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
NBT students are excellent!
Seven of NBT’s students performed at excellent! at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on Tuesday 15 July. excellent! was a celebration of the achievements of this country’s most talented young dancers and musicians. NBT’s students performed a piece by choreographer Sharon Watson, alongside seven students from the Northern School for Contemporary Dance (NSCD), to music composed by the Yorkshire Young Musicians (YYM).
The students spent three days in London and stayed at The Tring Arts Educational School. On the day before the performance the students rehearsed with the NSCD students and YYM at Sadler’s Wells to make sure they were ready for their big performance the following day. The excellent! performance was a fantastic success and the students met other young and talented dancers and musicians from across the country. All the students did the Company proud, well done everyone!
Joshua Ockerby who is in the third year of NBT’s Professional Training Division said, “It was amazing to perform on stage at one of the most famous dance venues in the world, I enjoyed every minute of it and hope I get to do it again soon! “
L&A August update
As the weather improves and the summer finally begins, we look forward to the summer projects that we will be delivering throughout August.
We kick things off with Get Creative, a week long project combining music, movement and masks. Delivered in collaboration with Opera North, 17 young people aged 12 - 13 will have the opportunity to create their own masks and develop movement and songs to create a piece to be performed to family and friends at the end of the week.
Read the rest of the update here.
‘Breathing Space’ Project
Learning & Access continue partnership with Pyramid of Arts
We have once more been working with Leeds based organisation Pyramid of Arts on ‘Breathing Space’, a project that is exploring the benefits of dance and physical movement with a group of adults with profound and multiple disabilities. So far four sessions have been held and participants have really enjoyed working with NBT Dance Education Officer Caroline Burn. The project finishes on 21 July.
Julia Piggott, Creative Director at Pyramid of Arts said, “Working with movement and live music will give these adults a chance to be creative and increase their movement skills in a safe environment. It also provides everyone, with and without a disability, an opportunity to communicate and socialise.”
L&A July update
We are now recruiting participants for this summer’s Gallery 37 Plus, a five-week (3 days a week) dance training programme for young people aged 16 to 24 who are not currently in education or employment. Working with professional dance artists Sharon Watson (ex-Phoenix Dancer and Rehearsal Director ) and NBT’s Dance Education Officer, Sophie Alder, participants will learn about dance technique and create their own dance piece for a performance at The Carriageworks on 4th September.
Learning & Access - June Update
Over the past two years, we have been working in partnership with Beckfoot School, Innovation North - Leeds Metropolitan University and Creative Partnerships on an exciting project called Symbiosis, exploring dance through science and science through dance. This multi-faceted project is culminating this summer with the launch of an interactive DVD at a conference for teachers, educators and arts specialists at Beckfoot School in Bingley on Wednesday 16 July 2008.
L&A May Update
The ‘Dancition’ Festival which took place on the 16th April at Park Lane High School was a huge success and everyone involved in the project thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Representatives from the project sponsor HBOS watched as the 4 primary schools and 1 secondary school performed the dance pieces that they had devised over the Spring term, ranging from a sports inspired piece to an alien invasion! Following the success of the event, we are delighted that HBOS will be sponsoring another project in the area in the Autumn.
Dancition News
Dancition project in Calderdale Schools
Our Dancition project, supported by the Halifax, involves four primary schools and a secondary school from Calderdale, and aims to increase the understanding and enjoyment of dance and creativity as a way of learning, to develop teachers’ skills in delivering dance activity and to aid the transition from primary to secondary school. The project has involved a teacher inset session, workshops for pupils in school, and a trip to the theatre to see a Northern Ballet Theatre production. During the spring term, the schools have been developing a piece of dance to be performed at the Dancition Festival at Park Lane High School on Wednesday 16th April.
Our project with Northern Ballet Theatre
By Samantha Kaye, Year 5 at Withinfields Primary School
When Northern Ballet Theatre came into our school
Our teachers were from the Northern Ballet. Their names are Sophie, Kate and Richard. Richard is a pianist. He played fast and slow music and we dance in different ways depending on the sort of music. Sophie was showing us what to do and to do it in time with the music. Kate was at the back showing people at the back what to do so they knew what to do.
The workshop in school
We did lots of different moves, trying different ways to move around the hall like skipping, tippey toes, running, hopping and walking fast and slow and lots more. It was a bit tiring at some times depending on what you were doing.
