Visit to Let’s All Dance Rehearsal
LBC members were treated to a highly enjoyable costume rehearsal of their new production of Puss In Boots.
Let’s All Dance Rehearsal Watch
April 4th 2025
Let’s All Dance is an outreach company making ballet accessible to children through their performances in schools, libraries, parks and local venues. LBC were delighted that they were one of last year’s recipients of the Gainsbury Award for a new choreographical piece going towards the costs of their new production Puss in Boots. Members had been invited to an early rehearsal in autumn last year but were welcomed back by company Director Orit Sutton to watch a class and a costume rehearsal prior to the opening of their upcoming tour the following day.
Based on the traditional fairy story and set to familiar music by Mozart, the work lasts for about 40 minutes. With bright costumes and sets designed by the choreographer Fran Mangiacasale (who also dances the role of Puss) this production would certainly have immediate appeal to younger audiences. The dancers had all been selected for their acting as well as their dancing ability and demonstrated wonderful storytelling. With costume maker Jane ready with her needle and thread and with set builder John on hand, Orit made some minor alterations to the staging including requests for Puss to miaow louder!
It was a fascinating insight in to how productions progress through their stages before completion. Puss in Boots will be performed between April 5th and July 23rd at 20 venues in London and the South of England, including at the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells. LBC members have been offered a discount for the performances at Sadler’s Wells on April 14th and 15th by quoting the reference PUSS95 at the top of the seating plan page when booking.
Following this event a donation to Let’s All Dance of £120 was made.
Report by Krissie Poyser © The London Ballet Circle
Photo (Top) from L to R:
Jane (costumes), Jake (Marquis), Laura (Queen), Orit Sutton (Director), Holly (Princess), James (Peasant Boy), Fran Mangiacasale (choreographer/designer/Puss) & John (set builder)
