Northern Ballet Theatre Academy - 2010 Brochure

Northern Ballet Theatre Academy: The training school of Northern Ballet Theatre

Your future starts here… In September 2010 Northern Ballet Theatre will move into brand new purpose-built headquarters in the centre of Leeds. This will give us space to continue creating inventive, high quality ballets and will provide all Northern Ballet Theatre Academy students with world-class facilities in which to develop their passion and talent for dance.

Why train at Northern Ballet Theatre Academy? Healthy training, happy bodies Our method not only teaches precise dance technique but ensures that every student becomes a healthy dancer, physically and mentally, with complete awareness of their body and the effect dancing has on it. This balanced approach is used to train first-class professional dancers including Northern Ballet Theatre’s Company dancers.

“I think 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 a certain way and I can visualise the body whilst doing the movement.” Devon Hartley, Professional Division student

Train alongside the professionals All Academy students are able to watch Northern Ballet Theatre’s Company dancers taking class and rehearsing for productions, providing a creative atmosphere to inspire the dancers of tomorrow.

Unrivalled facilities in Yorkshire Northern Ballet Theatre’s new building will be the largest dance centre outside London. The securely contained studios and changing rooms will provide a safe environment for young students.

(Cover) Tobias Batley, Northern Ballet Theatre First Soloist and Academy student mentor. Photo: Bill Cooper.

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“[Performing in The Nutcracker] 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, Professional Division student

Teaching staff Led by world-class Principal ballet dancer and teacher, Yoko Ichino, Northern Ballet Theatre Academy has a faculty of dedicated dance professionals selected by Northern Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director David Nixon. Our teachers have been professional dancers themselves, bringing a wealth of experience and creative input. Every student matters Offering all students the best possible support and advice, our full-time pastoral staff ensure students have a safe and friendly atmosphere in which to pursue their passion for dance. Perform with the Company Northern Ballet Theatre Academy students are given the opportunity to audition to perform with the Company. In the past students have performed in Northern Ballet Theatre favourites The Nutcracker, A Simple Man and A Christmas Carol.

Hannah Bateman, Northern Ballet Theatre First Soloist and Academy student mentor. Photo: Bill Cooper.

To be part of this exciting future get in touch… 0113 274 5355 [email protected] www.northernballettheatre.co.uk 3

Coming Soon… Shared with Phoenix Dance Theatre our new building will become a hub of creativity and learning in Yorkshire.

“Our classes for children develop strength and technique in a way that is healthy for young bodies whilst allowing them to exercise their imagination. We aim to encourage each student’s potential and confidence whilst building their fitness in a fun, friendly and sociable atmosphere.”

New Classes With seven state-of-the-art studios there will be space in the new building to offer a full programme of opportunities for everyone who wants to dance. Classes will include: • B  allet for all ages and abilities • C  ontemporary and jazz for children • A  dult lunchtime classes e.g. pilates and dance inspired aerobics • C  lasses for young people and adults with disabilities

Yoko Ichino, Northern Ballet Theatre Academy Curriculum Manager and Ballet Mistress

For those younger students looking towards a career in classical ballet we provide a clear progression route through our Professional Division programme.

Naomi Matthews, Pre-Ballet student. Photo: Hannah Kirkpatrick.

To be the first to receive information about our new classes fill in the form at the back of this brochure and return to us at Northern Ballet Theatre.

Can’t wait until September 2010? We currently have some classes running at our base in West Park. Get in touch to find out more.

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“Our new building will be a centre of excellence for dance in the North of England, a place that will complement the best dance spaces in the UK and the world.”

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Want to become a professional dancer? Professional Division

Yorkshire Young Dancers

Centre for Advanced Training

The Professional Division is a recognised Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) and is the only CAT specialising in ballet in the country.

Ages 10 - 16

The Professional Division gives young people with exceptional potential the chance to access the highest quality training whilst still living at home and attending their academic school.

Under this scheme Northern Ballet Theatre Academy is in partnership with Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) who provide a corresponding contemporary programme.

We are looking for motivated, passionate young people and, whilst most of our Professional Division students already have some dance experience, we also award places based on potential.

Collectively this scheme is called Yorkshire Young Dancers and funding from the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) is available to cover the full cost of both courses on a means-tested basis.

To date, 100% of our graduates have secured places at top national ballet schools including English National Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and Royal Scottish Academy in partnership with Scottish Ballet.

For more information on the CAT scheme and funding options please visit the DCSF website: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds/national_grants.shtml

Can’t commit to 8 hours a week or live too far away? Join our Associate Division and still benefit from our great facilities and high quality training. 6

(Left to right) Joshua Barwick, Leon Moran, Dale Rhodes, Andrew McNicol and Matthew Topliss, Academy graduates. Photo: Darren Goldsmith.

The course: • Intensive training programme close to home • 8  hours a week minimum in first year which will increase with student’s progress • Individual training plan for each student based on personal progress • E  nhancement classes eg. drama and music to develop student’s performance skills • Intensive  weekends and holiday courses to build student’s confidence and knowledge of the arts

• T  rips to the theatre to keep students in touch with their aspirations • L  inks with NSCD and Phoenix Dance Theatre allow students greater exposure to contemporary dance Admission to the Professional Division is by audition only (audition dates on page 10). To register for the auditions please fill in the form at the back of this booklet and return to us at Northern Ballet Theatre.

To find out more…

To get a better idea of the training available at Northern Ballet Theatre Academy before applying, attend a free Open Day. See page 10 for more details. 7

Add to your current training at Northern Ballet Theatre Academy

Associate Division Junior (ages 10-12) classes Friday evening Intermediate and Senior (ages 12-16) classes Saturday morning

For aspiring dancers the Associate Division gives students access to the Academy’s great facilities and high quality training whilst still attending their local dance school. Classes run for 33 weeks of the year during term time and a weekly commitment is required.

