Guide dog owners and puppies in training were treated to a magical Nutcracker experience at The Royal Ballet & Opera, led by newly appointed Guide Dogs ambassador and Royal Ballet Principal Dancer, Reece.
Airdrie ballet star Reece Clarke participated in a touch tour of The Nutcracker with guide dog owners.
Guide dog owners and puppies in training were treated to a magical Nutcracker experience at The Royal Ballet & Opera, led by newly appointed Guide Dogs ambassador and Royal Ballet Principal Dancer, Reece.
The event was inspired by Clara – the playful puppy from this year’s Sponsor a Puppy scheme and The Nutcracker’s heroine – the event shone a spotlight on accessibility and inclusion in the arts.
Reece joined guide dog owners Kimberly Heal with her guide dog Dalby and Anica Zeyen with Maisie on a touch tour under the guidance of Senior Stage Manager, Johanna Adams Farley.
Guide dog owners were able to explore the detailed fabrics and embellishments of the ballet, such as the Nutcracker doll, the Prince’s crown, the intricate King Mouse head, and materials from the Land of Sweets’ whimsical set pieces, including the motorised sleigh.
Reece said: “Bringing the ballet to life for everyone is a real privilege. Watching guide dog owners explore the costumes and feel the performance through touch really shows the magic of inclusion.
“Experiences like this wouldn’t be possible without the Sponsor a Puppy scheme, which help people with sight loss gain the independence to attend and enjoy these moments fully.
“Seeing their excitement reminds me why giving support and opportunities in this way matters.”
In addition, the cast of The Nutcracker, including dancer Bomin Kim as Clara, had the heartwarming opportunity to meet two 6-month-old guide dog puppies in training, Edie and Fabio.
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The pups quickly won the dancers over, and their puppy raisers explained how these early experiences help prepare them for their future roles as life-changing guide dogs.
Steph Potter, Puppy Sponsorship Manager at Guide Dogs said: “Guide Dogs is committed to opening the world for people with sight loss by providing life-changing guide dogs.
“We’re thrilled to see The Royal Ballet & Opera also reopening a magical world for people with vision impairment like Anica.
“It’s been amazing collaborating with the Royal Ballet & Opera to celebrate our Sponsor a Puppy pup Clara.”
Kate Millard, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The Royal Ballet and Opera, added: “Making the arts accessible to everyone is at the heart of what we do.
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“Touch tours, audio description, and other accessibility features enable guide dog owners to experience the magic of the ballet first-hand.
“We are pleased to see that 60 per cent of people with sight loss feel their friends and family are becoming more aware of inclusive events, as we know accessible experiences are enriching for everyone.”
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