Classical Training’s Residential At White Lodge
White Lodge Residential Course
Tuesday 14th – Friday 17th April
(Left to right) Sophie Hall, Matthew Valentine and Megan Hughes
Megan Hughes, Sophie Hall, Matt Topliss and Matthew Valentine recently attended a residential course for Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) students. Here is their account of the week . . .
Over the Easter holiday four Level 5 students from the Classical Training Professional Division attended a residential course at White Lodge. The residential was offered to students training at the Centres for Advanced Training (CATs) across the country. The course was designed to allow students to experience life at a vocational school whilst also giving us the opportunity to be taught be different teachers and to meet students training on similar courses at different places.
Megan Hughes and Matt Topliss taking part in a ballet class with other CAT students
The course lasted four days and during this time we had lessons in Hip Hop, Ballet, Repertoire and Creative work. At the end of the course a presentation was put on for parents and teachers to demonstrate some of the skills we had been working on.
The ballet teacher who taught the NBT students was Antonio Castilla. He was a very inspirational tutor and also gave us great advice. We were taught some rep from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Jessica Clarke. This was very enjoyable and it was valuable to hear her advice as she has recently performed in this production herself.
Sophie Hall and Matthew Valentine in ballet class
It was good to meet other CAT students and find out about their training. As three out of the four NBT students will be moving away to vocational schools in September, it gave us a fantastic insight into what we might soon be experiencing.
Overall it was a really good experience and we have come away having gained some brilliant advice and some new friends. Hearing corrections from other teachers always helps to further instil them and we feel that we have really come away as better dancers.
(Left to right) Matthew Topliss, Matthew Valentine, Sophie Hall & Megan Hughes
NBT Kicks Off Sheffield Tour at Meadowhall
Photo: Darren Goldsmith
Northern Ballet Theatre will be twirling into Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield on Saturday 21 March for a fun filled event to launch the Company’s Sheffield tour, which runs at the Lyceum Theatre from 24 – 28 March.
Why not come down to Meadowhall on Saturday and watch some of NBT’s most promising students giving several short performances throughout the day and you can even join in yourself with energiser sessions to help you kick start your weekend. The event will be held from 11am – 2pm on Park Lane so there is plenty of opportunity to come along, take part and have some fun.
New Open Classes
At Northern Ballet Theatre, all instruction is based on healthy physical principles. Our Open Classes allow students to train with leading professionals in a relaxed and friendly environment. Ballet is a great way to keep fit regardless of age. It improves alignment and helps posture.
Weekly classes as follows:
NEW for 2008 – Intro to Ballet
Thursday 17:30-18:30
Introductory classes for children aged 8-10
NEW for 2008 – Adult Beginners Ballet
Thursday 18:45-20:00
No experience required. 18+
Intermediate Ballet
Monday 19:00-20:30
Intermediate Foundation Standard and Above
Men’s Class
Wednesday 17:30-19:15
Intermediate Foundation Standard and Above
All classes are held at Northern Ballet Theatre’s Studios
at the West Park Centre on Spen Lane in Leeds.
For more information on these classes visit our website
or contact the Classical Training Dept.
classicaltraining@northernballettheatre.co.uk
More money for dance
In March, the Government announced that it would be investing a further £5.5 million in dance following the publication of the Dance Review, written by the Royal Opera House Chief Executive Tony Hall.
The funding would be invested in, amongst other schemes, six new Centres of Advanced Training (CATs) between now and 2011. NBT, in partnership with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, set up the first CAT in the UK and remains the only CAT for classical dance.
David Nixon has responded to the announcement:
“An investment in young people is an investment in the future. As the very first Centre for Advanced Training, Northern Ballet Theatre has seen first hand the effect this kind of funding can have on young people. I feel strongly that we must develop high standards and quality access across the country and this announcement makes huge steps towards achieving these goals.”
Read a dance industry responce by Dance UK
Read about our Centre for Advanced Training
Classical Training Auditions
The closing date for applications for Classical Training Auditions is looming so please make sure you send in all applications by Monday 18th February in order to make the deadline. We have classes to suit all ages and abilities ranging from intensive pre-vocational training programmes to Open classes.
To download an application pack or to find out more about the associate programme, international summer school and the Yorkshire Young Dancers Pre-Vocational training programme please go to the Classical Training Pages or call the Classical Training department on 0113 274 5355
Upcoming Classical Training Events
Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT) and Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) will hold an open dance class in Leeds on Sunday 20th January 2008 at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds, LS16 5BE. The open day is an opportunity for young dance enthusiasts from NBT’s hometown, and across Yorkshire, to sample a ballet or contemporary dance class and learn more about the Yorkshire Young Dancer (YYD) Scheme. The open day is free and must be booked in advance through NBT’s Classical Training department on 0113 274 5355, email: classicaltraining@northernballettheatre.co.uk
Northern Ballet Theatre - News Blog 
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