The Royal Albert Hall Starlight Express - 5th May 07
35 dancers were selected from among 50 pupils that auditioned at ARTS. They spent every Saturday learning to move like trains for their part in the number 'Light at the End of the Tunnel', taken from Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Starlight Express'. They joined 15 skaters, who were put through their paces at Skate School, before they performed at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on May 5th. As the theatre boasts a 360 degree arena, with the audience seated all around, the event was certainly an exciting challenge!
Of course ARTS loves a challenge and, thanks primarily to the team at Mardi Gras, pupils already have experience of performing at many of London's prestigious West End theatres, as well as undertaking two successful trips to Disneyland Resort Paris, where they performed a 20-minute show in Fantasyland and the Mardi Gras parade through Main Street.
Although this marks the first performance at the Albert Hall for some pupils ARTS has performed 'in the round' before, in May 2003, when they sang and danced to 'Music' by John Miles, arrangement by Andrew Winship. This was the first time ARTS had ever attempted a routine of this calibre that incorporates both roller skaters and dancers, and in fact it is the first time the Albert Hall have allowed artistic skaters to take to the floor, so it was something new for all involved.
The Mardi Gras 'In the Round' show was fantastic fun and an extremely fulfilling experience for performers and supporters alike. Well done to all the performers and thank you to all involved for your continued hard-work and support!
It was absolutely fantastic!
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