Is Northern Ballet's Latest Programme The Perfect Mix of Old & New?

Hey there, dance enthusiasts and curious minds alike! Got your calendar handy? Circle 3rd and 4th June because there's something truly special happening in Leeds at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre in Leeds. It’s Northern Ballet’s exciting showcase called "Sketches: Past, Present, Future."

What's Happening?

Think of it like a fantastic dance time machine! Northern Ballet’s annual platform, Sketches, blends new and exciting works with timeless ballet gems. It’s an event where up-and-coming choreographers get to show what they’ve got. This includes some of their own artists and special guest choreographers, plus a sprinkle of classic ballet fairy dust with an excerpt from the ballet Paquita. How cool is that?

A Word from the Artistic Director

Federico Bonelli, the artistic brain behind this magical line-up, is all about connecting the dots between where ballet began and where it’s heading. He says:

“By bringing an excerpt from Paquita into this year’s Sketches programme, we’re reflecting on the rich heritage of ballet while also introducing the new talent that will help define its future. It’s important to understand where we’ve come from to better shape where we’re headed, and this programme beautifully connects and contrasts the past, present, and future of ballet in a really exciting and meaningful way.”

Local Talent in the Spotlight

Celebrating Bradford's big cultural moment in 2025, Northern Ballet teamed up with Bradford Producing Hub to find talent right under their noses. Vince Virr is the lucky choreographer chosen to work with Northern Ballet’s dancers, bringing fresh moves straight from Bradford to the stage.

The Lowdown on the Performances

You’ll get to see it all unfold up close and personal, with stripped-back performances and behind-the-scenes peeks. The choreographers will be on hand to chat about their pieces, so it’s a bit like a backstage pass into their creative world! Whether you catch it on 3rd June at 7:30 PM or on 4th June at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM, it promises to be a treat.

How to Grab Your Tickets

Tickets are flying fast, so hurry over to northernballet.com/sketches to grab yours. You won't want to miss out on seeing some of the freshest faces in choreography and celebrating ballet's rich traditions.

About Northern Ballet

Here’s a bit about our local heroes in dance. The Northern Ballet is all about innovation! With performances spanning across over thirty venues every year and a digital dance platform for your screens, they really know how to bring stories to life through dance. And if you fancy watching their moves on the big screen or at home, head to northernballet.com/digital-dance .

Discover More at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre

Nestled in the heart of Leeds, this 230-seat theatre offers a cosy spot to catch some incredible ballet talent. With a variety of shows year-round, it’s the perfect place for everyone to enjoy the beauty of dance. For more info, visit northernballet.com/theatre .

So, ready to see where ballet’s been and where it’s going? It sounds like a perfect couple of days to me—make sure you’re a part of it!