Children’s Ballet : Ugly Duckling

Ugly Duckling was Northern Ballet’s first ballet especially for children, and is a captivating adaptation of the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson. It was good to see its return to the stage this Spring.

The company have made it their mission to capture the imaginations of very young children, introducing them to the wonder of live ballet, music and theatre with a specially created short ballet, based on a familiar tale.

As an adult, I saw this production many years ago, and it was a joy to watch the captivated faces of the youngsters around me, seeing ballet for the very first time. It was with great pleasure then, that I took along my young grandchildren, along with their Mum ( my daughter ), who herself had watched many captivating ballets with me over the years.

CBeebies taking the specially recorded for television Northern Ballets under their wing, has helped to spread the word about this wonderful company’s imaginative and enchanting short ballets for children; they have a winning formula that appeals to both the children and their accompanying adults.

Ugly Duckling was lonely and fed-up, and despite Mother Duck’s best efforts to protect her Ugly Duckling, ignored by those around her who thought that she was too ugly to fit in. She tried to make friends with the other ducklings ( all splendidly colourful in their sunshine yellow costumes and orange tights )as well as with frogs,( our family’s favourites! ) cats and even a fox, but realising she was not like any of these animals, she was left sad and alone. We followed the duckling on her journey as she eventually overcame her troubles and learned to love herself and those around her ( a message we can all heed, whatever our age ).

With choreography from Dreda Blow and Sebastian Loe, the whole narrative, and that important life message was brilliantly communicated through expressive mime and movement, polished dance routines and fabulous costumes. A stunning set design by Dave Gillan, Lighting design by Alastair West, and mesmerising music arrangements by John Langstaff played live by members of Northern Ballet Sinfonia, all made for a 'proper' ballet experience, which definitely fulfilled Northern Ballet’s mission to encourage children and young families to see their first ballet.

Ugly Duckling was a touching tale containing many wonderfully comic moments; my grandchildren particularly enjoyed the antics of the greedy fox, and the slapstick leap-frogging of the fabulous frogs.

The Swan Queen appearing was an “aaaah“ moment for everyone, and the drama of the Winter transformation was breath taking. It was a delight to see the little Ugly Duckling transform into a swan, and welcomed to join a flock of swans after a joyful dance of celebration with the Swan Queen and all the other animals.

I shall definitely be booking again when Northern Ballet bring another children’s ballet to York as part of their tour. Bravo!