Ballet for £1

LCB’s mission is to enable people in isolation and those who would not normally have access to theatre, to see ballet at minimum cost.

Every year LCB gives nearly 2,000 tickets to its annual production for £1 - 25% of all tickets available. The £1 tickets go to selected primary schools, to charities for disabled or disadvantaged children and elderly people.

Groups then attend one of two matinée performances, which include opportunities for audience members to meet the cast. Many in the audience have never been to the theatre before, and for the majority this is their first experience of classical ballet.

For all primary schools that attend Ballet for £1, LCB offers a free dance workshop in their school, themed around the seasons ballet., find out more at the bottom of this page. The schools matinée performances are always lively and fun. The dancers love performing for their peers and children find it particularly inspiring to see children of their own age on stage. For teachers considering registering their school for next year, not only does your school receive substantial subsidised tickets but we prepare an Education Pack that is given to each Ballet for £1 school in the months before the show. The pack includes engaging lesson plans that introduce children to the concept of ballet and to key elements of the story they will see in the theatre enhancing curriculum.
LCB’s charity groups, include those who support the elderly, vulnerable adults and children. Many elderly charities support those who live in acute isolation, often struggling with mobility or illnesses associated with older age. Outings are rare, as are opportunities to interact with young people.
LCB also encourages children’s charities and other organisations that support the community at large, to participate in the programme.
At LCB’s Ballet for £1 matinées, a team of dedicated volunteers are on hand at the theatre to welcome guests and help them to their seats, and our young dancers meet audience members following the performance. Charities the experience is uplifting and transformative, providing a beautiful memory that is the subject of discussion for months afterwards.
Booking for Ballet for £1 (2024) is now open.
Please email lara@londonchildrensballet.com to register your interest.

Watch the Ballet for £1 Film

Find out more about the impact that Ballet for £1 performances, had on audiences, after they watched a performance of Snow White at the Peacock Theatre in 2023

“We feel in our school that in addition to providing our pupils with skills and knowledge, we also must provide them with rich experiences that will give them a context for writing and inform the way that they understand their reading. LCB provides them with an experience that they can’t get anywhere else.”

Ballet for £1 Primary School Teacher
“The ballet began, and our group were mesmerised: The décor, the music, the outfits, the choreography, the colours, even the lighting transported us to another world.”

Charity Group Leader
“Pupils were able to engage in a first experience. It also challenged misconceptions on ballet.” “It was inspiring for all children, especially the boys, to see others, just like them, achieving and working towards their goals.”

Ballet for £1 Primary School Teacher
“The performance raised everyone’s spirits. It’s particularly uplifting for the elderly to have contact with the young. The ballet helps take our minds off our illnesses, as well as enabling them to get out and see the beautiful dancing. Some of our tenants have dementia and we were worried they may not enjoy it and be restless. We could not have been more wrong they were enthralled from beginning to end as we were. On our way home, they talked non-stop about our wonderful experience.”

Charity Group Leader

School Workshops

For all primary schools that attend Ballet for £1, LCB offers a free 2 hour dance workshop in their school, themed around the ballet the children are watching at the theatre.

The aim of these workshops is to expand horizons and break down perceived barriers to ballet. Workshops are fully interactive, led by two dynamic dance teachers and a professional pianist.

A short film, featuring LCB young dancers, introduces children to ballet and teaches some of the basics. Children then have a chance to try ballet steps and engage with creative tasks. The pianist introduces the children to different style of music including classical and some rhythm exercises. The students learn about movement, choreography and costumes.