The festive season took on a truly magical feel for a group of guide dog owners and their puppies in training, who were treated to a special behind-the-scenes experience at The Royal Ballet and Opera House. The unique touch tour, inspired by a puppy named Clara, allowed participants to explore the enchanting world of the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker.
Puppies and Principals: A Festive Collaboration
The event, held as the final countdown to Christmas began, was a collaboration between The Royal Ballet and the charity Guide Dogs. It was inspired by Clara, a 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 the immersive tour.
Participants were able to handle and examine fantastical props and costumes from the production. These included the iconic Nutcracker doll, the intricate King Mouse head, and whimsical set pieces such as a motorised sleigh from The Land of Treats. For many, it was a chance to 'see' the performance through touch.
Breaking Down Barriers to Festive Joy
The joyful event shone a light on the ongoing challenges faced by people with sight loss during the festive period. New research released by Guide Dogs for the occasion revealed that 83% of people with sight loss would love to participate in traditions like seeing a show such as The Nutcracker. However, accessibility remains a significant barrier, with almost two-thirds (60%) stating they have been deterred from attending a cultural event due to concerns about access.
The data also highlighted the transformative impact of a guide dog. 86% of people with sight loss said having a guide dog makes them feel more confident attending public events, while 77% agree it allows them to enjoy festive activities more freely.
A Commitment to Inclusive Experiences
For Reece Clarke, the experience was profoundly moving. "Bringing the ballet to life for everyone is a real privilege," he said. "Watching guide dog owners explore the costumes and feel the performance through touch really shows the magic of inclusion." He credited the Sponsor a Puppy scheme for enabling such moments of shared joy and independence.
Kate Millard, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The Royal Ballet and Opera, emphasised the organisation's commitment. "Making the arts accessible to everyone is at the heart of what we do," she stated. "Touch tours, audio description, and other accessibility features enable guide dog owners to experience the magic of the ballet firsthand."
The cast also got involved, with First Dancer Bomin Kim, who plays Clara, meeting six-month-old puppies in training, Edie and Fabio. Steph Potter, Puppy Sponsorship Manager at Guide Dogs, expressed delight at the collaboration, noting it helped "reopen a magical world" for people with vision impairment.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive design in cultural spaces, ensuring the magic of Christmas performances can be enjoyed by all.
