Royal Ballet to collaborate with people who have MS to choreograph dance routine
‘To be able to dance somewhere like the Royal Opera House is truly a dream come true,’ says dance routine participant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Royal Ballet is to work with a group of people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) to help them choreograph their own dance routine.
As part of a collaboration between the Royal Ballet and the MS Society, the three-month project will culminate with a performance in the Paul Hamyln Hall at the Royal Opera House.
It will consist of a routine that has drawn inspiration from the opera The Cellist, which tells the story of musician Jacqueline du Pré.
Du Pré, a British cellist, had to stop performing at the age of 28 after she was diagnosed with MS.
Many of the participants who learn the routine will have never danced before.
When 43-year-old Londoner Bea Pulco was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago, she said she became depressed because she wasn’t sure how her diagnosis would impact her future.
“But, now, to be able to dance somewhere like the Royal Opera House is truly a dream come true,” she said.
“I honestly can’t explain how much it means – I feel like I can do anything.”
Ms Pulco explained that she used to do ballet when she was younger, saying: “Dance makes me feel free.”
Ed Holloway, director of services at the MS Society, described the prospect of the dance routine as “exciting”.
“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,” said Mr Holloway.
“That is thankfully far from the truth – whatever your level of mobility or experience.”
He added that “all kinds of movement” can be beneficial for individuals with MS, as it can help to improve their mood and “even some symptoms”.
MS is a lifelong autoimmune condition that affects the brain and the spinal cord.
It can result in a wide range of symptoms, including issues with vision, balance and movement.
In October 2018, Cruel Intentions star Selma Blair revealed she had been diagnosed with MS.
Earlier this year, Blair updated her fans on how she has been coping since her diagnosis, stating: “Every day is a struggle.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments