David Nixon awarded an OBE in New Years Honours
Northern Ballet Theatre’s (NBT) Artistic Director, David Nixon, has received an OBE for services to dance in the New Year Honours list announced today.
David has made a significant artistic contribution to narrative dance in the UK and has been instrumental to the continued growth and success of NBT since taking over as Artistic Director in 2001. His creative output is prolific; in the past nine years he has choreographed nine new full-length ballets for NBT. David is committed to taking the highest quality dance to audiences throughout the country, bringing together collaborators at the top of their field to create new ballets with exceptional production values. He has also placed great importance in providing opportunities for young people throughout the North of England to access high quality classical dance training without having to leave home through the expansion of NBT’s classical training programmes.
On hearing of his award David Nixon said: “I am overwhelmed that I have received this Honour. Coming at the end of NBT’s 40th Anniversary year it is the icing on the cake to a wonderful year for the Company and for me personally. I would like to thank everyone who endorsed my nomination, the team at NBT for their hard work and dedication and especially my wife, Yoko Ichino for her unwavering support.”
Dame Monica Mason, DBE, Director of The Royal Ballet supported David’s nomination: “David Nixon has made the most tremendous contribution to NBT and to classical dance in the UK. His energy and his capabilities are astonishing and he is held in the highest regard within the profession.”
Claude-Michel Schönberg, celebrated composer of Les Miserables and NBT’s Wuthering Heights added: “David Nixon creates new works with original stories, newly commissioned scores and innovative choreography; its modernity remaining accessible to a wide ranging public. His work reaches out to the British public, bringing culture to towns and cities far from the main cultural centres of the UK. In 20 years time a young British dancer will explain his vocation in the theatre as a result of attending, one night, the performance of a ballet by David Nixon in a small town where he grew up.”
The Honour is the latest in a string of awards recognising David’s work. David was voted Director of the Year by readers of Dance Europe in 2003 and 2006; he remains the only Artistic Director to ever have won the accolade twice. Under his Direction NBT received the audience award at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards for three successive years (2004, 2005, 2006), this is the only award voted for by members of the public. In 2009 NBT received the Patron’s award recognising the work the Company has done to raise the profile of dance in the UK.
In 2010 NBT will move into a new purpose-built headquarters in central Leeds. Led by David’s vision the building will be a powerhouse for inventive dance and a leading centre for narrative dance research.
David Nixon started his career at the National Ballet School of Canada where he became a principal dancer. In 1985 he joined the Deutsche Oper Ballet in Berlin where he won the Critics Award for Best Male Performance.
Nixon left Berlin for a series of principal guest artist positions with National Ballet of Canada, Bayerisches Staatsballett, Munich and Royal Winnipeg Ballet before returning to Deutsche Oper Ballet in 1994 as first ballet master. David has also appeared as a guest artist for a number of international ballet companies including: Birmingham Royal Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Sydney City Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
In 1994 David became Artist Director of BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio USA and in 2001 Artistic Director of Northern Ballet Theatre in the UK.
Memories in the Making
2009 has been a wonderful year for Northern Ballet Theatre and a chance to reflect on our many achievements over the past 40 years. We asked some of our contacts in the press to tell us about their favourite NBT moments and memories and these are just a few:
Jayne Regan’s amazingly poignant Juliet – when she curls into a foetal position at her death the audience sat in stunned silence, apart from sobs, before the roars of approval; the moment when the thunderstorm breaks and the rain pelts down over the body of Tybalt and Lady Capulet; Jeremy Kerridge’s dazzling Mercutio and inimitable Scrooge; Denis Malinkine gliding down the staircase in the Brotherston designed Dracula; Keiko Amemori dancing in despair as doomed Butterfly in Nixon’s powerful solo; the marvellous score for A Christmas Carol with its live voices and final snow scene; the inventive sets and Miss Havisham perched on her conch-like tower in Great Expectations; Jonathan Olivier smouldering in leather as Heathcliff; the train puffing out of the station and all the brilliant slapstick of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Michael Pink’s haunting Strange Meeting.
I will never forget when I was with the company in Istanbul with Romeo &Juliet and we heard of Princess Diana’s death. Christopher came on stage in the amphitheatre overlooking the Bosphorus and paid tribute to her. It was pouring with rain and thousands of people were wearing plastic macs provided by the venue and all you could hear was dripping and sobbing. The next day we went to the British Consulate for a service. Members of the orchestra played and in the book of condolence Massimo Moricone wrote: “Amor Vincit Omnia”.
