The Nutcracker Repertoire Workshop at Alem da Dança, Portugal

On Christmas 2017, I have imparted a The Nutcracker-Royal Ballet Repertoire Workshop at the Alem da Dança Ballet School in Famalicão, north of Portugal.

I am delighted to let you know I will be visiting this school again very soon, this time for a Swan Lake Repertoire Workshop!

Here are pictures and videos of the previous workshop in 2017. If you know The Nutcracker, I'm sure you will recognise the scenes in some of the photos. I can't wait to teach the beautiful Swan Lake this time!

Mafalda x

Royal Opera House Family Day 2018

On Sunday 16 December 2018, a group of 45+ students and families of our school were at the Royal Opera House in London for a Family Sunday.

The day started with a tour I offered about the history of the Royal Opera House and The Royal Ballet School. We even got to meet Dame Margot Fonteyn and did a ballet pose with her.

In the event, the theme was The Nutcracker and the house was packed with loads of dancing activities, beautiful music, real props used behind the scenes, crafts and more. We had a blast!

I strongly recommend families to take part in events like this, with a close link with ballet companies, and also to see ballet performances. These are priceless experiences for a child to learn about beauty, excellence and major art forms while bonding with their family.

Below you can see photos of the day. I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Real wigs used in the Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker production. From left to right:
Snowflakes, Sugar Plum Fairy's Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Drosselmeyer.

Visit the Royal Opera House and Kingdom of Sweets

Sunday, 16 December 2018

I am delighted we are going again to visit the Royal Opera House and take part in one of their most popular family events, the Family Sundays.

The theme of this Family Sunday is based on The Nutcracker, it is the Kingdom of Sweets!

Royal Opera House 2015. The last time our school was at a Family Sundays.

Our visit is open to all family members and any friends you would like to bring, current and past students. It is suitable to all, however note activities are designed for families and children aged 3-10 years old.

This event is already sold out, however I am pleased to let you know I have contacted the Royal Opera House and managed to allocate and secure 40 tickets to our group.

Read below all information about the day, event and tickets and contact me as soon as possible to book your tickets. Booking is open until Tuesday 13 November, 1pm.

Please note I am not able to hood the tickets past this date.

About the Event

The Family Sundays are an event for families to explore ballet and opera with the Royal Opera House. The building is packed with all sorts of creative and practical activities throughout, such as live music and live performances, participatory dance activities, costume dressing up and make-up, crafts and more.

Please note this is not a performance we are going to see in the main auditorium, this is an event where the activities run in an informal setting in the different areas of the building.

Family Sundays. Royal Opera House 2015

Family Sundays. Royal Opera House 2015

Family Sundays. Royal Opera House 2015

Guided Visit and Tour

I will accompany you throughout the day and offer a guided tour to introduce the Royal Opera House, its history, artists and work.

I'm very excited the theme is the Kingdom of Sweets, I'm sure it is going to be a magical experience for the children and the perfect Christmas party for all the family.

Date and Place

Sunday, 16 December 2018

Royal Opera House

Bow Street

London WC2E 9DD

Times and Meeting Point

10am - Meet at the Royal Opera House café, Main Entrance on Bow Street + Guided Tour with me

11am - Event starts. Duration approx. 4h30

Tickets

Prices are: Child £13 and Adult £15. This includes the guided visit and tour, the booking and the event.

Children under 3 years old do not require ticket, although note they may not be able to be involved in activities for security reasons.

We have a limited number of tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment. Please note tickets are booked only when payment is made.

Tickets for our group are reserved only until Tuesday, 13 November by 1pm. Contact now to book your places!

Family Sundays. Royal Opera House 2015

Family Sundays. Royal Opera House 2015

For more information about the Family Sundays, see the Royal Opera House website.

Do not miss this for anything in the world, it is a truly magical and bonding day for all the family in such beautiful place.

I look forward to seeing you all there!

BOOKINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2018 NOW OPEN

Bookings for the new academic year are now open with priority for current students. Bookings for new students open on Tuesday 14 August.

Should you wish to enrol your child for the first time in our classes, contact now to express your interest. Bookings will be considered and places taken on a first come, first served basis.

Current students can benefit from the promotion of no joining fee if bookings are made by Tuesday 14 August.

Please note places are reserved only when payment is made.

Class news for the Academic Year 2018/19:

- We are starting a new class for children 1-2 years old and their parents. Can't wait to see those Tiny Toes in class!

