Northern Ballet Inside issue 9 by Northern Ballet

e d i s n i the magazine from northern ballet issue 9 Summer 2011

Behind the scenes of Beauty & the Beast Sponsor a Dancer our new campaign A flying start for budding inner city dancers

inside Issue 9 Summer 2011

Page 5 Behind the scenes as costumes and sets are prepared for the world première of Beauty & the Beast Page 9 A powerhouse for inventive dance Page 10 Sponsor a Dancer

Dear Friends The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity. It’s hard to believe that we already find ourselves reaching the end of our first year in our new home here on Quarry Hill. Our new production, Cleopatra, has been a wonderful success, receiving great acclaim from audiences and critics alike up and down the country. It was a ballet I had wanted to create for some time and I was so lucky to be able to surround myself with an exceptional creative team that included Patricia Doyle, Chris Giles, Tim Mitchell and Nina Dunn. Claude-Michel Schönberg’s inspirational music ignited my imagination and Martha Leebolt showcased her extraordinary talent in the title role. In May my wife, Yoko Ichino, restaged Giselle at the Grand Theatre in Leeds. Yoko’s staging was based on the traditional version of the ballet and beautifully captured the romantic and tragic tale of unrequited love. Pippa Moore was a heart-rending Giselle and the whole Company rose brilliantly to the challenge of performing a notably difficult work from the traditional repertoire.

Page 12 A flying start for inner city children that’s transforming young lives Page 16 Dance for all – why Northern Ballet Academy is going from strength to strength Page 18 Five great ideas for a perfect Christmas! Cover page: Martha Leebolt as Beauty, photo Jason Tozer

As our immensely busy spring season drew to a close we performed a Choreographic Showcase here at our own Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre. This was the first of what we hope to make an annual event, with dancers and other members of Northern Ballet and dancers from Phoenix turning their hands to choreography, many for the first time. The process revealed some wonderful talent and imagination and none of it would have been possible without the rehearsal and performance spaces our new home offers us. In the midst of all the hard work and all the success, the news of cuts to our funding was a real blow to us all – especially at a time of such positive growth and change for the Company. The shocking result of this news is that we face having to lose up to ten of our dancers – a quarter of the Company. This will have a huge impact on us: on our ability to create the new work for which we’re known and loved, and to revive some of our older repertoire. To try and prevent this happening we are launching Sponsor a Dancer – a new campaign to raise the funding we need to keep our full complement of dancers. You will find full details on page 10 and I hope you will be able to help us in any way you can, even by just passing on news of the campaign to friends and colleagues. Northern Ballet has never been a Company that takes bad news lying down. We are starting work on another new production, Beauty & the Beast, which will have its world première in Leeds this winter. I am taking inspiration from the original French fairytale to create a beautiful ballet for all the family. I am also excited to tell you that the wonderfully imaginative Duncan Hayler will create the sets. You can read more about this on page 5. Finally, I would like to extend my thanks as ever for your continued support of Northern Ballet and I hope to see you in the theatre over the coming months. David Nixon OBE Artistic Director

inside News in brief

News in brief Martha Leebolt as the Marquise in Dangerous Liaisons, photo Merlin Hendy Below:Lorraine Kelly at Cleopatra in London

The Queen of Ballet Northern Ballet premier dancer, Martha Leebolt, who wowed audiences with her performance as Cleopatra, scooped a top accolade at the National Dance Awards in January this year, winning the award for Outstanding Female Performance (Classical) for her performance as the Marquise De Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons. A great ambassador for the Company, she said: ‘This award is not only a personal achievement for me but also one for Northern Ballet. We are a unique and close-knit group that has a built-in support for one another. Our accolades are won as a team.’

Ballet for everyone The Learning team has been doing what they do best: getting even more people hooked on dance. This year has seen the first Over 55s Dance Class: a group of people who are discovering – or even rediscovering – the combination of physical fitness and sheer joy and rejuvenation that dance can bring to people of all ages. The Learning team also teamed up once again with the Yorkshire Association for Music and Special Educational Needs (YAMSEN: SpeciallyMusic) to offer young wheelchair users a series of unique Wheelchair Dance workshops, culminating in a performance at the Annual Summer Concert at the Kings Hall in Ilkley on 13 July.

