The Academy of Northern Ballet is the UK's only Centre for Advanced Training in classical ballet, part of one of the world's leading ballet companies, offering professional training and open classes for all ages.
The Academy of Northern Ballet is part of Northern Ballet and operates from a purpose-built facility on St Cecelia Street in Leeds. The Academy identifies itself as the only Centre for Advanced Training in classical ballet in the UK and states it is the only professional ballet company in the UK fully integrated with its own training academy. The building includes seven studios, a studio theatre, and changing facilities.
The Academy offers training through its Centre for Advanced Training programme, an MA Classical Ballet Performance, and open classes for multiple age groups. Open classes are available for children from 18 months to 8 years, young people aged 8 to 16, adults aged 18 and over, and participants over 55. Adult classes range from beginner to intermediate levels. The Academy also provides workshops, masterclasses, and events. Most classes are accompanied by live music and take place during evenings, weekends, and lunchtimes.
All students train under the Ichino Technique, created by Yoko Ichino. This method focuses on preventative conditioning and understanding individual physical strengths and limitations. Teaching faculty includes Cara O’Shea and Hannah Bateman, a former Principal Soloist at Northern Ballet. Students train in the same building where Northern Ballet company dancers work.
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The Academy of Northern Ballet is the UK’s only Centre for Advanced Training in classical ballet. It is part of Northern Ballet, described as one of the world’s leading ballet companies and the only professional ballet company in the UK fully integrated with its own training Academy. The Academy offers a 21st Century approach to ballet training.
The Academy is located at Northern Ballet’s headquarters at St Cecelia Street, Leeds, LS2 7PA, in the Quarry Hill area.
The Academy offers professional training through its Centre for Advanced Training programme, an MA Classical Ballet Performance, open classes for children, young people, adults, and over-55s, workshops, masterclasses, open days, and events. Classes are accompanied by live music and take place in state-of-the-art facilities with seven studios, a fully equipped studio theatre, changing facilities, and a café.
Open classes are available for children aged 18 months to 8 years, young people aged 8 to 16, adults aged 18 and over, and over-55s. The Centre for Advanced Training and Associate Programme require auditions. The MA Classical Ballet Performance is for classical performers preparing for professional company life. Open Programme recreational classes are available for children of all abilities with no audition requirement.
The Academy caters for ages 18 months to adult, including over-55s. Open classes for adults range from beginner to intermediate level. Professional training programmes are available for young dancers. The MA Classical Ballet Performance is for advanced classical performers.
Yes, the Academy offers progression routes including the Centre for Advanced Training and International Summer School. Students train alongside Northern Ballet Company dancers, creating mentoring opportunities and insight into professional dancer life. The MA Classical Ballet Performance prepares students for professional company life with opportunities to train and perform alongside the Company.
All students are trained under the Ichino Technique, created by Yoko Ichino. The technique is based on in-depth knowledge of the scientific effects of dance on the human body, aiming to develop healthy minds and bodies. Students learn preventative conditioning, understanding of their strengths and limitations, and detailed dance technique. The curriculum concentrates on healthy training and nurturing physical and emotional wellbeing.
The Academy offers workshops, masterclasses, open days, and events. The MA Classical Ballet Performance provides opportunities to train and perform alongside the Company of Northern Ballet.
Email academy@northernballet.com for audition and enquiry questions. The Academy is located at Northern Ballet, St Cecelia Street, Leeds, LS2 7PA.
