A musical career can be exhausting as your constantly giving your all each performance, mentally and physically.
Not only do you have to embody singing and dancing perfection, but you have to look the part as well. The show’s visuals are a main part of the escapism experience.
No one knows this better than new mum Charlene Ford. She lives for life on stage and loves her exciting job as a professional dancer.
When she found that she was expecting, the mum thought that this part of her life would come to an end.
For, there is no such thing as part-time work in the West End...
Until now, that is.
After having her beautiful baby boy Jenson, the mum convinced her superiors to allow her to return to her dream job as a part-time employee.
Charlene is receiving recognition worldwide for paving the progressive path for acting mums.
“Massive congratulations to @charlene_ford31, who is currently performing her first show back at @42ndstreetldn after becoming a mother! She is the first person to return to the West End on a split time basis, sharing her track with @jenny.legg for the remainder of the run."
“It is a massive step forward in terms of how mothers are treated in the theatre industry! Good on you girl!” the mum’s co-worker raved.
Another commenter called her re-hire “a momentous occasion for our industry”.
Renowned choreographer and dance teacher Joanna Goodwin said: “Thrilled for the wonderful super woman @Charleneford85 who went back to @42ndStreetLDN tonight and is the first woman on the west end to JOB SHARE."
Thrilled for the wonderful super woman @Charleneford85 who went back to @42ndStreetLDN tonight and is the first woman on the west end to JOB SHARE #SuperWoman having had her beautiful baby jenson
— Joanna Goodwin (@JoGoodwin87) September 10, 2018
This is life changing for women on the west end and the first of many I hope
“This is life changing for women on the West End and the first of many I hope.”
Congratulations to Charlene for making history in the acting industry, and we are so glad that you get to continue your dreams while enjoying motherhood as well.
