The Royal Ballet has set up a new three month residency with the MS Society. The charity supports with people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their carers.
Participants will develop a response to choreographer Cathy Marston’s new ballet The Cellist. The piece is based on the life of cellist Jacqueline du Pré, who lived with MS – a degenerative condition that affects nerves and can make everyday activities difficult.
The residency takes the form of weekly dance workshops led by choreographer Bim Malcomson. The MS collaboration will culminate with a performance at Paul Hamlyn Hall on 27 March.
“When I was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago I became very depressed, as I didn’t know what it would mean for my future,” said project participant Bea Pulco. “But now, to be able to dance somewhere like the Royal Opera House is truly a dream come true.”
Added director of services at the MS Society, Ed Holloway, “MS is unpredictable and different for everyone, but many people wrongly assume having a condition like MS means dance and other forms of exercise are off limits. That is thankfully far from the truth – whatever your level of mobility or experience. All kinds of movement can be good for people living with MS, helping improve mood and even some symptoms.”