Stephanie Ferguson
Dance Critic and member of the Critics Circle
I remember the first time I saw NBT’s Dracula when it premiered in 2005. It was also the first ballet my partner had seen and he came out of it absolutely entranced. I love it when I invite someone who has never considered going to see dance before and they come out of it inspired and completely transformed in their views. The absorbing sensuality of NBT’s Dracula remains a sure hit for such occasions.
Ali Schofield, Leeds Guide, Plush Magazine
I have many favourite moments watching NBT, but I particularly love David Nixon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I think the solo where Hippolyta is saying a heartbreaking farewell to her dancing shoes is very moving and wonderful. I also love the way the studio converts into a train in seconds, and the frantic foursome with Helena and co is very funny.
David Bellan, Oxford Times
I have always loved the Northern Ballet Theatre’s version of A Christmas Carol and always look forward to seeing that at Christmas. It’s such a lovely show and makes me feel really festive. My sister worked behind the scenes on the show, back in the early 1990s, and I first went to see it then. It blew me away. I’m sad that I never got to see A Simple Man but I have loved many other productions, particularly Peter Pan – a great show for children – and Romeo & Juliet which is one of the most moving ballets I’ve ever seen.
Emma Clayton, Telegraph & Argus
An Enchanted Evening
On Such a Night by Gillian Lynne - Photo Bill Cooper
On Saturday 12 December Northern Ballet Theatre’s Anniversary Gala Performance took place in front of a packed out auditorium at the Grand Theatre in Leeds.
Stars of the ballet world joined NBT dancers on stage to celebrate the Company’s 40th birthday and together created a truly enchanting evening.
The evening featured artists from the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Rambert Dance Company and Phoenix Dance Theatre. Dancers from Ballet Du Rhin, Zurich Ballet and Les Ballets de Monte Carlo travelled to the UK especially to perform at the Gala.
NBT performed the world première of a short dance created especially for the anniversary by Gillian Lynne, respected choreographer of Cats, Phantom of the Opera, and NBT’s own signature work A Simple Man.
NBT soloist Victoria Sibson performed Ossein, a short dance choreographed by Wayne McGregor, resident artist of the Royal Opera House and Artistic Director of Random Dance Company.
Powerhouse Rhumba by David Nixon - Photo Bill Cooper
Another highlight of the evening was David Nixon’s breathtaking new work Powerhouse Rhumba: “a sensational showcase” (The Times) which he created especially for the performance.
The Anniversary Gala was performed in aid of the momentum capital fundraising campaign for NBT and Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new purpose-built home in central Leeds. It was attended by over 14,000 people including NBT’s Patron, HRH The Earl of Wessex, and raised in the region of £60k.
HRH, The Earl of Wessex greets the performers at Northern Ballet Theatre's Gala Evening - Photo: Lisa Stonehouse
Birth of a Christmas Ballet…
A fantastic article about Northern Ballet Theatre and putting on a large-scale ballet in The Independent this week…
What does it take to put on a Christmas dance spectacular? Jonathan Brown goes behind the scenes at Leeds Grand Theatre to witness the organised chaos…
Peter Pan Leeds Casting
Updated (18 December)
Buy tickets for Peter Pan from Leeds Grand Theatre.
Leeds Grand Theatre Box Office:0844 848 2701
Information & Photos of Northern Ballet Theatre’s production of Peter Pan.
Please note, casts are subject to change without notice.
Wednesday, 23 December
Evening, 7.00pm
- Peter Pan: Ashley Dixon
- Wendy: Pippa Moore
- Hook / Mr Darling: Darren Goldsmith
- Neverbird / Mrs Darling: Victoria Sibson
- Tinkerbell: Antoinette Brooks-Daw
- Shadow: Ben Mitchell
- John: Sebastian Loe
- Michael: Jeremy Curnier
Thursday, 24 December
Matinée, 2.00pm
- Peter Pan: David Ward
- Wendy: Ayana Kanda
- Hook / Mr Darling: Christopher Hinton-Lewis
- Neverbird / Mrs Darling: Nathalie Léger
- Tinkerbell: Michela Paolacci
- Shadow: Jeremy Curnier
- John: Guiliano Contadini
- Michael: Ashley Dixon
Saturday, 26 December
Evening, 7.00pm
- Peter Pan: Ashley Dixon
- Wendy: Pippa Moore
- Hook / Mr Darling: Kenneth Tindall
- Neverbird / Mrs Darling: Hannah Bateman
- Tinkerbell: Michela Paolacci
- Shadow: Ben Mitchell
- John: Sebastian Loe
- Michael: Jeremy Curnier
Sunday, 27 December
Matinée, 4.00pm
- Peter Pan: David Ward
- Wendy: Ayana Kanda
- Hook / Mr Darling: Christopher Hinton-Lewis
- Neverbird / Mrs Darling: Ginnie Ray
- Tinkerbell: Isabella Gasparini
- Shadow: Ashley Dixon
- John: Yoshihisa Arai
- Michael: Jeremy Curnier
Older Dates…
Children’s thoughts on their first ballet
As it draws near to Christmas you might think that things are quieting down here at Northern Ballet Theatre but it’s as busy as ever for the Learning and Access team as our START project gets into full swing.
