The Ballet Pod

Founded in 2007, The ballet pod is a family run community company which has been serving the local community of Chirk and further afield across Wales and Shropshire for over 15 years. 
The company was established by siblings Esme Marie Sallnow, Michael and Ann Wall, under the artistic direction of former Royal Ballet dancer Richard Slaughter. Having worked with Richard in his company New Ballet Creations, the idea developed of a community company with the aim of bringing ballet and performance to more rural areas and to those who cannot easily access and enjoy the art of ballet.
The Ballet Pod has chosen as its signature emblem, a black wheelie bin, kindly provided by Wrexham County Borough Council, and collaged by the company. This symbolises the company’s commitment to ecological sustainability, through the creation, wherever possible, of its own costumes and props, made from recycled materials and customised pre-loved clothing.
Since its beginnings, the Ballet Pod has performed a wide repertoire of ballet, other dance forms and song, at a range of venues including theatres, community halls, care homes, play-groups, libraries, bookshops and schools. It also has an educational outreach offering children’s workshops and performance experience. 
The Ballet Pod has performed at various events across the UK, including the National Eisteddfod of Wales. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wrexham Histories Festival, Ulverston Music Festival and the Berwick Ballet Initiative. The dancers of the Ballet Pod have since branched out and continue to run the company themselves.