International Summer School Intermediate (ages 12-16) 26 - 31 July 2010 Senior (ages 16-19) 2 – 14 August 2010

Admission to this course is by audition only (audition dates on page 10). See the form at the back of this brochure for how to apply.

This course is open to students who are already in, or are hoping to go into, full-time classical ballet training. The daily sessions are designed to strengthen and improve student’s classical technique and offer an insight into the life and training of a professional dancer.

Junior Associates: £300 per year Intermediate and Senior Associates: £600 per year “I have really enjoyed my years at Northern Ballet Theatre. I feel I’ve really improved since I started. I enjoy the exercises and strengthening work. I hope Northern Ballet Theatre will help me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer.”

Admission to this course is by audition only (audition dates on page 10), or for those already in fulltime training candidates are selected by photo application. See the form at the back of this brochure for how to apply.

Intermediate Summer Course (1 week): £200 Senior Summer Course (2 weeks): £365

Jenny Edwards, Senior Associate 8

Easter Course Ages 14-19, 12 – 16 April 2010

This week long course is open to students who are already in full-time classical ballet training as well as students on classical associate programmes. Candidates are selected by photo application only. See the form at the back of this brochure for how to apply. Note: As the Academy is a non-residential school, we cannot provide accommodation for either the Summer School or Easter Course but we can recommend affordable options.

(Left) Louisa North. Photo: Hannah Kirkpatrick. (Right) Jessica Morgan, Northern Ballet Theatre dancer and past Summer School student. Photo: Darren Goldsmith.

To find out more…

To get a better idea of the training available at Northern Ballet Theatre Academy before applying, attend a free Open Day. See page 10 for more details. 9

Open Days Our free Open Days give prospective students the chance to meet Northern Ballet Theatre Academy staff and find out more about our approach to teaching and technique in a taster session.

(Left to right) Sophie Hall and Megan Hughes, Professional Division graduates. Photo: Simon Lawson.

Audition Dates

Open Days 2010:

Successful applicants will receive more information about the auditions beforehand, but to help students plan ahead here are the dates for 2010.

24 Jan: Sheffield, Spring Academy 9.30am-12.30pm, ages 10-12

31 Jan: Huddersfield, Greenhead College

7 Mar: Preliminary auditions for Associates and combined auditions for students auditioning for more than one programme

9.30am-12.30pm, ages 10-12

7 Feb: York St John’s University 9.30am-12.30pm, ages 10-12

21 Mar: Final auditions for Associates, Summer School auditions and preliminary auditions for Professional Division (CAT Yorkshire Young Dancers)

14 Feb: Leeds, West Park Centre 9.30am-12.30pm, ages 10-12

21 Feb: Leeds, West Park Centre 9.30am-12.30pm, ages 10-12

13 -16 Apr: Final intensive auditions for Professional Division (CAT Yorkshire Young Dancers)

21 Feb: Leeds, West Park Centre 1-4pm, ages 13-15

To register for an Open Day or audition please fill in the form at the back of this booklet and return to us at Northern Ballet Theatre. 10

Charlotte Tonkinson, Professional Division student, preparing for her performance in The Nutcracker. Photo: Simon Lawson.

Academy Application Form 2010/11 Closing date for applications 22nd February Thank you for your interest in Northern Ballet Theatre Academy. If you would like to receive up-to-date information on our new classes and all of the courses in this brochure please tick here and fill in your basic details in the box to the right (marked in red). Please return this form enclosing the following photographs in either leotard and tights or vest and shorts: 1 Facing back feet together (in parallel) 2 Facing towards – tendu in second 3 For Senior Summer and Easter Course also include 1st arabesque in profile Audition Fees £15 for Associate and Summer School auditions Professional Division (CAT Yorkshire Young Dancers) auditions are free of charge I want to apply for (students may apply for more than one course): P  rofessional Division (CAT Yorkshire Young Dancers) A  ssociate Programme (10-15 years) E  aster Course (14-19 years) International Summer School (12-16 years) Intermediate  S enior International Summer School (16-19 years)  I’d like to attend the following Open Day (see page 10 for details of times):



2  4 Jan

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Sheffield, Spring Academy

3  1 Jan

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Huddersfield, Greenhead College

7  Feb

:

York St John’s University

1  4 Feb

:

Leeds, West Park Centre

21  Feb

:

Leeds, West Park Centre (ages 10-12)

21 Feb

:

Leeds, West Park Centre (ages 13-15)

Details of applicant Name: Date of Birth: Age in September 2010: Home Address:

Post Code: Telephone number: Email: Name of parent(s) / guardian(s):

Details of current Dance School (if relevant): Name of dance teacher: Name of dance school:

Dance teacher’s signature: Address:

Telephone number:

Please affix headshot here

Dance Experience Ballet:

Contemporary dance:

Other:

Please list any previous injuries or medical conditions:

Please list any access requirements you have for the auditions:

Appropriate fee enclosed (£15 for auditions) Appropriate photographs enclosed

Signature of parent/ guardian: Date: Please return this completed form to:

Northern Ballet Theatre Academy, West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds. LS16 5BE Closing date for applications 22nd February 2010. Whilst great care is taken over the safety of all dance students throughout the course, Northern Ballet Theatre Academy cannot accept responsibility for any injuries or illness sustained during or after audition.

Our current address is…

Northern Ballet Theatre Academy West Park Centre Spen Lane Leeds LS16 5BE

Get in touch:

0113 274 5355 [email protected] www.northernballettheatre.co.uk Supported by

Northern School of

Contemporary Dance

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