Enjoy this guest post from our friends at Festival Ballet!
Everything is beautiful at the ballet. Well, except for a terrible tantrum from an overtired two-year-old during Act II. We know that exposing our little ones to live performance art like ballet expands creativity, encourages freedom of expression, and offers a sneaky dose of historical awareness, but a full-length classical ballet still feels intimidating when Tommy can barely make it through story time without a bathroom visit and a fidget break. So how do we bring our kids to the ballet? Good news- your local ballet company has a solution!
Festival Ballet Providence created a series of shows just for the youngest among us. You may have heard of the “Chatterbox Theater”, a collection of productions made with children in mind, featuring original dancing to beloved stories with captivating sets and costumes. These shows are short in length but high in energy, engaging little ones with impressive dancing from Rhode Island’s premiere ballet company, and always an extra helping of humor. At the Chatterbox Theater, kids are free to laugh, shout, clap, or get up and dance!
This month, Festival Ballet presents the return of “The Little Prince”, back by popular demand after its debut last season. This whimsical show tells the story of an interplanetary journey and the importance of friendship. We sat down with the star of the show, Seekonk native Brenna DiFrancesco, to hear a bit about what makes this production so special.
“The Little Prince” is one of the top-selling children’s books of all time. Why do you think this classic story of friendship and discovery translates so well into a ballet?
I found the story of “The Little Prince” to be imaginative yet very complex. The ballet takes both of these elements and creates something more simplistic and animated, keeping the children engaged while also reminding them of some great life lessons.
A moral to the story- always key! What makes “The Little Prince” different from other shows that FBP offers?
Most definitely the artwork that is being projected during the show. Dancer Jacob Hoover’s mother, Michelle Gutlove, is a renowned artist. The show’s artistic team recorded her drawing these beautiful illustrations which are projected for the audience during certain parts of the ballet, allowing you to watch the work that was done come to life. At the same time, an adapted version of the story is being narrated by local story-teller Valerie Tutson, engaging yet another sense in a really different and interesting way.
What is your favorite part of performing for a young audience?
I think children may just be my favorite audience to perform for. Their enthusiasm and excitement bring an energy to the performance that really can’t be replicated. I have been babysitting for families in and around Providence for many years and I think my time spent with children has really helped me connect well with kids on and off stage. It’s so much fun!
How does FBP cater its Chatterbox Theater performances specifically to children?
The Chatterbox performances are great for children of all ages because unlike many ballets, it is rarely longer than 45 minutes and being in such a personal space- The Black ox Theater seats under 100 audience members- keep the kids involved without losing their focus. Also, last but certainly not least, the children are welcomed on stage at the end of each show to meet the characters and enjoy cookies from Seven Stars Bakery!
Can’t forget the cookies and milk from our wonderful sponsors- everyone’s favorite Seven Stars Bakery! Any tips for bringing first-time little ballet-goers to the performance?
I would suggest reading the story of “The Little Prince” with your little ones before seeing the show so that they are able to get the full experience. With that being said, please remind your kids to laugh out loud, clap as loud as loud as they wish, and most importantly have fun! We love to hear their enthusiasm. 🙂
Thank you so much, Brenna!
