New MA in Classical Ballet Performance in Leeds

Some massive news for the world of dance was announced on Monday 6 October. Two of the biggest names in the business, The Academy of Northern Ballet and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, have joined forces. They’re launching a brand new MA in Classical Ballet Performance, and it’s a really big deal for any aspiring professional dancers out there looking for world-class training right here in Yorkshire.

A powerful partnership in Leeds

When two creative powerhouses team up, you know something special is about to happen. That’s exactly what’s going on in Leeds. On one side, there’s Northern Ballet, one of the UK’s leading touring ballet companies. They’re famous for their bold storytelling and for bringing ballet to huge audiences all over the country. On the other, there’s the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), a leading centre for contemporary dance that’s all about pushing boundaries and nurturing creative talent. It is renowned for producing some of the most influential dancers and choreographers in the industry.

This new partnership isn’t just a handshake and a photo opportunity. It’s a proper collaboration built on shared values. Both organisations are committed to excellence, innovation, and, importantly, access. They want to open doors for talented dancers from all backgrounds. By combining Northern Ballet’s deep industry experience with NSCD’s academic excellence, they’ve created a unique MA programme. This partnership is set to strengthen the northern arts scene and confirm Leeds's status as a global centre for dance.

What's this new MA all about?

This isn't Northern Ballet's first venture into advanced training. The company has a brilliant track record with its Professional Graduate Programme, which has been successfully shaping dancers since 2013. Just look at its alumni for proof. Dominique Larose, a current Principal Dancer with Northern Ballet, is a graduate of that very programme. Her success story shows just how effective their training is.

So, what’s different now? This new course is a fully-fledged MA, which stands for Master of Arts. It's a postgraduate qualification, meaning it’s a higher level of academic and practical study for dancers who have already completed their initial vocational training. The MA in Classical Ballet Performance takes everything that was great about the old programme and elevates it. With validation from NSCD, it carries serious academic weight. The core idea is to develop dancers who aren't just technically brilliant but who also have a deep sense of artistry and can connect with audiences through powerful storytelling. This isn’t just about learning the steps; it's about becoming a complete artist.

What's it like being a student?

Forget sitting in a lecture hall all day. The experience of this MA is about total immersion in the world of professional dance. Students will be based at Northern Ballet’s home in Quarry Hill, Leeds, which means they’ll be training right inside an internationally recognised, touring ballet company. It’s like having an all-access pass to the realities of professional life as a dancer.

Students will be surrounded by the buzz of a working company. Their days will be filled with:

• Daily classes with the company’s incredible teaching faculty.
• Direct mentoring from seasoned dancers and creative staff.
• The chance to observe and participate in company rehearsals.
• Real performance opportunities to hone their craft in front of audiences.

But it's not a boot camp. Thanks to the partnership with NSCD, there's a huge emphasis on a holistic approach. That means focusing on dancers' physical and emotional wellbeing, giving them the tools for a long and healthy career. This academic rigour ensures graduates are not only artistically expressive and technically sharp, but truly industry-ready. This type of rounded training is what every aspiring dancer needs to succeed in a demanding industry.

What are the experts saying?

The people behind this exciting new venture are buzzing about what it means for the future of dance. Their passion for training the next generation of dancers is clear.

Federico Bonelli, the Artistic Director of Northern Ballet, shared his excitement:

"Training the dancers of the future is a key part of Northern Ballet’s ethos, and we are delighted that our MA in Classical Ballet Performance has been validated by Northern School of Contemporary Dance. We look forward to working with our fellow Leeds-based arts organisation to make professional level training available to even more dancers. I also want to congratulate the team at the Academy of Northern Ballet who have put so much hard work and passion into developing this MA, it is a true representation of the quality of our staff and teaching faculty."

Sharon Watson, CEO and Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, highlighted the importance of the collaboration:

"Northern School of Contemporary Dance is proud to validate Northern Ballet’s new MA in Classical Ballet Performance, a landmark development that celebrates both tradition and innovation in the art form. From our collaboration on the national CAT scheme to the creative work seen on stages across the UK, we have shown the impact of strong partnerships. Since 2004, National Dance CATs have trained thousands of young people, helping to expand access and diversity in dance and the wider creative industries. This new MA is an exciting next step in that journey. It offers dancers the opportunity to deepen their artistry and scholarship, and we look forward to supporting its graduates as they help shape the future of classical ballet."

And for a student’s perspective, Dominique Larose, Northern Ballet Principal Dancer and a former graduate, knows first-hand the value of this training:

"I am absolutely thrilled for the Graduate Programme to be an accredited course now. As a former grad myself the programme set me up for a smooth transition into professional life as a dancer. The course gave me the extra support I needed to achieve my goals and ambitions as well as make lifelong friends and mentors. I am thrilled for what's in store for the programme in the coming years."

A big deal for dance in the north

This new MA is more than just another course on a list. It’s a major development for dance training in the UK. It puts Leeds firmly on the international map as a go-to destination for elite classical ballet performance training. By welcoming students from around the globe, it enriches the city's already vibrant creative scene.

The fusion of Northern Ballet's classical heritage and NSCD's contemporary dance innovation will create a new breed of dancer—one who is versatile, resilient, and creatively curious. In today’s industry, a choreographer looks for dancers who can adapt and bring fresh ideas to the studio. The alumni from this MA will be exactly that. This is an amazing opportunity for any dancer looking to take that final, crucial step from training into a successful professional life with a top touring company. The Academy of Northern Ballet is truly building the future of ballet.