1. Young Advocates Workshop Series
Venue: Rehearsal Room, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing
Dates and times:

• 09.30 – 12.30 Monday 23 June 2008
• 09.30 – 12.30 Tuesday 24 June 2008
• 09.30 – 17.30 Wednesday 25 June 2008

The participants consist of 15 disabled and 15 able-bodied persons who will promote disability awareness and social inclusion in their local communities.

Using The Royal Ballet’s production of Homage to the Queen as their focus these workshops will invite participants to engage in dance activities that explore the themes of the ballet, and help them to stretch their personal sense of physicality and space in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. Activities will focus on some of the themes of the ballet, and on an exploration of the elements of the art form of ballet. Each participant will be encouraged to work at their own level, and to develop their personal expression, creative skills, and individual responses to the activities.

The workshops will be followed by an opportunity for the students to attend an open rehearsal of Homage to the Queen. Following the rehearsal the students will meet selected dancers from The Royal Ballet, and will have the chance to ask questions about what they have seen on stage, and about life as a dancer in The Royal Ballet Company.

The Royal Ballet’s production of Homage to the Queen is a rich starting point for creative activities, with its focus on the four elements – earth, water, fire and air.  Over the course of three workshops students will develop their own ideas and responses to the themes of the ballet. Friends and family members will be invited to observe a final short sharing of work on the last morning.

Workshops will be lead by a team consisting of a Royal Ballet Soloist, a Royal Opera House freelance dance artist, and an education specialist.  

2. Creative Families Workshop  
Venue: Rehearsal Room, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing
Date: Sunday 22 June 2008
Time: 13.30 – 16.30

Families rarely have the opportunity to work and play together in a creative way. The Creative Families workshop will bring together families to explore, play, and creatively experience ballet and dance together, using The Royal Ballet’s production of Homage to the Queen as a starting point.  Bring your dancing feet, join in alongside one other, and explore new ideas together.

Participants will be invited to attend an open rehearsal of The Royal Ballet’s Triple Bill, including Homage to the Queen on 25 June.  

Suitable for ages 6 and up – children, parents, aunts and uncles, and grand parents are all welcome!  Each family unit should include at least one child and is limited to 3 members.  

3. Workshop for Teens
Venue: Rehearsal Room, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing  
Dates:

• Workshop - Thursday 26 June 2008 Time: 09.30 – 12.30
• Open Rehearsal - 25 June 2008

Do you like to move?  Come and join us for an exciting workshop, focusing on

Chroma – a new ballet by world-renowned choreographer Wayne McGregor. Set to music by Jody Talbot and White Stripes.  If you think you know what classical ballet is then Chroma will challenge you with new ideas and insights! If you have never danced before then this is the perfect time to try out some dance moves. In this workshop we will experiment with developing our own movement ideas. In addition to the workshop session you are invited to attend an open rehearsal with The Royal Ballet which will include Chroma.

Participants include 40 teenagers, aged between 12-15, among which 20 are from rural communities and 20 from urban families.