud of all of them for taking part, embracing the opportunity to be creative and using their imaginations. We’re all very excited to see them perform on stage in Snow White with the rest of the cast. The memories will stay with them for a very long time.”
At every tour stop, balletLORENT’s Young Cast Initiative selects children from local primary schools to participate in immersive two-day dance workshops, culminating in the chance to perform alongside the company’s professional dancers. For many of these children, this marks their first time on a professional stage, offering them an invaluable artistic experience.
James MacGillivray, balletLORENT’s Education & Projects Manager, emphasizes the significance of this opportunity:
“For many children, this is a unique and transformative experience. It not only builds their confidence and creativity but also enhances their ability to collaborate, communicate, and express themselves in new ways. Schools benefit immensely too, as these workshops enrich their arts provision and inspire both students and teachers alike.”
These recent initiatives have been made possible through support from The Sir James Reckitt Charity and the Hull and East Riding Charitable Fund, ensuring that young people in Hull continue to have access to enriching artistic opportunities.
Bringing to life the magic of the original tale, balletLORENT’s Snow White promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally powerful production, perfect for audiences aged 5 and above.
Friday, April 4, 2025 (6:30 PM)
Saturday, April 5, 2025 (2:00 PM)
Venue: Hull New Theatre, Kingston Square, HU1 3HF
Tickets: £20-£24 | Under 16s: £11-£13
Box Office: 01482 300306
Booking: www.hulltheatres.co.uk/theatre-events/balletlorent-snow-white
Don’t miss this spellbinding performance that merges dance and storytelling, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Hull Dance Move Together is an inclusive and accessible city-wide programme with three strands of opportunities for young people to dance, create and perform.
Discover Dance is a partnership between Hull City Council, Hull Dance, Hull Culture and Leisure, Hull Truck Theatre, Back to Ours and Freedom Festival. They work collaboratively to support Hull City Council’s strategic dance development promoting dance across venues to build a dance audience.