Guide dogs and playful pups experienced the magic of The Nutcracker at a special Royal Ballet touch tour, showing that Christmas classics can be accessible to everyone
It’s time for the paw de deux!
A group of guide dog owners and puppies in training experienced the magic of The Nutcracker at The Royal Ballet and Opera House as the final countdown to Christmas begins.
The event was inspired by Clara, the playful pup who fronts this year’s Sponsor a Puppy scheme, and is named after the ballet’s heroine.
Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Reece Clarke, a newly appointed Guide Dogs ambassador, joined guide dog owners Kimberly Heal with dog Dalby and Anica Zeyen with Maisie on a behind-the-scenes touch tour.
They were able to explore some of the fantastical creations made for the ballet including the Nutcracker doll, the intricate King Mouse head and whimsical set pieces such as a motorised sleigh from The Land of Treats.
“Bringing the ballet to life for everyone is a real privilege,” Reece said. “Watching guide dog owners explore the costumes and feel the performance through touch really shows the magic of inclusion.
“Experiences like this wouldn’t be possible without the Sponsor a Puppy scheme, which help people with sight loss gain the independence to attend and enjoy these moments fully. Seeing their excitement reminds me why giving support and opportunities in this way matters.”
The cast of The Nutcracker, including First Dancer Bomin Kim who plays Clara, also got to meet six-month-old puppies in training Edie and Fabio.
New research by Guide Dogs has revealed that 83% of people with sight loss would love to participate in festive traditions such as seeing a show like The Nutcracker.
But accessibility remains a barrier as they often feel unable to attend or fully participate. Almost two-thirds (60%) said they have wanted to attend a festive cultural event but were deterred by concerns around accessibility.
Among people with sight loss, 86% said having a guide dog makes them feel more confident attending public or cultural events, while 77% agree it allows them to enjoy festive activities more freely.
Steph Potter, puppy sponsorship manager at Guide Dogs said: “We’re committed to opening the world for people with sight loss by providing life-changing guide dogs.
“We’re thrilled to see The Royal Ballet & Opera also reopening a magical world for people with vision impairment like Anica. It’s been amazing collaborating with the Royal Ballet & Opera to celebrate our Sponsor a Puppy pup Clara.”
Kate Millard, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at The Royal Ballet and Opera, added, “Making the arts accessible to everyone is at the heart of what we do. Touch tours, audio description, and other accessibility features enable guide dog owners to experience the magic of the ballet firsthand.
“We are pleased to see that 60% of people with sight loss feel their friends and family are becoming more aware of inclusive events, as we know accessible experiences are enriching for everyone.”
Guide Dogs’ Sponsor a Puppy scheme is a chance to give a thoughtful gift that makes a real difference this Christmas.
For information about upcoming accessible performances at The Royal Ballet and Opera, visit here.
