The Queen dropped in to meet staff and watch dancers rehearsing at English National Ballet’s new centre near Canary Wharf on her first official visit since becoming its Royal Patron.
She was met by artistic director Aaron Watkin and English National’s chair Sir Rupert Gavin when she arrived at the Mulryan Centre for Dance at the City Island complex last Thursday (Sept 5), to mark its 75th anniversary.
“This is a new chapter for the organisation with her support,” Aaron said.
“It was a joy to be able to share a day in the life of English National Ballet as we prepare for our 75th season. Our dancers and staff were delighted to meet her.”
The spacious rehearsal centre opened in September 2019 when the ballet company moved from its cramped headquarters in Kensington.
The Queen watched rehearsals for a forthcoming ballet, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and Akram Khan’s version of Giselle, which the is being performed later this month.
She toured the department where costumes for English National are made, to meet staff and see their work, and looked in on a rehearsal by ENB Elders performance group for over the 55s.
The royal visit ended with a reception to meet staff and chat with the dancers.
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