s u t c e p s o r p the training school of Northern Ballet
northern ballet academy
your future starts here...
As the official training school of Northern Ballet our Academy offers expert training to all regardless of age or previous experience. Whether you aspire to become a professional dancer or want to dance for fun we have something for you. Contents Page 3
A message from David Nixon OBE
Page 4
Northern Ballet Academy
Page 6
World-class facilities
Page 8
Teaching staff and the Ichino Method
Page 12
Connections with Northern Ballet
Page 13
A career in dance
Page 14
Professional Programme: Centre for Advanced Training
Page 16
Associate Programme
Page 17
International Easter Course and Summer School
Page 18
Dance classes for all and Friends of Northen Ballet Academy
Enclosures Application forms, fees and audition dates
Photos top to bottom Darren Goldsmith, E. Kauldhar, Martin Bell Photo opposite Richard Moran
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Message from David Nixon OBE Director, Northern Ballet Academy Artistic Director, Northern Ballet It has been a long-held dream to establish a unique centre of classical dance training alongside the professional company of Northern Ballet. Now that we have fantastic state-of-the-art facilities in central Leeds Northern Ballet Academy can flourish. Our home is a powerhouse for inventive dance where we can nurture and inspire the dancers of tomorrow in a unique environment unrivalled outside London. Our aim is to nurture professional dancers who are not only technically accomplished by way of the Ichino Method, but who have the confidence to grow dramatically and creatively. Our training faculty, many of whom are distinguished ex-dancers themselves, not only want to push the students to their limits but also care deeply about their whole well-being. Much of the work that the Academy does would not be possible without the help of the Department for Education’s Music and Dance Scheme and I would like to say a sincere thank you to them for this. Testament to our success so far is our 100% graduation rate for our Professional Programme students and the number of our ex-students who return to our International Summer School year after year. As I push artistic boundaries as a choreographer I realise that the dancers of today need to be able to give much more than ever before. The Northern Ballet Academy’s aim is to realise the full individual potential of every dancer that chooses to train with us. It will be hard, hard work, but worth it.
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northern ballet academy offers you Expert and experienced teaching faculty with a wealth of knowledge having been professional dancers themselves World-class facilities, purpose-built for dance Inspiration through training alongside professional dancers of both Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre Performance opportunities including performances with Northern Ballet A range of courses and classes to suit each individual Training focused on producing dancers ready for today’s dance world Professional non-residential training, students can remain at home while achieving their ambitions Support and advice for every student Healthy training for happy bodies Photo Martin Bell
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‘I like the fact that everyone is so kind and helpful. I love my ballet classes the most because I get to learn new techniques I have never done before. I am really enjoying the contemporary class because it is something I had never experienced.’ Lauren Crooks, Northern Ballet Academy Associate
Be a part of the Northern Ballet Academy. Call us now on 0113 220 8000 or email academy@northernballet.com or visit www.northernballet.com/academy
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a powerhouse for inventive dance Photo above and opposite Jonathan Taylor
Northern Ballet Academy is based at Northern Ballet’s headquarters in central Leeds. A new purpose-built centre for dance, the biggest outside London and featuring Europe’s largest dance studio, it is also home to Phoenix Dance Theatre. We are able to offer a unique training environment where pupils can experience working alongside two internationally renowned dance companies in state-of-the-art facilities with a world-class teaching faculty. Northern Ballet Academy is located in Leeds’ cultural quarter and we are surrounded by other major cultural organisations such as West Yorkshire Playhouse, Opera North, Yorkshire Dance, Leeds College of Music and the BBC.
Our home features 7 spacious dance studios 230-seat Studio Theatre where Academy students will have the opportunity to perform Health suite with on-site physiotherapists Café serving a range of delicious hot and cold food Full accessibility to people with disabilities with a hearing loop in all dance studios A safe environment for young people with private changing facilities and securely contained studios
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“The new building means I can experience a wider range of dance styles which will broaden my horizons when it comes to choosing a career later in life� Tim Dutson, Northern Ballet Academy Professional Division student
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be inspired Our teachers and our technique With a faculty of teachers who have been professional dancers themselves and have first-hand experience of what it takes to be a dancer performing at the highest level, we understand what it takes to train dancers ready for a performance career. All classes are accompanied by our team of accomplished musicians. David Nixon OBE Director (Read David’s biography at www.northernballet.com/davidnixon) Yoko Ichino Associate Director Yoko is widely recognised as one of the principal prima ballerinas of her generation. She has performed with the world’s leading dance companies such as American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Australian Ballet and the Berlin Opera Ballet to name but a few. She has been partnered by some of the greatest male dancers including Rudolf Nureyev, Sir Anthony Dowell, Fernando Bujones, David Nixon OBE and Helgi Tomasson.