- We have a new Company Class for children Year 1+. This class is a performance company class for those who love to perform and want to have a taste of what it is to be part of a dance company. Check all information in Children Classes

- We are opening a new Dance Fitness Class for Adults. Come and dance to the 80s, 90s, 00s music you like the most and have a taste of Dirty Dancing, Flashdance or other dance movies. It is a joy to stay fit with dancing! Check Dance Fitness Class

I look forward to seeing you in the new academic year!

Check our Timetable and Term Dates 2018/19 and Fees

To book, contact now:

Mafalda Rodrigues

07550 722 693 / rod_maf@yahoo.com

The Wizard of Oz - Performance & General Rehearsal

I am delighted our end of the year show is almost here! This year we will have The Wizard of Oz, a performance for all our classes and families.

Performance

Sunday, 8 July 2018

1h30pm

St Angela's Ursuline School

Forest Gate (map below)

Theatre at St Angela's Ursuline School

General Rehearsal

- for classes and parents performing only -

Sunday 1 July 2018

11am-4pm

Here follows the schedule of our General Rehearsal day:

11.00 - 11.50 ALL GROUPS TOGETHER

11.50 - 12.40 Emerald City

12.40 - 1.25 Poppies

1.35 - 2.25 Flying Monkeys

2.25 - 3.15 Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion

3.15 - 3.50 Munchkins

All groups please arrive at 10.55am. We will have a rehearsal all together, then all groups leave and come back at their own group time.

All children and parents performing must bring their fully finished costumes.

Venue address

St Angela's Ursuline School

1 St George's Road, Forest Gate

London E7 8HU

view map

I look forward to seeing you all there!

Mafalda

Places available!

After all our classes being full and over capacity throughout this year, we have now one free place in our Reception class on Wednesdays 4pm, one free place in our Parents & Toddlers class on Tuesdays 3pm, and places available in our new class Year 1-Year 2 on Thursdays 4pm.

Do not hesitate to contact should you like your child to join us. Enrolling now, your child will have the opportunity to take part in our end of the year show plus, this 2nd half of the term, we have a promotion of no joining fee.

You can check our times and venues in Timetable and also Fees.

Hope to see you soon in one of our classes!

Mafalda

The Nutcracker Workshops in Portugal - Workshops de O Quebra-Nozes em Portugal

I am delighted I am offering workshops of The Nutcracker this Christmas in Portugal.

This week I am teaching at Crescer Além da Dança ballet school in Famalicão, north of Portugal.

Groups of children from 3 years old up to adults will discover The Nutcracker ballet, the repertoire of the Royal Ballet of London.

Students will learn from my experience with the Royal Ballet School and Royal Opera House Learning and Participation, dancing to the magical Tchaikovsky's score.

I am very happy to bring to Portugal my experience and knowledge from the heart of the world of ballet in London and offer local students such opportunity.

🇵🇹

Estou muito contente de oferecer um workshop do Quebra-Nozes este Natal em Portugal.

Esta semana estou a ensinar na escola Crescer Além da Dança em Famalicão, no norte de Portugal.
Grupos de crianças desde os 3 anos até alunos adultos vão descobrir o bailado "O Quebra-Nozes", o repertório e produção do Royal Ballet de Londres.

Os alunos vão aprender desde a minha experiência com a Royal Ballet School de Londres e a Royal Opera House Learning and Participation, dançando ao som da música de Tchaikovsky.

Estou muito contente de trazer a Portugal a minha experiência e conhecimento do coração do mundo do ballet em Londres e oferecer a alunos locais tal oportunidade.

Para alunos 12 anos+ e adultos :

- Workshop intensivo que começa com uma aula técnica baseada nos métodos de ensino da Royal Ballet School e Royal Opera House e música de "O Quebra-Nozes" de Tchaikovsky
- Aprende a história do bailado "O Quebra-Nozes" e sua origem
- Explora repertório da produção de Sir Peter Wright do Royal Ballet e aprende sobre bailarinos e outras curiosidades da produção da Royal Opera House.

Os grupos, datas e preços (para alunos externos à escola):

4-7 anos > Segunda, 18 de Dezembro, 17h-19h - €18
8-12 anos > Terça, 19 de Dezembro, 17h-19h30 - €20
12 anos a adultos > Quarta, 20 de Dezembro, 14h-19h30 (inclui 30min de intervalo) - €37

Inscrição e pagamento feito com a escola Crescer Além da Dança.

