Leeds to host world and northern premières in a new triple-bill by Northern Ballet.
Northern Ballet’s highly anticipated Three Short Ballets series is returning to Leeds with a brand-new programme that promises to captivate audiences with a diverse selection of bite-sized performances.
Running from 6-14 September at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre in Quarry Hill, this triple-bill event has become a cherished part of the company’s annual repertoire, showcasing new choreographic talents and pushing the boundaries of classical ballet.
Victory dance: A world première by Kristen McNally
The evening opens with the world première of Victory Dance, a new piece by Kristen McNally, Principal Character Artist and Choreographer at The Royal Ballet. McNally is known for her innovative approach to dance, often merging classical techniques with contemporary themes.
This collaboration will feature two Northern Ballet dancers alongside Joe Powell-Main, an extraordinary disabled dancer who integrates wheels and crutches into his performances. McNally and Powell-Main previously joined forces on the piece Sleepwalker for The Royal Ballet, and Victory Dance represents their continued exploration of inclusive dance, offering a powerful commentary on the fusion of traditional ballet with modern accessibility.
Four last songs: A classic reimagined
Following McNally’s piece, the programme continues with Four Last Songs, a contemporary classic choreographed by Rudi van Dantzig, former Artistic Director of Dutch National Ballet. Originally created in 1977, this ballet is set to Richard Strauss’s evocative composition of the same name and is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the human condition.
The ballet consists of four duets, each corresponding to one of the four songs, and features intricate choreography marked by dramatic jumps, intimate lifts, and flowing movement. Its inclusion in the programme provides a rich contrast to the new works, offering audiences a glimpse into the enduring power of modern ballet.
Fools: Mthuthuzeli November’s new masterpiece
The evening concludes with another world première, Fools, an original work by Olivier-award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November. Inspired by R.L. Peteni’s South African novel Hill of Fools, this ballet explores the intense rivalry between two villages, brought to life through November’s signature blend of dance styles.
Known for his ability to convey deep emotion and storytelling through movement, November’s third collaboration with Northern Ballet is set to be a visceral experience, drawing on the exceptional talents of the Company’s dancers to deliver a dynamic and gripping finale.
Tickets and availability
Three Short Ballets will premiere at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre on 6 September, running through 14 September. With the series known for selling out quickly, audiences are encouraged to secure their tickets early. Tickets are available now at northernballet.com/theatre/three-short-ballets.
This exciting event promises to be a highlight of Leeds’ cultural calendar, offering an exquisite mix of world-class ballet that both honours tradition and boldly forges new paths in the art form. Whether you are a lifelong ballet enthusiast or new to the world of dance, Northern Ballet’s Three Short Ballets offers something truly unique for everyone.