Yoko has a wide range of teaching experience having taught for over 35 years at many of the top ballet companies around the world. She was Director of the Professional Training Programme at BalletMet from 19952001, training both the company and the vocational students. Since 2001 Yoko has worked with Northern Ballet as Curriculum Manager, Ballet Mistress and Associate Director to the Academy whilst continuing her successful international teaching career. Viki Westall Deputy Associate Director Viki danced with London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) for seven years and has worked with a wealth of international choreographers. In 1986 Viki joined Northern Ballet and under the directorship of Christopher Gable danced most the Company’s principal roles. Viki has more than a decade of teaching experience, is a qualified Body Control Pilates teacher and also writes and reviews for Dance Europe.
For a full list of the Academy’s faculty for the current year and their biographies visit www.northernballet.com/academy
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“My daughter has been at Northern Ballet for just over 15 months now but her development under [Academy Ballet Tutor] Cara O’Shea’s tutelage has been meteoric. Parents and friends at her dance school constantly come up to me to comment on how different and noticeable her poise, technique and above all her confidence have become. This can only be attributable to the input and the wonderful atmosphere that is generated by the teachers and everyone involved with her welfare at Northern Ballet. There are not enough hours spent at the Academy as far as Melissa is concerned, she just loves to be part of ‘the family’ of Northern Ballet.” Kath Midgley, parent of Professional Division student Photos Martin Bell, Darren Goldsmith, Simon Lawson
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our technique The Ichino Method All dancers at Northern Ballet from our youngest student through to our professional dancers follow the Ichino Method designed by Associate Director, Yoko Ichino. The method has been developed over Yoko’s 40 years as a world-renowned principal dancer and 35 years as an international teacher. We believe that it is important that dancers understand their own bodies. The Ichino Method aims to provide students with basic principles that are important for a successful and healthy life and not just for dance. The Ichino Method utilises basic anatomical truths and movement analysis that permit the body to work in its most natural, organic manner to achieve the strongest technical and artistic dance skills. Following principles of correct body alignment accompanied by a series of special exercises to bring internal awareness and build strength, the system promotes the ability of the dancers to maximise their full potential. This results in a healthier dancer ready to meet the demands of the career. It allows students to realise their full potential in technical ballet skills whilst respecting the well-being of the individual. The technique has received wide recognition and Yoko has been asked to teach at many of the top vocational schools. The method is different to some more traditional syllabuses but is not conflicting and Yoko has taught many workshops for dance organisations, the Royal Academy of Dance included. The results speak for themselves with 100% of our Professional Programme students graduating to further training at top vocational schools such as Ballettschule Hamburg, Central School of Ballet, English National Ballet School, The Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst and The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) in association with Scottish Ballet.
It is important that dancers understand their own bodies. The Ichino Method aims to provide students with basic principles that are important for a successful and healthy life
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“I think that the best thing about the training is that we are taught not only the technique and movement but we are taught the science behind it. I find this really helpful as it gives me an understanding of why things are done in a certain way and I can visualise the body while doing the movement.” Devon Hartley, Northern Ballet Academy Professional Division student
Yoko Ichino in class with a professional training student
Photos E. Kauldhar and Martin Bell
“I always used to look in the mirror to fix myself, but I’d always look at my decoration leg. At Northern Ballet we rarely use the mirrors, which is beneficial because you have to feel your muscles rather than see them. On stage, all you have is your body to help you and your muscle memory. Centre barre has made me a lot stronger – not having that luxury of a bit of wood to hang on to and only using your muscles. It was hard for me to do many things but I felt much stronger as I went on. I could feel things improving because I wasn’t staring at them, and had only my muscles to rely on.” Joanne Thwaite, ex Northern Ballet Academy student now dancing with English National Ballet
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connections with northern ballet In addition to the excitement and inspiration of sharing the same building with Northern Ballet dancers and having the opportunity to watch them in class and rehearsal, Academy students periodically get the wonderful chance to perform on stage in various Northern Ballet productions. A Simple Man
The Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol
Photos Bill Cooper
“We got a real insight into performing life and it made me even hungrier to achieve my dream of becoming a professional dancer” Matthew Valentine, Northern Ballet Academy graduate on performing in Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Matthew is now training at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance “Northern Ballet has made me a stronger, more focused dancer. The opportunity to perform in The Nutcracker has built my confidence on stage.” Emily Ball, Northern Ballet Academy graduate now dancing with English National Ballet “One of my treasured moments at Northern Ballet Academy was getting the opportunity to perform in Gillian Lynne’s A Simple Man. Dancing alongside the Company was really inspirational and a fantastic experience, one I will never forget.” Charlotte Tonkinson, Northern Ballet Academy Professional Programme student “I remember thinking having a microphone was really cool! It was a nerve-wracking experience but great to be singing with a really big orchestra.” Andrew Tomlinson, Northern Ballet Academy Professional Programme student on playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol
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a career in dance The training at Northern Ballet Academy is focused towards the reality of a career in dance. Graduates from Northern Ballet Academy can be found in many major dance companies and we are very proud of them all. Six Academy alumni are currently performing with Northern Ballet and they are proof that your dreams can come true with the Northern Ballet Academy. Other graduates are now dancing with companies such as English National Ballet, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Random Dance, Rambert Dance Company and Scottish Ballet to name but a few in the UK alone.
