Witnessing hundreds of Bradford schoolchildren perform on stage alongside professionals from the nation’s leading arts institutions unexpectedly moved me to tears.
Their vibrant performance, celebrating Bradford as “Five hundred and thirty thousand hearts / Our brilliant city of many parts,” genuinely evoked a strong emotional response.
The youthful energy and aspirations of this young generation, showcased in one of the UK’s youngest cities (nearly 30% of Bradford’s population is under 20), was profoundly touching.
Ten-year-old Aiza, a first-time participant, enthusiastically expressed her desire to repeat the experience. Nine-year-old Zuriel described singing with the Royal Opera as “exhilarating and exciting.”
Over 2,000 Bradford children participated in Sing Dance Leap, an unprecedented collaboration between the Royal Ballet and Opera, Opera North, and Northern Ballet, culminating in a unique performance at the renovated Bradford Live theatre.
This large-scale participatory project, commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, is the largest of its kind created by and for young people.
The performance is inspired by the children’s perspectives on their city. Nine-year-old Toby highlighted the privilege of performing, a rarity for many, and expressed his love for Bradford’s pleasant landscapes.
Ten-year-old Hidaya celebrated Bradford’s diversity, while nine-year-old Willow emphasized the city’s culinary variety and recreational spaces.
For many, this marked their first exposure to ballet and opera. Opera North’s vocal coach, Marie Claire Breen, who worked with the children for months, explained how they demystified opera, emphasizing storytelling through personal experiences and emotions, rather than solely focusing on traditional vocal techniques.
Royal Ballet dancer Tom Whitehead, a Bradford native, shared his journey, highlighting the past stigma surrounding dance, and emphasizing that the project’s goal is not solely to identify future stars but to foster broader participation.
Observing the children’s growing confidence throughout rehearsals ignited a sense of wonder about the potential impact of this project. While the long-term effects remain unknown, Jillian Barker, the Royal Ballet and Opera’s director of learning and participation (also a Bradford native), expressed hope that this initiative might inspire future generations of artists.
The project’s primary goal is to expand arts access and inspire creativity. This outreach, particularly in underprivileged areas, is crucial to the organizations’ mandate and their Arts Council England funding.
Composer Will Todd considers such programs invaluable, stating that inspiring community participation is a pinnacle achievement for these arts institutions.
The children’s newfound confidence, evident in their improved posture, is a testament to the project’s impact, and this confidence will undoubtedly extend to other areas of their lives.
Tom Whitehead’s encouraging message to the children: “Have your ideas, dream big and don’t be afraid to go for it,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this inspiring initiative.
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