Ballet Star inspires youngsters

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 2nd of July 2013

Children from the Nursery and Pre-Preps at St Benedict's Junior School, in Ealing, were thrilled to take part in a Creative 'Swan Lake' Ballet Workshop led by world famous ballet star Zenaida Yanowsky. Ms Yanowsky, together with two dancers from the Royal Ballet Company, introduced and explored aspects of classical Ballet with the children.
Zenaida Yanowsky is the principal dancer with the Royal Ballet in London. She has performed many roles in the 19th century classical repertory, including 'Swan Lake', 'The Sleeping Beauty' and 'The Nutcracker' and has worked with the Royal Ballet's most important choreographers, Sir Frederick Ashton and Sir Keith MacMillan.
The aim of the workshop was to promote existing knowledge and expand the children's understanding through movement, related to 'Swan Lake'. This was done by encouraging creative movement exploration individually and in group work, with observation and performance integrated into the class. Some of the braver children tried out the classic moves and then Ms Yanowsky showed how it's done on the stage, in full 'Swan Lake' costume!
Head of Early Years, Ms Shona Macpherson, who organised the workshop, said, 'It was a wonderful experience for us all. The children were initially wowed by the occasion but soon began to show their artistic abilities. We are very grateful to Ms Yanowsky for coming to our school and running such an inspiring workshop.'