“Students within the Academy get the incredible training we do, which forces them to become better. They also have the fantastic opportunity to watch the Company demonstrating the more advanced use of Yoko’s technique; showing them that if they persevere, they can become stronger, confident dancers. What better way to see the benefits of such a technique?” Victoria Sibson, Academy Associate graduate 2002, Northern Ballet Soloist
Victoria Sibson, Academy and Central School of Ballet graduate, Northern Ballet Soloist. Photo Bill Cooper
Joshua Barwick, Academy and Elmhurst graduate, Northern Ballet Apprentice. Photo Peter Teigan
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professional programme centre for advanced training To date 100% of our graduates have secured places at top international ballet schools including English National Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Ballettschule Hamburg, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and RSAMD in partnership with Scottish Ballet.
Dream of becoming a professional dancer?
We offer
Northern Ballet Academy is proud to be one of the country’s National Centres for Advanced Training (CATs). Our professional training programme allows young dancers aged 10-17 the chance to access elite, intensive, non-residential dance training to help them fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams.
Individual training plans for each student to suit their needs and their own personal progress
We are looking for motivated and passionate young people who show exceptional potential in classical dance.
Classes in classical ballet, pilates, jazz, contemporary, music and drama to ensure our students are able to meet the demands of a 21st century career in dance
There are nine national dance CATs across the country. Northern Ballet is the only CAT specialising in classical ballet. We work in partnership with Northern School of Contemporary Dance who provide a corresponding programme for contemporary dancers. Together we form the Centre for Advanced Training in Yorkshire (Yorkshire Young Dancers). Residential training is not right for every student and the CAT programmes offer an alternative to this. Students train intensively with us but still live at home and carry on with their regular academic school.
8 hours a week training in the first year of the programme which will increase as the student progresses to up to 16 hours
Intensive weekends and courses during the holidays to build students’ confidence and knowledge of the arts Theatre trips and opportunities to perform, including performances with Northern Ballet Mentoring for every student as well as professional advice and care
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Part of the Northern Ballet family Northern Ballet company dancers are very supportive of the Academy and Professional Programme students are mentored and guided by a special ‘big brother’ or ‘big sister’ from the Company.
Top left: Academy Graduates from left to right Joshua Barwick – Apprentice with Northern Ballet, Leon Moran – Central School of Ballet, Dale Rhodes – Ballettschule Hamburg, Andrew McNicol – Central School of Ballet, Matthew Topliss – RSAMD in partnership with Scottish Ballet. Bottom right: Tobias Batley, Northern Ballet Premier Dancer, talking to students. Photos Darren Goldsmith, Martin Bell, Hannah Kirkpatrick
“As part of the Academy’s ‘Brothers and Sisters’ scheme I recently signed up to mentor one of the younger groups of students and have witnessed first hand the way Yoko brings the best out of the children she teaches. The skills they learn can be applied to anything they do in the future, not just ballet.” Tobias Batley, Premier Dancer, Northern Ballet
Entrance to this course is by audition only. To register for an audition please fill in the forms at the back of this brochure or apply online at www.northernballet.com/academy For more information on the National Dance CATs please visit www.nationaldancecats.co.uk
The Programme is supported by the Department for Education and means tested grants are available through the Music and Dance Scheme to cover the full cost of training.
