What Dance Shows Are On At The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre This Autumn?

As the days get shorter and the evenings get that familiar autumn chill, finding something brilliant to do indoors becomes a top priority. Forget scrolling through streaming services for the tenth time this week. How about an evening filled with incredible live performance? The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre has a fantastic line-up this autumn that’s perfect for anyone who loves dance, music, and a bit of theatrical magic. Nestled within the headquarters of the world-renowned Northern Ballet, this theatre is a real gem in Leeds. With support from important bodies like the Arts Council England and Leeds City Council, the quality of shows is always amazing. So, let’s see what’s coming up.

A taste of Wales with Ballet Cymru

Get ready for an evening of incredible Welsh dance on Tuesday 4th November. The brilliant Ballet Cymru is bringing two completely different but equally stunning short works to the stage in a show called NPT - MADE IN NEWPORT. It’s a double bill, which means you get two performances in one night – a bit like a dance tasting menu.

First up is Momentum: Undone. This piece comes from the mind of Marcus J Willis, the Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre. If you think ballet is always serious and dramatic, this might change your mind. It’s known for having a sense of humour and brilliant musicality, so expect moves that are as clever as they are beautiful. It’s all about a flow of energy, where the talented dancers of the company create something truly special on stage.

The second piece is a brand-new creation called Woven. This is a collaborative work from Ballet Cymru’s own Artistic Directors, Darius James OBE and Amy Doughty. What makes this extra special is the music. It features the magical sounds of Welsh harpist Catrin Finch playing alongside Irish violinist Aoife Ni Bhriain. Imagine the beautiful, weaving melodies of a harp and violin filling the theatre as the dancers bring the music to life. The name itself suggests how different threads of culture, music, and movement are woven together. This performance by the Ballet Cymru company promises an evening of powerful and poetic dance. It's an important cultural event for anyone who appreciates fine music and dance. Why not book now and see for yourself?

Modern dance milestones with Yorke Dance Project

On Saturday 15th November, get ready for a history lesson you’ll actually enjoy. The Yorke Dance Project is presenting Modern Milestones, an unforgettable evening celebrating some of the biggest names in modern dance, alongside brand-new works. This isn’t just a performance; it’s a journey through the evolution of an art form. Think of it as a 'greatest hits' collection, but with ground-breaking dance instead of pop songs.

The evening is packed with legendary choreography. The programme includes:

• Martha Graham's Deep Song: Martha Graham is basically the original superstar of modern dance. Her company is celebrating its 100th year, so seeing this piece is a way of honouring a true icon. Her style is known for being passionate and powerful.
• Robert Cohan's Lacrymosa: Another legend, this performance honours what would have been his 100th birthday. His work has had a massive impact on dance in the UK.
• Bella Lewitzky's Kinaesonata: This is a really big deal. This piece is being performed in the UK for the very first time. It’s a chance to see something fresh and historic at the same time.

But it’s not all about looking back. The evening is framed by two world premieres from contemporary choreographers, Sir Christopher Bruce and the company's own Liam Francis. This shows that modern dance is still alive, kicking, and creating new milestones. The Yorke Dance Project dancers are known for their incredible skill and artistry in bringing these diverse pieces to life. This is a must-see for anyone interested in dance. Make sure to book now before it sells out.

Something for the little ones (and the big kids too)

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre isn’t just for serious dance fans; there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy this autumn. On Friday 19th September, you can tumble down the rabbit hole with Meet the Hatter. In this enchanting show, the famous Hatter is feeling a bit lonely when nobody shows up for his tea party. So what does he do? He uses his imagination to create his very own Wonderland. The show uses amazing multimedia to make the magic feel real. It’s an immersive experience, meaning lights, projections, and sounds will transport you right into the story. It’s on at 4pm and 6pm, making it a perfect after-school treat.

And then, just in time for half term, comes Little Red Riding Hood. Running on 11th October and then from 28th October to 1st November, this is a beautiful reimagining of the classic fairy tale. Forget the scary wolf you remember; this version is a magical adventure through a charming woodland. It's the perfect introduction to live performance for children, combining the beauty of ballet, enchanting music, and the fun of live theatre. The dancers of Northern Ballet tell the story through their movements, making it easy for even the youngest audience members to follow along. It’s a wonderful way to create some lasting family memories.

About the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre

It’s always good to know a bit about the place you’re visiting. The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre is the official home of Northern Ballet, one of the UK’s top dance companies. This means the venue is designed specifically for dance, so you get a brilliant view and amazing sound wherever you sit. As a registered charity (Charity No. 259140), every ticket sold helps support the work of Northern Ballet, from creating new productions to running community workshops.

Address: Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, 2 St Cecilia St, Leeds LS2 7PA, United Kingdom