Last Thursday we had 400 school children come to Leeds Grand Theatre to watch a performance of A Christmas Carol and I have to say, it took a lot of organizing but it was an amazing day and well worth all the effort! From the moment they arrived in the foyer, the children started getting excited as they recognized Caroline and Sophie who had already been into their schools to teach a workshop, and there was an excited buzz around the theatre as children bought sweets and drinks for the show.
As they settled into their seats for the performance, which for some was their first time to a theatre, there were many wide eyes as they admired the ornate Victorian auditorium. David Nixon welcomed them and then the children were engrossed throughout the performance. The cheering and clapping at the end was incredible – I could hear it from out in the foyer! It wasn’t only the children who enjoyed the show, the teachers I spoke to afterwards were in raptures about the performance and one even said it was better than Disney’s new blockbuster film!!
After we had got some of the pupils on to their buses and on their way home, some of the schools stayed behind to see a half hour demonstration by NBT’s technical team about how the production is put together. The stage manager described how she runs the show to make sure all the scenery comes in at the right point and the lights change on time, and the technicians gave away the secret of how the snow is made. The pupils came up with some great questions about how the trap door works, how long it takes to put the show together, and how they made the set, which gave them a new understanding of the creation of the magical show.
The will all be back in the theatre in February to see As Time Goes By and I hope they are as excited second time round because when the auditorium was full of eager children, the atmosphere was electric and the theatre really came to life.
START is supported by The Princes Foundation for Children and the Arts and is in partnership with Leeds Grand Theatre.
Video photos by Brian Slater
Gillian Lynne – On Such A Night
On Saturday night Northern Ballet Theatre performed the world première of On Such A Night, a short dance created especially for the Company’s 40th Anniversary by Gillian Lynne. Best known for her choreography of Cats and Phantom of the Opera, Gillian also created NBT’s own signature work A Simple Man. We spoke to her in the rehearsals of On Such A Night about the work itself and why she so loves working with NBT.
Older podcasts can be listed to on the Northern Ballet Theatre website.
Be part of Northern Ballet Theatre’s future…
View Northern Ballet Theatre Academy’s new brochure for 2010/2011 and find out how you can train alongside the company in our brand new purpose built dance centre. With programmes for all ages and abilities there are opportunities for everyone who wants to dance.
For our Professional Division and Associate Division entrance is by audition only and the closing date for applications is 22nd February so don’t delay, click here to download the form now!
Please give Hannah or Becki a call on 0113 274 5355 if you have any questions.
Academy Brochure
NBT Dancers Spread Festive Cheer on School Roadshow
Pupils at Armley Primary School in Leeds got a special treat on Tuesday when dancers Anna Blackwell and Daniel Clarke came along to speak to pupils as part of Northern Ballet Theatre’s School Roadshow. The Armley pupils were delighted to meet the dancers and were especially excited to see them in costume and even demonstrating a few ballet moves.
Anna said, “It’s great to come and meet school children in Leeds, especially when they are coming to see the performance like these children are on Thursday. They all seemed to learn something new about ballet, it was lovely to meet them all and speak to them about life as a professional dancer.”
Anna Blackwell & Daniel Clarke with pupils from Armley Primary School, Leeds
The School Roadshow is now in its third year and Catherine and Stephanie (from NBT’s Communications department) have visited more than 100 schools, introducing more than 8,000 children to the world of ballet.
- For further information on the NBT School Roadshow please get in touch with Catherine Mullany, 0113 274 5355
Young choristers still singing praises…
Pupils from Calverley C of E Primary School are still feeling the excitement after singing at Leeds Grand Theatre on the opening night of A Christmas Carol. See what two more of their pupils had to say about the whole experience:
In the competition it was hard work and lots of choir practice on the two carols. We spent two hours trying to record the song. It was worth it. Getting into the final was the best experience EVER!
John (the music director from the Northern Ballet Theatre) came and did a workshop with us. Then on Wednesday 26.11.09 we went to West Park for the competition. I liked listening to all the other choirs singing and seeing what they thought of us. I was so thrilled when we won, I couldn’t tell you.
