Morning commuters at one of London's busiest stations were treated to an unexpected and elegant ballet performance that brought a touch of theatre to the daily rush. The surprise routine took place aboard a South Western Railway (SWR) train at Clapham Junction, stunning passengers with its grace and precision.
Royal Academy of Dance Showcases Talent
The performance was delivered by a teenage ensemble from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance, as part of their Senior Scholars programme. The dancers, including Mbayang Ndiaye, Lydia Asteriadi, Isabelle Drysdale, Corin Baylay-Bel, and Maddalen Bueno-Goti, executed a beautifully timed routine featuring pliés, penchés, and ports de bras. Their choreography created the illusion of extended lines, captivating onlookers with a display of skill and artistry.
Celebrating Railway Expansion
The ballet was staged to mark the expansion of SWR's new Arterio fleet, which now comprises 35 trains serving 96 stations across the network. Key destinations include Guildford, Dorking, Hampton Court, Reading, Windsor, and Shepperton. The increased capacity of the fleet, which offers 50% more space, was elegantly demonstrated by the dancers as they performed in the carriage.
Elizabeth Honer, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Dance, expressed pride in the partnership with South Western Railway. "With a history spanning more than a century, the Royal Academy of Dance is proud to be partnering with South Western Railway to celebrate the extension of its Arterio service," she said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase the 'extended lines' of our talented dancers while celebrating the innovation of the Arterio trains. Our mission is to inspire the world to dance - and we very much hope that our dancers inspired people on the trains today."
Enhanced Travel Experience
The Arterio trains are designed to improve the commuting experience with features such as Wi-Fi and charging points at every seat. Peter Williams at South Western Railway highlighted the benefits, noting, "Customers across our suburban network are seeing more and more Arterio trains bringing greater comfort and, as passengers saw today, even enough space for a ballet performance. We now have 35 Arterios in service, operating on more than 400 journeys every weekday to 96 stations, and it was wonderful to be joined by students from the Royal Academy of Dance to celebrate these milestones."
The rollout of the Arterio fleet is expected to support aspiring dancers from across the South West, making it easier for them to travel into London for lessons and opportunities. This initiative aligns with the Royal Academy of Dance's global reach, connecting a community of over 400,000 students through its international network of dance teachers.