Cleopatra strikes a chord with celebrities

Dancers turn choreographers

The stars were out this May for our London première of Cleopatra. Guests including Lorraine Kelly, Gillian Anderson, Chloë Moretz and Craig Revel-Horwood joined us for the gala opening at Sadler’s Wells, and brought with them not just glamour, but enthusiastic support for the Company’s new ballet. Lorraine Kelly said, ‘I think it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s a real spectacle, very moving, and I’m totally absorbed…I’m in awe.’ Audiences around the country obviously agreed with these sentiments as Cleopatra went on to break £1m at the box office.

Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre dancers showcased their choreographic skills this summer during our first ever Choreographic Showcase in the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre. Twelve short works were performed over two nights to delighted audiences. ‘The headquarters of the two companies has been called a powerhouse for creative dance. On the evidence of this choreographic showcase it is an appellation that is demonstrably true.’ Dance Europe.

4 inside News in brief

It could be us! Northern Ballet’s new building has made it to the finals of the National Lottery Awards. We’ve completed a second round of public voting which we hope will secure us a winning result. Watch out for the results which will be announced live on BBC … Fingers crossed!

Northern Ballet’s Giselle, photo Bill Cooper

Giselle success

Blushing brides and bouncing baby boys Love was in the air at Northern Ballet this summer with the announcement of three engagements, three births and a wedding during the annual holidays in July. Six of our dancers have become engaged. Yi Song and Ayana Kanda were the first pair to become betrothed. Kenneth Tindall and Hannah Bateman are to tie the knot after ten years together, and John Hull also went down on bended knee to Michela Paolacci. Christie Duncan and Martin Bell married in the New Forest with friends and family present after a two year engagement. Hannah Walker, Individual Giving Manager, has become Hannah Chapman having married James in September. Ex-dancer Michael Berkin has become a father for the first time. His new son, Jeremy, was born in June. Catherine Mullaney, Media & PR Manager, is on maternity leave having given birth to Spencer James and Dance Education Officer, Sophie Alder, has also had a little boy, Samson. And there is another one to come, Communications Director, Laraine Penson, is expecting her second child next March!

Northern Ballet brought an unusual treat to Leeds Grand Theatre this May when we performed the traditional romantic ballet, Giselle. Stage by Yoko Ichino, who is both Ballet Mistress to the Company and Associate Director of our Academy, and with sets and costumes from English National Ballet, our audiences were delighted to

have the opportunity to see classical ballet in the North of England performed with such technical vigour and emotional depth. Pippa Moore was ‘a perfect Giselle’ to Javier Torres’ Prince Albrecht. ‘Ballet mistress Yoko Ichino has given the city a wonderful traditional ballet to savour.’ Holderness Gazette

Hello & goodbye We waved a sad goodbye to dancers Anna Blackwell , Yoshihisa Arai, Rym Kechacha, Ayami Miyata and Michaela Griffin. Michael Berkin has also left the Company and begins his transition from dancer to teacher with our Academy and Learning teams. Farewell to Assistant Music Director Nigel Gaynor; Heather Burtt, Senior Wardrobe Assistant; Flyman/Rigger Jim Hannon and Jo Waddington, one of our receptionists. Welcome to Toni-Michelle Dent, Abigail Prudames, Dominic Harrison and Teresa Saavedra who have joined us as Apprentices. Company Stage Manager, Lily Amy, has taken over from Company Managers Steve Robertson and Al Buchan and Stage Manager Olivia Dermott-Walsh. Brianna Bourne has joined us as Deputy Stage

Manager and Helen Russell replaces Georgina Gabbie as Wigs Manager. Wardrobe Assistant, Jade Morris, takes over from Claire O’Neill as Wardrobe Assistant as Claire takes on the role of Deputy Touring Wardrobe Manager. We also welcome onboard Catering Manager, Sarah Hick; James Mustow, freelance Stage Technician; Communications Officer: Marketing, Rachel Poole and receptionists Eloise Williamson and Joanne Kearney. Joe Strange is now working full-time as our Flyman/Rigger, and Kathy Burke has joined us as Communications Officer: Media and PR (maternity cover) while Catherine Mullaney is on leave. The Academy welcomes Academy Assistant, Emma Rodriguez-Saona and ex-Company dancer Simon Kidd who has joined the teaching faculty.

inside Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes of...

