New Children's Ballet THUMBELINA Opens at Artscape on 24 October

THUMBELINA, a brand new children's ballet based on the enchanting fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, opens on Friday 24 October at Artscape in Cape Town. A Cape Town City Ballet Youth Project, the production forms part of the company's 80thanniversary celebrations and is choreographed by Robin van Wyk.

A magical ballet for the whole family, THUMBELINA tells the story of the little princess and her journey from being born in an acorn to marrying her handsome fairy prince, Cornelius. True to the original story, the stage is set to come alive with Jitterbugs, Snow Crystals, Blue Birds, Mice and Chickens, performed by young ballet dancers from across the Cape Peninsula.

The role of Princess Thumbelina will be danced in turn by Elizabeth Nienaber, Mariëtte Opperman, Cleo Ames and Meghan Henegan, while the role of handsome Prince Cornelius will be shared by Ivan Boonzaaier, Revil Yon, Conrad Nusser and Craig Pedro.

Thumbelina will be presented by Cape Town City Ballet at Artscape from 24 October until 1 November. Performance dates are 24 October at 19h30, 25 October at 14h00 and 19h30, 26 October at 15h00, 30-31 October at 19h30 and 1 November at 4h00 and 19h30. Ticket prices are R100 and R120, with a low-price preview on 24 October costin R70. Bookings at Computicket (0861 915 8000) or Artscape Dial-a-Seat (021 421 7695).