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Home , Ballet Ireland, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Central School of Ballet, Earl of Wessex, English National Ballet, Freed of London

SWAN LAKE A BY DAVID NIXON OBE

Leeds Grand Theatre 17 - 26 June 2021 Dear audiences, we heartily welcome you back to our tour. As I write this, following one of the most challenging years our industry has ever faced, there is a palpable sense of optimism and excitement that the light is finally at the end of the tunnel and better days are just around the corner. Indeed, it feels like a victory that I am writing this note knowing it will be read by audiences attending our first tour since autumn 2019. Through the darkest days of lockdown, at we have found opportunities to let our creativity shine a light. Without the tour demanding most of our time and resources, our programme of digital films has grown exponentially in unexpected and wonderful ways. However, performing live in front of an audience is in our blood; at the very core of why we do the job we do. We are still limited in terms of the productions we are able to rehearse and perform whilst adhering to the safety measures we have in place Welcome to protect our company. In Salford and , we performed an adapted version of Dangerous Liaisons which was also a big success when we were able to revive it for a brief number of performances at Playhouse in October 2020. Contemporary Cuts 2021, David Nixon OBE performed in London only, is a fantastic programme of our most Artistic Director popular contemporary short works and excerpts from full-length productions. This programme includes Kenneth Tindall’s States of Mind which was our first stage production to be created entirely during lockdown. Finally, we have returned to Leeds Grand Theatre, one of our home venues, with our unique interpretation of . Although the tour this season will only reach three venues, we are just thrilled that even this short tour has been possible. We have bigger plans afoot for another tour later in 2021 that will see us return to more towns and cities that we have missed visiting a great deal. I do hope that circumstances for us all will continue to improve in the coming weeks and months. Once again, I would like to thank each and every one of our supporters, audience members, staff and freelancers for all you have done over this difficult period. I would also like to thank the students from our Professional Graduate Programme and School for supporting us with their participation in Swan Lake. Continue to stay safe everyone. Enjoy these performances and we will be back again soon.

David Nixon OBE. Photo Simon Lawson. 2 Cover: Hannah Bateman and Javier Torres in Swan Lake. Photo Guy Farrow. and Costume Design David Nixon OBE Set Design Dave Gillan S WA N Lighting Design Peter Mumford Tour Lighting Alastair West LAKE Dramatic Associate Patricia Doyle Creative Team Music Music Director Jonathan Lo Production supported by Orchestration John Longstaff Music played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia Daniel de Andrade Audio Description Yoko Ichino supported by Revival Restaging Christelle Horna Hannah Bateman and Javier Torres in Swan Lake. Photo Guy Farrow. 3 Creative Team

David Nixon OBE CHOREOGRAPHY & COSTUME DESIGN

See page 13.

Dave Gillan Peter Mumford Alastair West SET DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN TOUR LIGHTING

Dave is a Fine Art Graduate of the Peter trained as a stage designer at Alastair graduated from Bretton Hall Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art Central School of Art in London and in 2004 with a degree in Performance Dundee, specialising in sculpture. He has worked extensively in the UK and Design and Production, having first began working as a scenic artist Europe on numerous award-winning specialised in Lighting Design. with Welsh National and has opera and theatre productions. He He is currently Head of Lighting since worked extensively in opera, has won many awards for his work for Northern Ballet where he has ballet, TV, theatre and film. He has including the Olivier Lighting Award designed for multiple full-length worked on several Northern Ballet for The Bacchai (National Theatre) and short works for the Company productions including Dracula. and a Knight of Illumination Award for including most recently Geisha. Sucker Punch (Royal Court). He has also designed lighting for Northern Ballet’s Madame Butterfly, Peter Pan and A Tale of Two Cities.

Patricia Doyle Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky John Longstaff DRAMATIC ASSOCIATE MUSIC ORCHESTRATION

Patricia trained at the RADA and Tchaikovsky was born in Russia in John was born in Lancashire worked as an actress with the National 1840 and studied at the St. Petersburg and educated at Girton College, Theatre, and the School of Jurispudence, becoming and Guildhall School of Royal Shakespeare Company as well a clerk with the Ministry of Justice Music and Drama. He has worked as in repertory, radio and television before attending the newly opened with numerous opera and ballet internationally. She has numerous St. Petersburg Conservatory. After companies, including some 20 director credits for theatre and short graduating, he began to compose full-length productions for Northern film, and has a long association with and completed his first ballet score, Ballet, as well as being arranger and Northern Ballet where she has worked Swan Lake, in 1875 before going on musical director for three of the on some 15 productions including to compose more of ballet’s most Company’s children’s ; Ugly most recently The Great Gatsby and recognisable and best-loved scores, Duckling, Three Little Pigs and Elves & . still popular today, until his death in the Shoemaker. 1893.