Beauty & the Beast

inside caught up with Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director, David Nixon OBE, and Technical Director, Andy Waddington, as the sets and costumes are being created for the eagerly anticipated world première of Beauty & the Beast.

Talking to Andy Waddington it is clear that he is brimming with excitement and anticipation about the Beauty & the Beast set, the main reason being David Nixon’s choice of designer, Duncan Hayler, who Andy describes as ‘just brilliant’ and ‘a genius’. Andy’s enthusiasm is understandable: Duncan was the man behind the set for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is regarded by many as Northern Ballet’s most impressive set to date. ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream has to be one of the best sets I’ve ever seen’, Andy says. ‘It’s all in perspective and the way it works is just beautiful, with every little detail worked out to perfection. This is why I can’t wait to see Duncan’s take on Beauty & the Beast. You never quite know what you’re going to get with Duncan, but you can be sure it will be original. With A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream we had flying trains and giant eyes, so I cannot wait to see where his imagination has taken him this time.’

Ashley Dixon as Beast, photo Jason Tozer

6 inside Behind the scenes

‘This is not a Disney Beauty & the Beast, so you will not be seeing a furry, horned beast. Our Beast is in transformation, so we have an exaggerated shape but have also left parts of the body naked.’ David Nixon Images: Northern Ballet’s Wardrobe department at work on Beauty & the Beast constumes, photos David Andrassy

However, anyone expecting A Midsummer’s Night Dream mark 2 is likely to be disappointed. ‘We last worked with Duncan six years ago, and during that six years Duncan will have had lots of different experiences which could have taken his work off on a completely different tangent. However, we know that the Beauty & the Beast set will be spectacular, with a real ‘wow’ factor. We are buying into Duncan’s vision, and we know where that has taken us before.’ It is clear that we can expect something special, but what is the process by which Duncan’s ideas become a reality? Andy explains that Duncan is given a brief by David, and will then spend six to eight weeks designing and creating a 1:25 scale model of the set. This will then be brought to a meeting where David will give his initial feedback on how the set fits with the choreography and costumes, and then Beauty & the Beast lighting designer, Tim Mitchell, will look at how this will work with his ideas. Andy then has the task of working out how much the set will cost to create. He explains that initially sets will come in over budget, so it will be a case of working with the designer to look at how costs can be lowered without reducing the dramatic effect of the set.

Following this consultation process Duncan will come back with final technical drawings, and the construction process will get underway, although this still does not mean that the design process is now over. Andy explains: ‘As the choreography is being developed, David will often have new requirements for the set. We try as hard as we can to accommodate these needs, but it is always a challenge to balance creative needs with budget and time constraints.’ With the set proving an exciting but somewhat mysterious entity, inside magazine heads to wardrobe to see if there are any more clues about how the production is taking shape. The costumes are being

