Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience World-Class Ballet in Leeds
Northern Ballet stands as the UK's foremost narrative ballet company, dedicated to telling compelling stories through the art of dance. Since our founding in 1969, we have grown into one of the world's most beloved dance organizations, renowned for our mastery of classical technique and innovative storytelling. Our mission extends beyond performancewe strive to make ballet accessible to diverse communities through inclusive programs, educational initiatives, and digital outreach. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, we leverage public and lottery funding to bring world-class dance to audiences across the UK and internationally. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement reflects our belief in the transformative power of the arts. With a repertoire spanning classic interpretations to groundbreaking new works, we continue to push creative boundaries while training the next generation of dancers at our Leeds-based academy.Our accolades, including UK Theatre Awards for achievement in dance and digital innovation, underscore our leadership in the industry. Through national and international tours, we share the joy of ballet with hundreds of thousands annually, complemented by digital content that reaches millions globally. Our partnerships with cultural institutions and educational programs for schools, disabled dancers, and professional development highlight our dedication to inclusivity. As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to sustain our work, ensuring ballet remains a vibrant, accessible art form for future generations.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Digital Dance Content
Venue Hire
Accessible Performances
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We are the UK's widest-touring ballet company, reaching over 100,000 live audiences annually.
- Our academy trains future dancers with a 21st-century approach to classical ballet.
- We offer accessible performances for diverse audiences, including relaxed and audio-described shows.
- Our digital dance platform extends our reach to millions globally through films and livestreams.
- We lead sustainable practices in the theatre industry through environmental initiatives.
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation
- UK Theatre Awards
What people say
Emotionally resonant productions
Exceptional classical technique
Innovative digital content
Accessible programming
World-class dancers
Services
Ballet Performances
Northern Ballet creates narrative-driven ballet productions that tour nationally and internationally. Our performances combine classical technique with contemporary storytelling, featuring original works and reimagined classics. Each production showcases our company's technical excellence and emotional depth, designed to engage both traditional and new audiences through accessible, story-focused choreography.
Dance Education
The Academy of Northern Ballet offers comprehensive training programs for aspiring dancers. Our curriculum blends classical ballet technique with modern performance skills, preparing students for professional careers. Programs include children's classes, adult education, and advanced training through partnerships with institutions like Northern School of Contemporary Dance, emphasizing technical mastery and artistic development.
Digital Dance Content
We produce award-winning digital content including feature films, livestreams, and short films showcasing our performances. This platform extends our reach globally, offering virtual access to ballet through cinema broadcasts, online streaming, and educational resources. Our digital innovation ensures dance remains accessible to diverse audiences through multiple formats and distribution channels.
Venue Hire
Our Leeds facility offers versatile spaces for hire, including dance studios and event venues. Designed for rehearsals, conferences, and special events, our purpose-built facility provides state-of-the-art amenities in a vibrant cultural setting. The venue supports both artistic and corporate needs with adaptable spaces and technical capabilities for various functions.
Accessible Performances
We provide specialized performances and programs for diverse audiences, including relaxed shows, audio-described performances, and adaptive dance classes. Our initiatives ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities through sensory-friendly adaptations, sign language interpretation, and tailored educational workshops that promote inclusivity in the arts for all community members.
Questions
What types of ballet performances does Northern Ballet offer?
We present narrative-driven productions ranging from classical interpretations to contemporary works, including family-friendly shows and experimental pieces.
Are there educational programs for aspiring dancers?
Yes, our academy offers training from children's classes to professional development programs with a focus on classical ballet technique.
How can I access Northern Ballet performances online?
Our digital dance platform features livestreams, feature films, and short content available through our website and partner platforms.
Does Northern Ballet offer accessible performances?
Yes, we provide audio-described, relaxed performances and adaptive classes to ensure dance accessibility for all audiences.
How does Northern Ballet support sustainability?
We implement eco-friendly practices across operations, including energy-efficient facilities and sustainable production methods to reduce environmental impact.
Can I visit Northern Ballet's Leeds facility?
Our venue hosts performances, offers tours, and provides event spaces. Check our website for visiting information and scheduled public events.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Matthew Papworth
Jul 12, 2018
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Incredible facilities and world class tuition. You would struggle to find a better place to learn ballet.
Violet Kirk
Jan 19, 2015
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To all the members of the Company appearing this evening 1st October 2014 at Nottingham's Theatre Royal in The Great Gatsby:
Thank you for a wonderful evening of dance and music. I read the novel many years ago, saw the film with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow and when I saw you were performing this I did wonder what it would be like. The emotions shown by the dancers, their interpretation of the music and the costumes were just amazing. I have been to many of your ballets and I always wonder what you will bring to us the next year but as always your wonderful company and musicians never fail
Thank you for a wonderful evening of dance and music. I read the novel many years ago, saw the film with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow and when I saw you were performing this I did wonder what it would be like. The emotions shown by the dancers, their interpretation of the music and the costumes were just amazing. I have been to many of your ballets and I always wonder what you will bring to us the next year but as always your wonderful company and musicians never fail
Melissa W.
Feb 16, 2010
Report
We're pretty much spoiled for choice in Leeds for hot rocking, culture infused and visually stunning settings. Aren't we lucky? Well we're even luckier to have yet another cultural high in the form of the Northern Ballet Theatre. So we see all the finest thesps at the Playhouse and indulge in some "he's behind you" action at the Grand, well that leads me onto the ballet.
Founded in 1969 (well if man can land on the moon then, anything is possible), it has continued to grow throughout the area and prides itself on the highest calibre performances. You'll often
Founded in 1969 (well if man can land on the moon then, anything is possible), it has continued to grow throughout the area and prides itself on the highest calibre performances. You'll often
Rowena H.
Dec 08, 2009
Report
Northern Ballet Theatre is one of those unique companies that helps to maintain the creative legacy that Leeds has nurtured over time.
Created back in 1969, Northern Ballet has come a long way and has this year celebrated its 40th anniversary. They are renowned for their full length productions and have some of the most dedicated and talented performers from all around working within their company. Past productions include famous classics, such as Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Madame Butterfly. If you are looking for a classy and enthralling evening then I highly suggest you
Created back in 1969, Northern Ballet has come a long way and has this year celebrated its 40th anniversary. They are renowned for their full length productions and have some of the most dedicated and talented performers from all around working within their company. Past productions include famous classics, such as Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Madame Butterfly. If you are looking for a classy and enthralling evening then I highly suggest you
