Matthew Bourne presented with Waltham Forest Heritage Plaque (2019) by Andrew BakerOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
New Adventures, Sir Matthew Bourne’s award-winning dance-theatre company, were dancers in residence at Walthamstow's Roger Ascham Primary School, offering students a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Legend of the Forest
Sir Matthew Bourne OBE is one of the UK’s best-loved choreographers. Raised in Waltham Forest, Sir Matthew attended the borough's Roger Ascham Primary School as a child.
Today, along with his company New Adventures, he is dedicated to investing in the future of dance and the next generation of artists. As Waltham Forest became the first London Borough of Culture in 2019, it provided a perfect opportunity for Sir Matthew and New Adventures to return to the borough and embark upon this ambitious project.
Honouring his achievements in dance and choreography, Sir Matthew Bourne was awarded a Waltham Forest Heritage Plaque, which was installed at his former primary school.
Roger Ascham Primary School Students in rehearsals with New Adventures (2019) by Alicia ClarkeOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
School days
Roger Ascham Primary School is a busy school in Waltham Forest, east London. The school was selected to be part of the Dancers in Residence project because of its links with Sir Matthew Bourne.
Over a number of weeks, the whole school worked with dance artists from Matthew Bourne's New Adventures to learn about dance, choreography and more.
Roger Ascham Primary School Students in rehearsals with New Adventures (2019) by Alicia ClarkeOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
Working together
Using New Adventures' signature storytelling style, three dance artists from the company delivered this unforgettable experience with the whole school, culminating in a performance of Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker by the children at Walthamstow’s Assembly Hall.
Dance artists led assemblies on gender stereotypes, followed by dance workshops, allowing every child at the school to take part in this creative dance project and embark on an astonishing journey of discovery. The children were able to learn new skills and explore ideas like never before.
Matthew Bourne's New Adventures 'Dancers-in-Residence' at Roger Ascham Primary SchoolMayor of London
Students from Roger Ascham Primary School perform at Walthamstow Assembly Hall (2019) by Alex Harvey-BrownOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
Showtime
After weeks of rehearsals, all 500 students from Roger Ascham Primary School took to the stage at Walthamstow Assembly Hall to present a sold out performance of Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker.
Students from Roger Ascham Primary School perform at Walthamstow Assembly Hall (2019) by Alex Harvey-BrownOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
Students from Roger Ascham Primary School perform at Walthamstow Assembly Hall (2019) by Alex Harvey-BrownOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
Students from Roger Ascham Primary School perform at Walthamstow Assembly Hall (2019) by Alex Harvey-BrownOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
Students from Roger Ascham Primary School perform at Walthamstow Assembly Hall (2019) by Alex Harvey-BrownOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
Sir Matthew Bourne with Dance Artists and Students from Roger Ascham Primary School (2019) by Andrew BakerOriginal source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
That's a wrap
Projects like Dancers in Residence are an essential part of the Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 programme. One of the core aims of the year is to offer more opportunities for more people to engage and enjoy arts and culture.
Who knows, perhaps one of the young people that took part will become the next superstar of dance and choreography...
New Adventures is led by one of the UK’s best-loved choreographers, Waltham Forest native Sir Matthew Bourne OBE.
Students from Roger Ascham Primary School performed Matthew Bourne's the Nutcraker to a sold out audience at Walthamstow Assembly Hall on Fri 15 Mar, 2019.
For more information about Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 please visit wfculture19.co.uk