Martha Leebolt and Ashley Dixon, photo Jaspm Tozer

designed by David Nixon with assistance from Julie Anderson, and work has been in progress since June this year. David’s costume designs are inspired by haute couture. He explains: ‘As Beauty & the Beast is not set in any given time period, I have had complete artistic freedom when creating the costumes, and have been able to turn to the catwalk for inspiration in order to create vibrant, colourful costumes which follow in the tradition of the most successful children’s productions. ‘The costumes are what I would describe as ‘eye candy.’ They enhance the performance as a whole, and are designed to allow you to see the movement of the dancers, whilst at the same time acting to enhance their movement.’ Many people will be wondering how the essence of the Beast has been captured whilst allowing for freedom of movement for the dancer. ‘The first thing to understand,’ says David, ‘is that this is not a Disney production of Beauty & the Beast, so you will not be seeing a furry, horned beast. Our Beast is in transformation, so we have used some padding to create an exaggerated shape but have also left parts of the body naked, and accentuated the dancer’s natural features using make up. The texture of the materials we have used has also been a key factor in creating the right look.’ Although the set and costumes are still works in progress, talking to David and Andy has created a real expectation that this production will prove to be an unforgettably enchanting feast for the eyes, even without taking its fantastical narrative and dazzling choreography into consideration. We can’t wait!

Listings information Where to see Beauty & the Beast World Première Sat 17 – Sat 31 Dec 2011 Leeds Grand Theatre 0844 848 2701 Thu 15 – Sat 17 Mar 2012 Edinburgh Festival Theatre 0131 529 6000 Tue 20 – Sat 24 Mar 2012 Sheffield Lyceum Theatre 0114 249 6000 Tue 27 – Sat 31 Mar 2012 Hull New Theatre 01482 300 300 Tue 17 – Sat 21 Apr 2012 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7625 Tue 24 – Sat 28 Apr 2012 Cardiff New Theatre 029 2087 8889

8 inside News in brief

inside Fundraising feature

A powerhouse for inventive dance It’s hard to believe that we’re now almost a year in our new home. The creation of David Nixon’s new ballet, Cleopatra, brought a unique energy into every corner of our new building. From the outset everyone knew that something very special was being created. As with all our productions, Cleopatra engaged and challenged our talented dancers from across the Company. Premier Dancer, Martha Leebolt, excelled in the lead role of Cleopatra and Apprentice Matthew Broadbent, experienced his first Northern Ballet world première. In the midst of the excitement, the extent of the cut in our Arts Council England funding came as a shock, especially when we felt that the Company was riding the crest of a wave. But Northern Ballet doesn’t take things lying down. Over the course of the summer we have secured over £500,000 in financial support

from private donors, companies, trusts and foundations – an encouraging and impressive start to a campaign that sees the Company fundraising to fill a substantial gap in its government funding. The donations will be used towards the creation of new productions, including Northern Ballet's Christmas production of Beauty & the Beast, as well as enabling the Company to retain dancers and develop the operational capacity of its new home on Quarry Hill in Leeds. We look forward to using these world class facilities to create more new ballets, to showcase the range of talents within Northern Ballet and provide openings for new young dancers to join the Company. But we need your help to reach our potential and ensure that, despite the 15% cut to our Arts Council funding for 2012 to 2015, the Company continues to deliver the excellence and innovation for which we are renowned.

Facing page: Northern Ballet foyer, photo Brian Slater Left: The foyer, photo Jonathan Taylor Above: View from the roof terrace, photo Jonathan Taylor

10 inside Fundraising feature

Sponsor a Dancer

The sad reality of our funding cuts is that we will have to lose up to ten dancers in 2012. Our dancers are our greatest asset and our new Sponsor a Dancer campaign highlights just that. We have been hugely successful at developing talent, nurturing young dancers with potential and ensuring that they grow technically and artistically. Our highly successful Choreographic Workshops were a first step in a new direction of inventiveness and creativity which we must allow to continue for the long-term good of the Company and dance in general. We aim to ensure the Company is in a position to continue to recruit young talent and maintain the full complement of 40 dancers needed to perform major productions like The Nutcracker, Beauty & the Beast and future new work. We have already received more than £100,000 to support two dancers for each of the next two years. This is a magnificent start to the campaign which aims to raise an additional £250,000 a year and secure the future of 10 dancers. Sponsoring a dancer of your choice will help to nurture the talented young ballet stars of the future. From Apprentice to Premier Dancer, you will be able

to meet your chosen dancer and watch their continued development with Northern Ballet. We have a range of packages to enable you to support a dancer of your choosing. From £50 to £10,000, or any further donation you would like to make, and depending on the size of your donation, you could benefit from