Visiting the Grand Theatre to see The Nutcracker
The theatre was very nice and the dances were very posh and professional. You could hear the sound the dancers’ shoes were making on stage. The music was just right for the dance they did, like when the soldiers shoot their gun at the rats and rat king. The rat king was very mean to the Nutcracker - he was his enemy. The costumes were very nice like the Nutcracker’s. They had all the main features.
Making our own dance - The Big Top
There will be acrobats, tightrope walkers, clowns, lions, horses, magicians and much more. I am playing the tightrope walker and magician’s assistant. We are using tricks, handstands, cartwheels, wobbling and much more. Mr Collins gave us some of the ideas and we had some too.
“I’m relaxed and looking forward to it.” Emily Rushton
“Really excited but a bit nervous.” Chloe Deery
“I’m excited but a bit scared. I might fall off the tightrope.” Natasja Ackroyd
“Very excited but a little worried in case I forget my words.” Jessie Deery
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
L&A April Update
Dance Education Officer Caroline Burn springs into action this month as she joins the Company on tour to Belfast, London and Norwich. As well as leading workshops in local schools, she will hold Get Closer events at theatres. The events, such as Ballet Explored, Pre-performance talks, touch-tours and audio described performances provide a unique insight into the Company and the production to enhance your theatre visit…
Montagu Junior School - India Project Final Sharing
Last week saw the end of our project at Montagu Junior School in Mexborough, which combined creative dance workshops and narrative writing activities during the 5-week project with Year 5 pupils.
The project, involving NBT Dance Education Officer Sophie Alder, Creative Writer Maya Chowdhry and Learning & Access Manager Rashmi Sudhir from Kala Sangam encouraged pupils to improve their vocabulary, self-esteem and literacy skills while exploring themes from the ancient Indian festival of Holi, including new beginnings, seasons, colour and play.
We ended the last day with an informal performance for peers and parents, sharing some of the written work the children had produced and dances they had created from their stories. All pupils made noticeable progress during the course of the project, developing the confidence to express their ideas and proudly took ownership of the characters they created through words and movement, and stories they told through them. It was a great end to a fantastic project!
Hamlet - Teacher’s Resource Pack
A Teacher’s Resource Pack is now available for NBT’s production of Hamlet.
To download the pack or for more teacher’s resources, visit NBT’s Learning & Access pages here.
Easter Course next week…
There are still a few places available on our ‘Urban Tales’ Easter Course so hurry and book your place today.
Energise your Easter break with this exciting fusion of contemporary dance and popular urban dance techniques. You will have the chance to learn and create your own dances, accompanied by live music, led by NBT dance education officer Sophie Alder and urban dance artist Ed Stephen.
When: Tuesday 1 April - Friday 4 April 2008
9.30am - 3.30pm daily
Where: West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds, LS16 5BE
Who: Anyone aged 11-16
Cost: £65
Download the application form today [application form] or for more information contact Kate on 0113 274 5355 or email kate.laho@northernballettheatre.co.uk
For more information click here
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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
L&A January Update + Talks & Events News
The Learning & Access department’s monthly update can be found China Report: Integrated Paralympics Dance Project, Beijing 2007
The Integrated Paralympics Dance Project - Young Advocates Programme, Developing the Paralympic Spirit brought together a large group of partners. - Working in partnership with Northern Ballet Theatre were the British Council (the cultural and education section of the British Embassy) and the China Disabled Persons Federation. This project is the first in a programme of work developing the skills of the Beijing Young Advocates who will meet with their international counterparts in September 2008 at the start of the Paralympics in Beijing.
Whilst the Company was performing in Wuxi and Hangzhou, our Learning and Access Department were busy working on a very special project in Beijing
On Friday 14 December we met with Junhong from the British Council who showed us around the venue were we would be delivering the workshops. She introduced us to some of the participants and representatives from the different organisations who have been involved in bringing the project together in China. After a long journey it was great to see that all our arrangements had been put into place and everything was ready for starting work the following Monday.
This left the weekend for a little team building exercise of sightseeing, very kindly our interpreter Zhili showed us around Beijing - Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Royal Gardens, traditional markets and finished off with the Temple of Heaven. On Sunday we had a stroll around a Chinese Antique Market and got very good at bartering with the stall vendors!
Monday morning back to work, after a very busy Press Launch we started to create movement with the group and develop ideas for the final presentation on Friday afternoon. It was great to work with such enthusiastic young adults who are willing to join in and learn new skills.
Working with 20 young adults with and without disabilities, the group worked to create a piece of dance that was performed at the end of the week and through the process developed communication, confidence, leadership and team working skills.
