Royal Ballet dancers and stars of West End show Les Misérables have today united to to highlight the mental health challenges many performers have faced due to the pandemic.
They have created an original song and dance piece, entitled Hush, which also aims to highlight the importance of the UK’s performing arts sector at a turbulent time for many creatives.
The piece was written by musical theatre composer/lyricist Kath Haling with additional musical arrangement by Harry Haden-Brown. Vocals were provided by West End performer Leo Miles - previously of Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.
The dance was choreographed by Erico Montes, former First Artist of the Royal Ballet, and features dancers from the organisation including Benjamin Ella, Harry Churches and Giacomo Rovero.
Haling said: “2020 has been an extremely chaotic and challenging year with many people feeling anxious about factors beyond their control. Add to this the noise from social media and pressure of so-called ‘toxic productivity’, there is little respite from what can all-too-often feel like a tsunami of pressure and negativity. The idea for Hush came from a need to find peace and quiet in amongst the overwhelming noise felt by many during lock-down.”