• opportunities to see your dancer in rehearsal • regular updates on your dancer • line credit on the dancer’s profile page acknowledging your support • line credit on media screens in Northern Ballet’s studios • regular eNewsletters • invitations to events at Quarry Hill • signed photos or pointe shoes • an allocation of seats and programmes

For details about getting involved speak to Hannah Chapman, our Individual Giving Manager, on 0113 220 8000 or email hannah.chapman@northernballet.com

Legacies It's a common myth that only the rich and famous leave money to charity when they die. This couldn't be further from the truth. The reality is that without the gifts left in wills by people like you, many charities wouldn't even exist. Thankfully 74% of the UK population support charities and, when asked, 35% of people say they'd happily leave a gift in their will once family and friends had been provided for – the problem is that only 7% actually do. Of course we realise that this is a sensitive issue, but if we all left some money in our wills for charity as well as our family we could make a huge difference. That is why Northern Ballet is launching Reach for the Stars remembrance campaign. By leaving a legacy to Northern Ballet you can support a company that gave you pleasure in life and will continue to give pleasure to future generations; something many people cannot afford to do during their own lifetimes. Your legacy could help young dancers by taking their blossoming talent and transforming them into future stars or help towards the costs of creating a new production. You don't have to be rich and famous to make a contribution that can make a difference – every little amount will help. If you would like to leave a legacy to Northern Ballet speak to Hannah Chapman on 0113 220 8000 or email hannah.chapman@northernballet.com

Donate by text You can now support Northern Ballet in a matter of seconds. Simply text GISE11 and the amount you wish to donate, (either £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070 (e.g. your text could read GISE11 £10). Texts are free and your donation will show on your phone bill. Every pound really does help us.

Left: The cast of Cleopatra, photo Ryan Hopkinson Above: An open day at Northern Ballet, photo Brian Slater

inside Learning

A flying start For many people ballet is seen in a theatre, or it’s considered a form of exercise – an enjoyable way to relax after a busy day or an opportunity to be creative. But for some people, taking part in a ballet workshop can be a life changing experience. inside has been taking a look at START, a project run by Northern Ballet’s Learning team, that’s transforming young lives in Leeds.

Since 2008 the Learning team have been running a project with inner city school children from Leeds called START, in partnership with Leeds Grand Theatre and supported by the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts. The project enables young people from economically deprived areas to take part in high quality arts activity and to watch performances at local arts venues. For most of these young people it is the first time they have ever been to a theatre. Over the course of two school terms, pupils take part in dance workshops in school and watch Northern Ballet performances at Leeds Grand Theatre and at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre at Northern Ballet.

‘They were hanging off the balcony, mesmerised, particularly the boys!’ Teacher, Castleton Primary School

To-date, over 1,500 young people aged between 8 and 18, from 21 local schools have taken part in 124 workshop sessions and 6 theatre visits. Alongside this, teachers are encouraged to lead crosscurricular activities in the classroom inspired by our productions and the Victorian history of Leeds Grand Theatre, to break down preconceptions about ballet and develop an understanding that the arts are accessible to all. ‘Thanks for the chance to see my first ballet. I enjoyed the show very much and I want to go again!’ Billy, pupil at St Patrick’s Primary School The benefits of the project have been far-reaching with positive experiences impacting on young people in ways never imagined by their teachers.

Main image and above: students on the START project, photos Tim Smith

14 inside Learning

‘This is one of the best projects that I have ever been involved in – and I have been teaching for 30 years!’ Teacher, Armley Primary School Main image and inset: students on the START project, photos Tim Smith and Brian Slater

