Last month, at the end of November, The Royal Ballet live streamed its rehearsals of The Sleeping Beauty from the Clore Studio at the Royal Opera House. In an exciting peek behind the scenes of what could be argued is Britain's premier dance company, audiences online around the world were able to see the company in action during their daytime rehearsals.
The rehearsal live stream formed part of the Royal Opera House Insight events programmed, which is a Paul Hamlyn Education Fund sponsored series. This series aims to give special glimpses of the work that goes into preparing a production for the stage, especially one as large as the stage of the Royal Opera House. Also included in the insights conveyed were comments from the dance artists rehearsing, and the creators working on stage and behind the scenes at the Royal Opera House.
Dr Jenny Bavidge, the Academic Director for English Literature at the University of Cambridge, explained the ballet’s fairytale origins to the viewers at home, as well as discussing the history and choreography of The Sleeping Beauty. Being privy to this analysis went hand in hand with the rehearsal taking place, providing a fly on the wall perspective for something which is rarely seen. The insight series also includes open rehearsals, 'in conversation with' events, pre-performance talks, beginners' guides, behind the scenes demonstrations and participatory workshops.
Following the event series, the full Sleeping Beauty ballet will be relayed live to cinemas around the world next year on 28 February 2017, and the Insight event can still be viewed on the Royal Opera House’s YouTube channel. With access to so much engaging content, audiences are able to find out more about this majestic company, especially if they are outside of London.