Beauty & The Beast Ballet by Kate Simmons Ballet School

Contacts : -
Kate Simmons School (Warrington, Cheshire).
Tel 01925 837693
website: www.katesimmons.co.uk

Dear Simon,

Kate Simmons Ballet School is putting on Beauty and the Beast at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester at the end of April.

Regards
Caroline

N.b. reported by Caroline Ferreira - see the complete letter, and an appeal for a Vincent face-mask by clicking here.

- Item added 19th February 2002

Further news from Caroline...

Although the storyline is the fairytale version, the love story between Vincent and Belle is especially emotive in dance and I was quite taken aback when I saw the first rehearsal of Vincent in costume.

- Item added 27th March 2002

Extra photos added April 2002 (from Caroline) : -

Photograph from the programme by Elaine Mayson (professional photographer) the two of the Beast by me, as he was leaving for his dressing room after rehearsal yesterday. Remember he is only 'viewed' from a minimum of 20 feet - where his mask lines will not be visible!!

- Item added 24th April 2002

Beauty and the Beast 2002

When Northern Ballet Theatre presented Dracula, a large part of the audience every night was made up of 'Goths' in their dramatic black 'Adams family' attire. NBT, not slow to get into the spirit of things, was even selling garlic along with its programmes! I was reminded of this event during the construction of a particular costume for Kate Simmons School 2002 Production.

The age old love story of Beauty and the Beast , has been portrayed many times on film, as a Disney classic and particularly as a modern day hit TV series in the late 80's featuring 'Vincent' as the very attractive 'beast'. As with Star-trek, the popularity of the TV series captured the hearts of many with tales of romance, courage, and love. 15 years on numerous 'Vincent' fan clubs and B&B websites across the world are still thriving.

Vincent (Ron Perlman) was portrayed as half beast, half man existing in 'a labyrinth of dark tunnels and twisting corridors, a world inhabited by those who could not find a place in the world Above'.

When I was asked to design costumes for Beauty and the Beast, a ballet choreographed by Kate Simmons, there was only one beast that I had in mind. Although Kate's production would follow the traditional story, I just had to have a Vincent character for the beast. Pouring over images of past 'Beasts' I was struck by how ugly and fearsome they all were. Going with the premise 'everything is beautiful at the ballet, I set to work creating a beast in the image of Vincent.

The rough woodsman type clothing proved no problem, Vincent's hair was easy enough, shortened at the side to be able to see while dancing. The big problem was Vincent's face (mask).

Noticing the numerous B&B websites, I posted a request on the international 'Classic Alliance of Beauty and the Beast' (CABB) message-board. To my amazement I got several responses and in less than a week an e-mail from the USA offering a Vincent mask bought some 12 years ago for a B&B Convention. It was in storage somewhere in Canada and 10 days later it arrived! I cannot thank Angela and her parent enough. Interest from the UK B&B fan club grew and requests from British fans for venue and dates was quite brisk, although I must point out that it is the fairytale story and a ballet, but starring Vincent!.

The pressure was on though, if members of the B&B fan club did come, they would be expecting to see a decent Vincent! The mask was a basic brown rubber, featuring the recognisable bone structure - and nothing else. I would have to build the face myself. After a visit to the arts and crafts shop I spent several evenings building the beast using a picture of Vincent as a guide. There were a few necessary changes, the eye holes needed enlarging and I cut the lower jaw off the mask for facial expression. I also cut nostrils for extra air. He would still have limited vision especially when looking down, but I knew he would adapt.

The mask is finished and Royce, who is playing the part, has had a first rehearsal in it. He makes a wonderful Vincent! I watched him do the pas de deux with Belle and he IS Vincent. The school touring company 'Allegrodance' is visiting schools in the North West this month with displays of contemporary, jazz, tap, Spanish, modern and ballet. The B&B pas de deux will be 'shown' at some of these performances and I shall be eagerly awaiting the feedback!

The ballet will be presented as part of a triple bill to be held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on the 26 and 27 April,
and should any Beauty & the Beast Vincent fans make it, I hope they will enjoy seeing Vincent perform as much as I have enjoyed re-creating him.

Vincent is played by guest artist Royce Neagle (ex NBT, Ballet de Rhin) and Belle by Daniella Ferreira (16) second year classical student at the Kate Simmons School. All other roles are played by the students, except for a guest appearance by Juan Sanchez (ex London Festival Ballet), as Belle's father.

Mrs F (the costume lady)

- Item added 27th March 2002