Wyvern Theatre, Russian State Ballet & Opera House to Partner for Local Tap Dancer

Throughout the run of Russian State Ballet and Opera House's visit at the Wyvern Theatre, front of house volunteers will be encouraging patrons to donate money in support of local tap dancer Matt Pidgeon and the England tap dancing team. On Monday 4 November, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will perform The Nutcracker; and on Tuesday 5 November, they will perform Romeo and Juliet and bucket collections will be held after each performance.

"Our long-term project is to try hard to involve more local dance students and dancers and to integrate them in our future productions," said the producers of the Russian State Ballet and Opera House. "We are delighted to support Matt, a local tap dancer, as he attempts to raise funds for the self-funded England tap-dancing team."

Since the England tap dancing team are completely self-funded, Matt is now fundraising for his share of the £25,000 it costs for the team to be able to compete.

"Training for the world championships is intense yet exciting," said Matt Pidgeon, 15. "The fund-raising support provided by the Wyvern Theatre along with the Russian State Ballet and Opera House is greatly appreciated as it allows me to focus efforts on my training."

"We were extremely keen to support Matt, who has performed at the Wyvern Theatre a number of times with the Summer Youth Project," said Marketing Manager Richard Loftus. "It made sense that we should look to raise funds for a local dancer when a dance performance was taking place and The Russian State Ballet and Opera House were more than happy to help."

The Nutcracker transforms the classical ballet into a fairy-tale, with a timeless score from incredible composer Tchaikovsky. This certified Russian classic, replete with evocative music and beautiful dance, has captured the imagination of many generations over the years and continues to attract audiences worldwide.

Romeo and Juliet is probably the world's best known love story. William Shakespeare's story of Romeo and Juliet was one of the first works of literature to inspire ballet choreographers, so perfectly suited to dance are its drama, romance and tragedy. Set to one of Prokofiev's most evocative scores, this production is filled with beautiful dance, riveting battles, and compelling drama, all amidst stunning production designs.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will return to the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, with The Nutcracker on Monday 4 November and Romeo and Juliet on Tuesday 5 November. Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.

In February 2014, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will come back to Swindon with Bizet's Carmen, an opera performed to a large, live orchestra. Tickets are now on sale.

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