Onde

Crescer Além da Dança
Rua Barão da Trovisqueira n.61
4760-126 Vila Nova de Famalicão
ver mapa
Tel.: 252 371 555

Caso necessário ou para alguma questão, contacta-me em:

Mafalda Rodrigues

0044 7550 722 693 (tambem disponível em WhatsApp) ou rod_maf@yahoo.com

Ballet Shows in London - Christmas 2017

Here is a list of ballet and dance shows for all ages and families to see in London this Christmas. I have also selected ballet-related classical music concerts and art events. I wish you a wonderful and art-inspired Christmas!

- The Nutcracker, The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House

Until 10 January 2018

http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/the-nutcracker-by-peter-wright

(mostly sold out, you can check for return tickets)

- The Nutcracker, The Royal Ballet at the ROH - Live in Cinemas

Encore of life performance on Sunday, 10 December 2017 at 2pm

Find your cinema screening >

https://www.roh.org.uk/showings/the-nutcracker-live-2017

- The Nutcracker, English National Ballet at the London Coliseum

Until 6 January 2018

https://londoncoliseum.org/whats-on/nutcracker/

- The Little Match Girl, Arthur Pita at the Saddler's Wells

Ages 5+. Until 24 December 2017

https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2017/the-little-match-girl/

- Snowman, Birmingham Repertory Theatre at the Peacock Theatre

All ages. Until 31 December 2017

http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2017/the-snowman/

- What The Moon Saw, 2Faced Dance Company at The Place

Ages 3+ and all family. From Wed 20 to Fri 22 December 2017

https://www.theplace.org.uk/whats-on/what-moon-saw

- What The Moon Saw - Workshop, 2Faced Dance Company at The Place

All family. Thurs 21 December 2017

https://www.theplace.org.uk/whats-on/what-moon-saw-workshop

- 'The Nutcracker and I' by Alexandra Dariescu - Classical music and Recital at the Barbican (Milton Court Concert Hall)

All ages. Mon 18 and Tues 19 December 2017

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2017/event/the-nutcracker-and-i-by-alexandra-dariescu-guildhall

(mostly sold out, you can check for return tickets)

Beyond ballet and dance:

Free activities for children of all ages and families at the Barbican:

- Barbican Blocks. Until 23 December 2017

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2017/event/barbican-blocks

- Basquiat: Boom for Real Family Workshops. Sat 9 December 2017 and Sat 13 January 2018

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2017/event/basquiat-boom-for-real-family-workshops

Beyond Christmas:

- London Philharmonic Orchestra: FUNharmonics Family Concerts, at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre

25 February and 10 June 2018

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/lpo-funharmonics

In need of ideas for Christmas gifts? See GIFTS AND BOOKS

Highlights of My Neighbour Totoro Show

I am delighted to present you the highlights of our last show My Neighbour Totoro. It was an amazing time and I am very glad to have it recorded on a DVD!



It is great to see all children and families dancing and enjoying this very special moment. It is a really lovely gift and memory for the future.

(If watching on a computer, click at the bottom right for full screen.)

To buy a DVD, please contact me on 07550 722 693 or rod_maf@yahoo.com.

Flying to the end of the year show

I am delighted we are having a new end of the year show. This year our show is based on My Neighbour Totoro, a Japanese animated film from 1988, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Original music score is by Joe Hisaishi.

The story is about two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to stay close to the hospital where their ill mother is. The film is about the two girls' interactions with their new surroundings and the friendly wood spirits they meet in rural Japan.

With the beautiful animation, magical landscapes and wonderful music, it is an inspiring and so heart-warming story for all ages.

This year the venue is the Theatre at the Oxford House, in Bethnal Green, East London. Also, we are having a professional dance filming team to film the performance and produce a DVD, so exciting!

Saturday, 1 July 2017

12h00 noon

Oxford House

Derbyshire St

London E2 6HG

Oxford House, Bethnal Green

I can't wait to see our school together to culminate the year in a wonderful end of the year performance - and you are all invited!

Mafalda

See our previous years' shows:

2014/15 Under The Sea

2015/16 'Still Life' at the Penguin Café

The Nutcracker Repertoire Workshop for Adults

Thursday, 16 February 2017

6.15 - 7.30pm

ISTD2 Studios, London EC1

I am delighted to offer The Nutcracker Repertoire Workshop for adult ballet learners. It is open to all levels.

The Nutcracker programme, Royal Ballet 2016/17

In this workshop you will learn repertoire of the Royal Ballet's production, which I have learned directly with Nathalie Harrison, First Artist of the company. The repertoire piece is for all abilities.