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associate programme The Northern Ballet Associate Programme has been running for over ten years. It has an excellent success rate in helping students achieve their ambitions and gain places at the top vocational training schools in this country. The programme, split into three strands – Junior, Intermediate and Senior – is for those aspiring young dancers between the ages of 10 and 16 years who wish to access the Academy’s wonderful facilities and high quality training whilst still attending their regular dance school. Associate students train with us once a week. Classes run for 33 weeks of the year during term time and a commitment to attend regular weekly classes is required.
Photo Martin Bell
The Intermediate and Senior classes also have a weekly contemporary technique class. Contemporary dance is not only a recognised dance form but also a pre-requisite part of complete dance training.
“At Northern Ballet I like dancing with new, different people and having different teachers. I like the challenge to adapt to the different teaching styles. I think Northern Ballet has helped me improve a lot during the last few years.” Alice Shepherson, Northern Ballet Academy Senior Associate
Our new home allows the Northern Ballet Associates to watch and learn first hand from the professional dancers of Northern Ballet giving students a realistic insight into the profession.
“I like the teachers. They are friendly, helpful and approachable” Charlotte Liddle, Northern Ballet Academy Senior Associate Entrance onto this course is via audition.
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international easter course and summer school Our International Easter Course and Summer School are for students aged 12 to 19 years from all over the world and are designed to strengthen and improve students’ classical, contemporary and jazz technique in a professional environment. They are suitable for students who are already in, or hoping to go into, full-time vocational dance training and, ultimately, a dance career. Daily practical classes plus enhancement sessions are designed to give the students a greater insight into the life, commitment, delights and challenges of a professional dancer. Both courses culminate in an informal performance for parents and friends in our Studio Theatre. Sessions for either 1 or 2 weeks can include Classical technique Pointe work Men’s class Contemporary dance Body conditioning Enhancement activities such as jazz dance, drama, and pilates Professional advice and guidance Watching Northern Ballet’s company class and rehearsal* Observation by Northern Ballet Artistic Director, David Nixon OBE
‘Northern Ballet’s Summer School has been truly inspirational, not only benefiting me as a dancer but as a person too, preparing me for what’s to come!’ Elizabeth Savage, Central School of Ballet Entrance onto the courses is via audition**. Students will be placed by age and experience. This is a non-residential course but we can recommend and liaise with accommodation providers for those over 16. Students taking part in both the Easter and Summer programmes will be offered a discount in fees. Entrance onto this course is via audition. *subject to Northern Ballet company availability **Students in full time classical ballet training will be selected through a photo application
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dance for all We believe that there is a dancer in everyone so now is your chance to shine!
We offer Mini movers (for parents and tots aged 18 months+)
We offer a range of dance classes and courses for people aged 18 months and above and for those who just want to dance for fun or who are perhaps not yet ready for our Associate or Professional programmes. These classes act as a fantastic insight into our more intensive programmes and are open to everyone who wants to dance. No audition necessary – just enthusiasm!
Photo Hannah Kirkpatrick
Ballet classes for students aged 4-16 Jazz classes for students aged 8-16 Contemporary classes for students aged 14+ Adult classes in ballet, jazz and contemporary
Photos Marin Bell and Hannah Kirkpatrick
friends Become a Friend of Northern Ballet Academy We all know how important friends are. For as little as ÂŁ25 a year you can become a Friend of Northern Ballet Academy and play a very important part in developing our rising stars. You will receive a regular Academy newsletter and invitations to attend Academy
events including the end of year performance. The support of our Friends makes a real difference to us and ensures that we can improve our resources and the opportunities for all our students. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far.
Call 0113 220 8000 or visit www.northernballet.com/academy to register for our dance classes and courses or to become a Friend of Northern Ballet Academy
Charlotte Tonkinson, Professional Programme student, preparing for her performance in The Nutcracker. Photo Simon Lawson
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Contact us Northern Ballet Academy Northern Ballet Quarry Hill Leeds LS2 7PA 0113 220 8000 academy@northernballet.com www.northernballet.com/academy Northern Ballet has created a powerhouse for inventive dance Join our keep in touch service to get regular news and updates from Northern Ballet, as well as special offers, competitions, ticket alerts and behind-the-scenes photos and footage. Sign up at www.northernballet.com You can also follow us on
www.nationaldancecats.co.uk Cover photo Martin Bell Prospectus designed by Andrassy Design www.andrassydesign.co.uk