Antoni*, aged 11, arrived from Poland into Year 6 at his local primary school with practically no English, so school has been a struggle for him both academically and socially. However Antoni is very physically able and the dance workshops have been a revelation for him. In movement and dance he is able to express himself confidently and enthusiastically without language as a barrier. During the START sessions and back at school during PE and dance, he is able to tap into an innate ability. He can relax and succeed, he gains admiration from his peers and his confidence gets an immense boost. James*, aged 12, has a complex and challenging home background, and following family tragedy last year, was prone to violent outbursts of temper and was on the verge of being excluded from his primary school. Staff had great difficulty engaging with him at all and his school work was of a very low standard for his age. Taking part in START, James immediately latched on to the dance workshops in school and looked forward to seeing all the performances. His questions in workshops were perceptive and thoughtful and the positive feedback that he got from the workshop leaders began to build his confidence, giving him something to talk

and write about that interested and enthused him. The whole experience helped James to build relationships with adults, both at Northern Ballet and then back in school and led to a significant shift in his behaviour. James’ teacher credits START with saving James from exclusion. ‘Northern Ballet gave him something to hold on to in school. Working with them through START was definitely the thing that got him through.’ Class Teacher James’ social skills improved immeasurably during the project and it also had a direct effect on his literacy skills by providing him with a subject that he wanted to read and write about. By the end of the school year James gained a level 4 in his SATs, an enormous leap in his achievement and one that none of his teachers thought possible at the beginning of the year. He has successfully moved on to the local secondary school and has recently played a lead role in their production of Romeo & Juliet. With support from the Audrey & Stanley Burton Trust, for which we are immensely grateful, we are able to continue running the project for the next three years, providing inspirational cultural experiences for these underprivileged local children. You could help support a future learning project by texting to make a donation. See page 11 for details about how to make a donation by text. * Names have been changed

A participant in one of our Dance Classes, photo Martin Bell

inside Academy

Dance for all Since moving into our new premises at Quarry Hill, Northern Ballet Academy has gone from strength to strength, fulfilling the Academy’s belief that dance is for everyone. The additional studios have facilitated many more dance classes, from tiny tots to mature movers in ballet, jazz and contemporary.

The Academy is split into three strands, the preprofessional course (Centre for Advanced Training or CAT), the Associate course (which augments training from other regional dance schools) and our Dance Classes for anyone who wants to dance and have fun. Everyone comes together for an end of year showing in the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre. The CAT students also performed alongside the Company in the building official opening performances in January, earning them the following words of praise from Dance Europe magazine: ‘This wasn’t just a demonstration of danse d’ecole steps but an assertive and pleasing performance on a large scale that was well drilled and sharp, a credit to the outstanding teaching of the Academy.’ Our students have done really well with their onward auditions this year, with places secured at English National Ballet School, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music, Dance and Drama (in association with Scottish Ballet), Northern Ballet School and Laine Theatre Arts. We are currently working on providing onward training from Year 6 (from 16 onwards) for September 2012. Congratulations must also go to ex-Associate student Helen Barlow who started as an Apprentice with Phoenix Dance Theatre this summer, and also to Joseph Poulton from the inaugural CAT programme who has joined Ballet Black.

Andrew McNicol, a former CAT student who is currently in his 3rd year at Central School, choreographed a dance for National Youth Ballet Chocolat which was shown at the Linbury Studio at Sadler’s Wells on 11 September. Andrew is one of our many students who return to train with the Academy every summer. This year once again saw many familiar fledgling professionals who just can’t keep away. Academy students had fantastic opportunities to perform with the Company this year in Cleopatra and Giselle, and of course are now eager for The Nutcracker season to commence. Our Dance Classes are for everyone and a great way to improve your health and confidence. So come on down and join the fun. All classes are taught by the Academy’s professional staff. Call Faye Cardwell on 0113 220 8000 to book your place as we are filling up very quickly. From this September we will also be offering Pilates, Ballet Fusion and most importantly, the newest popular dance craze, ZUMBA Fitness®. If you augment your Friends membership to also become a Friend of the Academy for just £25, you will have the opportunity to watch Academy classes and the end of year show and to follow our many talented students on their challenging upward path. For information contact our Academy team on 0113 220 8000 or email academy@northernballet.com

Images above: young students taking part in Academy classes, photos Martin Bell

18 inside Festive ideas

Five festive ideas for

the perfect Christmas Friends & Directors

Why not give someone special the gift of friendship this year. You know first-hand that Northern Ballet’s Friends, Patrons and Directors’ Circle schemes help to secure the future of the Company. If you know someone who you think would enjoy the benefits these offer why not sign them up.