You will also learn about the story, choreographers, music, and other curiosities of this enchanting ballet. The workshop will be set to Tchaikovsky's wonderful score.

No experience needed, only lots of enthusiasm to have a good time.

Price

Per person - £20

If you bring a friend - £15 each

To secure your place, payment should be made by bank transfer. You can also pay on the day, but we cannot guarantee you a place.

Bank details
Name: Mafalda Rodrigues
Sort code: 20-46-57
Account no: 03174301
Reference: Name Nutcracker

Time

6.15 - 7.30pm

There is another booking at 7.30pm, so we will have to finish on time. I will be in the studio at 6.00pm and we can start as soon as everybody is ready.

Where

ISTD2 Studios - the Basement Studio
346 Old Street
London EC1V 9NQ
view map

Numbers are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

To book your place, contact Mafalda on 07550 722 693 or rod_maf@yahoo.com

I look forward to seeing you there!

We have weekly ballet classes for adults. More info in Adult Classes.

Ballet Storytelling Session - The Nutcracker

Wednesday, 15 February 2017

3.00 - 5.00pm

Hackney Forge, London E9

I am delighted to invite you to our first ballet storytelling session we are having this half term break.

If you are looking to entertain the little ones with a quality activity, what better to do than to let your imagination dive in one of the most beautiful ballet stories of all times, The Nutcracker.

This storytelling session is open to all ages and all family.

Here children and adults will listen to the story of The Nutcracker as in the Royal Ballet production, told along with the magical Tchaikovsky's score.

Children and adults will also have the chance to try some gestures and dance movements unique to this enchanting ballet.

Prices

Child & Adult - £15

Sibling or friend - £10 each

Extra adults are free. Children can also come without parents.

Where

Hackney Forge
243a Victoria Park Road
London E9 5HD
view map

Numbers are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

To book your place, contact Mafalda on 07550 722 693 or rod_maf@yahoo.com

I look forward to seeing you there!

Workshop de Ballet no Porto (Portugal) - O Quebra-Nozes

Quarta, 28 de Dezembro

19h00 - 21h00

Olá a todas/os! Estou muito contente de oferecer um workshop de ballet na zona do Porto nestas datas festivas do Natal, perfeita altura para mergulhar na magia do Quebra-Nozes.

Sendo originalmente do Porto e tendo dado os primeiros passos de ballet no antigo Parnaso, é com muito entusiasmo e carinho que ofereço pela primeira vez um workshop na minha terra natal.

Mal posso esperar poder juntar antigas alunas e amigas com quem nos diferentes momentos nos cruzámos a dançar. Junta-te a nós, vem partilhar memórias e o amor pela dança!

Workshop

O workshop será uma aula técnica seguida de repertório do Quebra-Nozes do Royal Ballet (Londres). Vem dançar o Quebra-Nozes com a inspiradora música de Tchaikovsky.

Neste workshop vou introduzir a história do Quebra-Nozes e produção do Royal Ballet; música e curiosidades; e dar a conhecer o trabalho da Royal Opera House e do Royal Ballet.

Programa de The Nutcracker (O Quebra-Nozes), Royal Ballet 2016/17.

Como professora formada pela Royal Opera House e Royal Ballet School, o workshop vai reflectir a minha experiência com estas instituições, seus métodos de ensino e departamentos educativos de divulgação, e com bailarinos actuais e outros profissionais. Tragam as vossas perguntas!

Nível

O nível é geral, adaptado aos participantes, mínimo 1 ano de experiência. Todos são bem-vindos a partir dos 14 anos.
Workshop é também adequado a professores que queiram expandir conhecimento técnico e de repertoire.

Encontro

Antes do workshop podemos encontrar-nos em hora a combinar e partilhar memórias, trazer fotos, contar histórias e conhecer antigo/as aluno/as. Sugestões bem-vindas!

Vem desfrutar do ballet e sempre encantador Quebra-Nozes. Aprende mais sobre o mundo do ballet e dança com amigos!

Reserva já, lugares limitados.

Preços

€19 por pessoa

Traz um/a amigo/a - €15 por pessoa

Quando

Quarta, 28 de Dezembro

19h00 - 21h00

Onde

CulturDANÇA
Rua Tenente Valadim, 662
Candela, Vila Nova de Gaia
ver mapa

Para reservar lugar, por favor contacta:

Mafalda Rodrigues

0044 7550 722 693 (disponível também em WhatsApp) ou rod_maf@yahoo.com