WA Ballet charms Pilbara kids

Karratha residents young and old were treated to a dance spectacular this month when the West Australian Ballet came to town. The Red Earth Arts Precinct was one of three stops on the company’s 2021 regional tour that brought two shows to Port Hedland, Karratha and Kalgoorlie. The younger crowd enjoyed the 30-minute fun and energetic children’s ballet The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, before A Gala Evening with WA Ballet saw a tasting plate of acclaimed short works and excerpts presented. Snugglepot dancer Keigo Muto grew up in Japan and went to school in Monaco before joining the Perth-based company. He said he hoped performing in the regions would help inspire the next generation of dancers. “The kids enjoyed the show. It’s always good to spread the arts and the enrichment that people get from that,” he said. “Snugglepot and Cuddlepie is really like the first ballet for kids. It’s an introduction to an arts experience, something where they can do a bit of movement afterwards and have some fun.”