Group offers

A visit to the theatre is always special but what way better to enjoy the experience than with a group of friends, family or colleagues? We offer generous discounts on selected performances of all our productions. Depending on the venue you may also be eligible for other benefits such as no booking fees, dedicated phone lines, extended reservation periods and pre-booking facilities for programmes and ice-creams. Find full details at northernballet.com/groups and sign up for our groups eNewsletter.

Dance and donate

Champagne Warehouse are generously supporting Northern Ballet by donating 5% to the Company from all orders placed with them for sales of 6 bottles or over. So if you fancy a adding a bit of sparkle to your Christmas visit them online champagnewarehouse.com or call for free on 0800 313 4470. Deliveries are free.

Beauty & the Feast

If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual office Christmas party, or an impressive way to entertain, then look no further. Join us at Northern Ballet for a private three course dinner with wine and enjoy premium seats at our magical new ballet Beauty & the Beast in the spectacular surroundings of Leeds Grand Theatre. £100 per person plus VAT, available Tue 20 to Fri 23 December 2011.

Stocking fillers

Enjoy your love of Northern Ballet all year round with our exclusive merchandise. We have t-shirts, water bottles and drawstring bags for sale as well Cleopatra and Wuthering Heights CD soundtracks, played by Northern Ballet Sinfonia. Drop into our foyer or call 0113 220 8000 to place an order.

New Season Listings

inside is published biannually by Northern Ballet

The Nutcracker Tue 25 – Sat 29 Oct 2011 Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 871 7614

Northern Ballet Quarry Hill Leeds LS2 7PA Telephone +44 (0)113 220 8000 Fax +44 (0)113 220 8001 northernballet.com

Tue 1 – Sat 5 Nov 2011 Canterbury The Marlowe Theatre 01227 787787 Tue 8 – Sat 12 Nov 2011 Bradford Alhambra Theatre 01274 432 000 Tue 15 – Sat 19 Nov 2011 Newcastle Theatre Royal 08448 11 21 21

Board of Directors Dr Jo Butterworth David Forbes (Chair) Alan Harrison Denise Jagger Cath Lennon Councillor John Proctor Maxine Room Terry Smith Phil Swallow Victoria Tomlinson Veronica Wadley Artistic Director David Nixon OBE

Tue 22 – Sat 26 Nov 2011 Manchester Opera House 0844 847 2484

Chief Executive Mark Skipper DL

Beauty & the Beast World Première Sat 17 – Sat 31 Dec 2012 Leeds Grand Theatre 0844 848 2701 *see page 7 for full listings

Inside editorial team Laraine Penson Ruth Burke-Kennedy Kathy Burke

Mixed Programme Thu 9 – Sat 18 Feb 2012 Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Northern Ballet 0113 220 8008 Madame Butterfly Wed 29 Feb – Sat 10 Mar 2012 Leeds Grand Theatre 0844 848 2701

Music Director John Pryce-Jones

Founded in Manchester in 1969 and based in Leeds since 1996, Northern Ballet has grown to become one of the UK's best loved companies and an important international cultural ambassador. We are renowned for creating inventive narrative ballets and for touring these throughout the UK and overseas reaching audiences who might otherwise not have access to world class dance. Our ground-breaking Learning programme gives access for all people to engage in the highest quality dance activities and our Academy provides opportunity and inspiration, as well as unrivalled classical dance training, to the dancers of the future. Print sponsored by Axis 01484 722 732 Designed by Andrassy Media www.andrassymedia.co.uk Supported by:

Martha Leebolt as Beauty, photo Jason Tozer

Charity No 259140 VAT No 146 6307 66 Company Registration No 947096 Registered in England and Wales Northern Ballet Theatre trading as Northern Ballet Company limited by guarantee and share capital Please note that information is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

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