At the Grand it was really big backstage with lots of dressing rooms. We saw lots of props and costumes of the dancers and we had a practice before we went on. Behind the curtain was nerve racking as we waited for the curtain to rise. Surprisingly I wasn’t nervous when the curtain went up I just sung my best and was proud of my achievements. When the songs ended I was really proud of myself and my school.
By Naomi Calvert
Singing at the competition in front of 4 other school choirs was quite nerve racking because it was the first time I’d performed in front of people at a singing performance. So I was relieved when I sat down with the others. I was so surprised when they called out our school as the winners.
At the Grand we practised a couple of times and then it was the real thing. The curtain went up and 2000 eyes were on us. This was our only chance to sing well. Mrs Putsman was delighted at how well we sang and so was I.
We all had a really great time singing at the Grand.
By Jessica Edwards
Scrooge brings festive cheer to young patients in Leeds
Some very special guests attended Leeds Grand Theatre on Sunday. Young patients from Leeds Teaching Hospitals came to see Northern Ballet Theatre’s A Christmas Carol at which tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from mealy-mouthed skin-flint to the most famous champion of Christmas spirit.
Photo: Brian Slater
After the show the young patients were joined by Scrooge and other characters from the production for a VIP tea party and games. The patients, their families and staff were treated to tickets to the performance and the tea party courtesy of NBT sponsor, Accenture.
Photo: Brian Slater
Sharon Edwards from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals says: “We cannot thank NBT and Accenture enough for giving some of our younger patients the opportunity to go along and see a performance of A Christmas Carol. What a magical experience it was, especially as they got to meet some of the cast, their little faces were such a picture! The patients who came along all have long-term illnesses and conditions and are regularly receive treatment here. On behalf of all the children and their families, a very big thank you.”
Photo: Brian Slater
Primary choir take centre stage
After beating the tough competition Calverley C of E Primary School were the winners of our 2009 Choir Competition. The all-important prize was to sing live on stage at Leeds Grand Theatre, on the opening night of A Christmas Carol. There couldn’t have been a better way to kick off the festive season. To see footage of their performance keep checking our advent calendar on the NBT homepage. Here is what some of the children thought of their experience:
Great excitement from the choir as we pulled up outside the Grand Theatre. We were all thrilled to be there. We went in and Stephanie took us to the studio. We had a practice in the studio and on the stage. It was huge! There were about 1000 seats. We went back downstairs and waited for the performances to start. At 7.00pm the curtain went up and there were about 1000 faces looking up at us. I think we were all scared but so excited!
We all enjoyed it and would love the opportunity to do it again.
By Amy Whitley
There was great excitement. The curtains opened, I was so nervous. We sang my most favourite Christmas song of all time, Holy Child/ In the Darkness. The audience cheered and clapped. I was so proud of myself and my friends. I could see in the corner of my eye mums saying “Good Work!” and giving us thumbs up. There was 1000 people watching us and believe me that was a marvellous experience. I honestly couldn’t believe we were performing at the Grand Theatre in front of 1000 people.
Thank you for this opportunity. If it wasn’t for Mrs Weeks and Mrs Putsman I would of just been dreaming about it. It was amazing!!!
By Alice Ruth Turk
Family Fun Days
Saturday morning truly marked the beginning of the festive season for me as we had the first of our Family Fun days, this one based on A Christmas Carol. We played games, re-created our own version of the phantoms ghostly dance, sang carols and Christmas songs from the show and even got dressed as if Scrooge on Christmas morning… Parents and kids alike had a great time (even the dad who had been sent by his wife without a clue of what he’d be doing) and I’m looking forward to the next on Peter Pan.
We’ll become Pirates and Lost Boys as we create our own version of Neverland, learning steps from the show, making up dances and crafts with Caroline (who is known for her love of glitter, paints, glue and anything messy).
Perfect for getting in the festive mood and a break from the shopping… or from the family if you send the kids along with dad!
Sophie
Dance Education Officer
- Peter Pan Family Fun Day Details
- Leeds Grand Theatre
- Box Office: 0844 848 2701
- Sat 19th Dec, 10am – 12.45
- Tues 22 Dec, 10am – 12.45pm
Alumni Rehearsal #1
Here are some candid shots from the Alumni rehearsal this morning at West Park…
A Christmas Carol Alumni Cast Sheet
We have some news on who will be performing in our Alumni performance of A Christmas Carol at Leeds Grand on Sat 5 December.
