Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Tuesday 09 November 1948

Ballet Invades Coalfield and Captures Children.

If the Arts Council of Great Britain intended to bring ballet to a mining audience when they presented the St. James Ballet Company at the Miners’ Welfare Hall, Goldthoipe, last night, they did not achieve their aim. If they intended to bring ballet to miners’ children succeeded admirably.

A very large part of the packed hall was filled with excited children and very small part by colliery workers. Mr. Richard Glasswell, of Thurnscoe, one of the only three mlneworkers there, said: “I am very glad I came. If I had not come here I would have gone to the pictures. It is very interesting and seems hard work.”

The Company, which is composed of first-class artists under the direction coalfields and children of Alan Carter, were making their first appearance in Yorkshire. Dearne Valley Urban Council had helped arrange the visit.

The young audience appreciated the entire presentation, which was a well balanced programme of the classical style, romantic ballet, divertissement, and ballet cycle form.

The broadly humorous “The Catch” appealed most strongly to the youngsters, who received it with uproarious delight, and the more serious items in the programme did not amiss.

The Company, who travel by bus, are staying at present in the Queen’s Drive Miners’ Hostel, Doncaster, and will appear at Doncaster Grammar School later this week.