Integrated Paralympics Dance Project, Beijing 2007
Learning and Access
On Friday we met with Junhong from the British Council who showed us around the venue were we would be delivering the workshops. She introduced us to some of the participants and representatives from the different organisations who have been involved in bringing the project together in China. After a long journey it was great to see that all our arrangements had been put into place and everything was ready for starting work on the Monday.
This left the weekend for a little team building exercise of sight seeing; very kindly our interpretor Zhili showed us around Beijing, Tijianamen Square, the Forbidden City, the Royal Gardens, traditional markets and finishing off with the Temple of Heaven. On Sunday we had a stroll around a Chinese Antique Market and got very good at bartering with the stall vendors!
Monday morning back to work, after a very busy press launch we started to create movement with the group and develop ideas for the final presentation on Friday afternoon. It is great to work with such enthusiastic young adults who are willing to join in and learn new skills.
Info about the project;
Integrated Paralympics Dance Project, Young Advocates Programme, Developing the Paralympic Spirit. Working in partnership with Northern Ballet Theatre, the British Council (the cultural and education section of the British Embassy) and the China Disabled Persons Federation. This project is the first in a programme of work developing the skills of the Beijing Young Advocates who will meet with their international counterparts in September 2008 at the start of the Paralympics in Beijing.
Working with 20 young adults with and without disabilities, the group will be creating a piece of dance that will be performed at the end of the week and through the process develop communication, confidence, leadership and teamwork skills.
Selina McGonagle
Director of Learning & Access, NBT
Get Closer Events
This week, audiences have the chance to get closer to the action of The Nutcracker with a number of events at Leeds Grand Theatre. Ballet Explored on Thursday is a chance to watch the dancers take their daily class on stage, as well as finding out more about the company and the production with a talk by company dancer, Andrew Davidson.
And then on Saturday, there is a chance for the whole family to get creative and join in the festivities at our Nutcracker Family Fun Day. Children and adults alike will have fun making masks and headdresses in the craft workshop, and learning steps from the show in the dance workshop, before sitting back to enjoy the matinee performance of The Nutcracker.
Ballet Explored - Thursday 6th December, 11.15am - 12.15pm. £2.50
Nutcracker Family Fun Day - Saturday 8th December, 10am - 12.45pm. £4 children / £7 adults. Ticket deals available for the matinee performance
To book for these events, call the Leeds Grand Theatre box office on 0870 122 2815
L&A December Update
“This month our Dance Education Officers have been a busy getting pupils in the festive spirit with school workshops based on the Nutcracker. Bradford Girls Grammar School enjoyed their third residency of the year when Caroline Burn worked with Year 9 students on a two day Nutcracker project…”
November E-Newsletter
NBT have just sent out their monthly E-Newsletter.
“We are currently conducting a survey of our audiences to find out about what you think of Northern Ballet Theatre. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win 4 tickets to any production next season…”
The Nutcracker Fun Weekend
A magical weekend of fun at Eureka!
We will be visiting Eureka! - The Museum for Children in Halifax on the 24 and 25 November. Join us for a special weekend of dance and events to celebrate Northern Ballet Theatre’s magical Christmas production The Nutcracker.
There will be lots of fun activities throughout the weekend so keep checking our website for further details. For further information about Eureka visit:
L&A November Update
This month we have kicked off our exciting Dancition project in Calderdale with a Teacher Inset session and workshops with the Primary Schools. The teacher inset session proved enjoyable and successful, with teachers responding to set tasks and then creating their own to teach, as well as generating ideas for leading their own schemes of work…
Light Night Images
Last Friday night, some of NBT’s Classical Training students took part in a class in Leeds City Centre.
This event was part of the third Leeds Light Night, an astounding city-wide cultural extravaganza on the night of October 12th. Photos by Amy Dutton.
Dance at Light Night
Ever wanted to have a go at a ballet class? Well, this Friday night, some of NBT’s Classical Training students will be doing class in Leeds City Centre and we’d love you to join them. Come along between 6 and 7pm outside the Art Gallery if it’s dry or in The Light if it’s wet.
This event is part of the third Leeds Light Night, an astounding city-wide cultural extravaganza on the night of Friday October 12th. Check www.lightnight.co.uk for full details, & email james.hill@leeds.gov.uk for a copy of the brochure. Be a tourist, a night-tripper & a sight-seer in your own city.
L&A October Update
Learning & Access News:
We are busy this month with school workshops to accompany the brand new production of The Nutcracker which opens at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on 11th October. As well as Nutcracker workshops in Manchester and Sheffield, we will also be leading workshops based on the classic tale, Romeo and Juliet in Bradford.