Here’s the cast list, presented in no particular order*
- Scrooge: Jeremy Kerridge
- Bob Cratchit: William Walker
- Ghost of Christmas Present: David Kierce
- Beadle & Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Steven Wheeler
- Mr Fezzywig: Matthew Hunt
- Lover: Bendik Mildestveit
- Tavern pas de deux: Simon Kidd & Lynsey Brown
- Young Scrooge: Omar Gordon
- Carol Singer & Christmas Parade: Benoit Burg
- Nephew’s Wife: Viki Westall
- Belle: Shannon Parker
- Ghost of Christmas Past: Lorena Vidal
- Sister: Keiko Amemori
- Hags: Graciela Kaplan, Chiaki Nagao & Charlotte Talbot
- Mother: Natalie Leftwich
- Mrs Fezziwig: Fiona Wallis
- Mrs Cratchit: Polly Benge
All other parts will be dancedby the current Northern BalletTheatre Company.
*Please note that the cast can change at any time up to the performance.
Alumni Warming Up…
There’s an excited buzz in the air at West Park this morning. Alumni from the last 20 years have arrived to take class and then rehearse for tomorrow evening’s performance of A Christmas Carol at Leeds Grand Theatre.
It’s amazing to see so many faces from the years in what is a packed studio for class this morning and there’s a great atmosphere as old friends are reunited and old movements remembered!
Here are some photos to give you an idea! We’ll pop back later when rehearsals start and bring you some more photos.
Update more photos:
A Christmas Carol – Leeds Cast Sheet
Buy tickets for A Christmas Carol from Leeds Grand Theatre.
Leeds Grand Theatre Box Office:0844 848 2701
Information & Photos of Northern Ballet Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol.
A Christmas Carol (Photo: Bill Cooper)
Please note, casts are subject to change without notice.
Wednesday, 2 December
Evening, 7.00pm
- Scrooge: Christopher Hinton-Lewis
- Young Scrooge: Kenneth Tindall
- Belle: Martha Leebolt
- Bob Crachit: Martin Bell
- Mrs Crachit: Victoria Sibson
- Ghost of Christmas Past: Ayana Kanda
- Ghost of Christmas Present: Jeremy Curnier
- Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Yi Song
- Nephew: Giuliano Contadini
- Nephew’s Wife: Hannah Bateman
Thursday, 3 December
Matinée, 2.00pm
- Scrooge: Darren Goldsmith
- Young Scrooge: Christopher Hinton-Lewis
- Belle: Pippa Moore
- Bob Crachit: Hironao Takahashi
- Mrs Crachit: Nathalie Léger
- Ghost of Christmas Past: Julie Charlet
- Ghost of Christmas Present: Tobias Batley
- Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Michael Berkin
- Nephew: John Hull
- Nephew’s Wife: Martha Leebolt
Evening, 7.00pm
- Scrooge: Sebastian Loe
- Young Scrooge: Hironao Takahashi
- Belle: Michela Paolacci
- Bob Crachit: Tobias Batley
- Mrs Crachit: Nathalie Léger
- Ghost of Christmas Past: Isabella Gasparini
- Ghost of Christmas Present: David Ward
- Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Darren Goldsmith
- Nephew: Yi Song
- Nephew’s Wife: Victoria Sibson
Friday, 4 December
Evening, 7.00pm
- Scrooge: Martin Bell
- Young Scrooge: Darren Goldsmith
- Belle: Lori Gilchrist
- Bob Crachit: Kenneth Tindall
- Mrs Crachit: Dreda Blow
- Ghost of Christmas Past: Pippa Moore
- Ghost of Christmas Present: Christopher Hinton-Lewis
- Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Yi Song
- Nephew: Hironao Takahashi
- Nephew’s Wife: Hannah Bateman
Julie Charlet as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Darren Goldsmith as Scrooge in Northern Ballet Theatre's A Christmas Carol (Photo: Bill Cooper)
Buy tickets for A Christmas Carol from Leeds Grand theatre.
Leeds Grand Theatre Box Office: 0844 848 2701
Information & Photos of Northern Ballet Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol.
Please note, casts are subject to change without notice.
Male & Female Dancer Auditions
Northern Ballet Theatre is the UK’s leading touring company giving over 160 performances each year in the UK and abroad. Our repertoire is a varied and imaginative mix of classic ballets and newly commissioned works.
We are holding an audition in London on Sunday 24 January 2010 and are looking for the following dancers for our 2010/11 seasons:
Male & Female Dancers
You will need to be technically and physically strong,creative dancers.
Please submit full CV by post (which must include height, weight, date of birth, nationality) and recent full-length classical dance photos and DVD if available to:
David Nixon, Artistic Director, Northern Ballet Theatre, West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE
Closing date for applications: Friday 15 January 2010
For further information on the Company go to: www.northernballettheatre.co.uk
Northern Ballet Theatre - News Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.