For full biographies visit northernballet.com/swan-lake 4 Northern Ballet dancers in Swan Lake. Photo Emma Kauldhar. 5 The Story

Prologue Act I

The lakeside of Anthony’s family The last summer of youth, 1912 estate in New A grown-up Anthony gazes out into the lake. He In the middle of the night, has not been swimming in the lake since that young Anthony and his brother night but remains obsessed with its allure. His Steven have stolen from their college friends, including his best friend Simon, beds determined to swim in the arrive to spend the afternoon with him. lake. Steven, thinking better Anthony’s mother and father, with several of the night swim, tries to stop young ladies, join the picnic by the water. Anthony but ends up watching With them is Odilia, a close friend of both him disappear into the black Anthony and Simon. The pleasant moment is pool. Mistaking the quiet for broken as Anthony observes his mother’s tears a problem, Steven follows his recalling that dreaded night at the lake and an brother. Anthony climbs out to exchanged glance reminds both of the tension discover Steven gone and starts that has never disappeared. Unable to let go of calling his name. his guilt he withdraws into himself. The household, awakened by the The young people enjoy the afternoon and boy’s cries, come running to the leave for home, except for Odilia, Simon and lake. A search ensues but Steven Anthony. Simon returns to the jetty leaving is lost. In the midst of her grief, Anthony alone with Odilia. The uncomplicated Anthony’s mother accuses her ease of their relationship is broken as Odilia son, realising her folly too late. reveals her feelings for Anthony. Anthony’s The loss of his brother and the reaction embarrasses her and she runs from guilt now imprinted upon him the lake. The revelations of the afternoon are forever, Anthony flees the scene. not over as Simon and Anthony discover a new side to their relationship. Anthony is frightened and confused. Simon leaves Anthony alone by the lake. Determined to face the fear and attraction of the lake, Anthony returns to the jetty’s edge. As he gazes into the watery mirror a creature rises up into his arms. The creature, Odette, emerges from the reeds and Anthony is drawn irrevocably to her. Holding her in his arms he feels an unknown joy and freedom. Odette slips from his grasp and is replaced by many more of the swan-like creatures. Patiently he awaits her return and is soon rewarded with her once again sliding into his arms but, as dawn draws near, the women melt into the mist and Anthony is gone. Simon returns looking for Anthony and is surprised to see him climbing from the lake. Simon is shocked at the transformation in his friend and Anthony struggles to understand his return to reality.

6 Characters

Act II Anthony

Late autumn, Anthony’s coming of age party A young man. He is Anthony is alone in his bedroom. His mother haunted by a tragedy enters with a birthday present for her from his past and melancholy son. Simon interrupts them and confused by his Anthony’s mother leaves the feelings for his two friends alone. close friends. Anthony greets his guests, whose company he has hidden from these past months. The evening transforms with the arrival of Odilia back from her travels abroad. Her confident Simon entrance and radiant beauty catch everyone’s Anthony’s best friend. attention. Anthony gazes as if for the first time He competes with upon Odilia who, in her glittering white gown, Odilia for Anthony’s conjures up the image of his swan. The rest of affection. the world stops as Anthony, Simon and Odilia become involved in a . The fiery display comes to an end and the rest of the party join in. Simon advances upon Anthony under the horrified gaze of Anthony’s mother. Responding wildly, Anthony pushes Simon away and, not willing yet to face his mother’s disappointment, Odette publicly declares his love for Odilia. A mystical swan- like creature. She Act III emerges from the lake bringing In Anthony’s bedroom a desolate Odilia watches comfort and peace to as Anthony gazes madly upon the lake and Anthony. paints wild images. She pleads with him to be her husband and to love her. Though he makes a futile attempt he finds it impossible and returns to his painting. Simon arrives in the room to Odilia witness the true state of his friend’s marriage. He tries to comfort Odilia who runs from the Anthony’s close friend room. Alone with Anthony, he forces him to and later his wife. She face reality and put an end to these strange yearns for Anthony to thoughts. Once again, in a heightened state love her and commit of emotions, Anthony and Simon are drawn to to their marriage. each other. On returning to the room, Odilia discovers the intimacy of her husband and best friend. All is now lost and Anthony leaves his friends in search of Odette. Anthony returns to the moonlit lake, the night Anthony’s animating the water in a vision reflecting his Mother grief. Odette appears as if once more drawn to his emotional state, this time calling him Anthony’s into the water. Losing himself in her arms domineering mother. he struggles between returning to life or She blames Anthony surrendering to his wild . Finally he for the death of his becomes the bird, free to plunge the depths of brother in their youth. the water and find resolution.

Photos Emma Kauldhar. 7 David Nixon OBE The Depths of Romance 2016

Swan Lake is perhaps the most famous up the emotions brewing under the surface of all classical ballets. My first Swan Lake of young people not yet sure of who they to both see and perform in the lead role are or what they want. We created a love was ’s version for the National triangle, young intimate friends who find Ballet of Canada. I loved it and being the one day that lying together on the grass last Siegfried to be totally prepared by Erik inspires new feelings which ultimately will always remain a priceless treasure. transform their lives. In a romantic person, By today’s terms this production was these emotions are more intense and can fairly traditional and tame but in its day, lead to a dangerous resolution. controversial for expanding the role of We also wanted to understand our main the Prince and transforming the character character’s to water and why of Rothbart the sorcerer from a man, to a it holds his ultimate destination. The woman. story therefore begins in childhood with Over the years, I danced in many versions the loss of a beloved brother in the lake and have seen countless others – all and the agony and guilt that the survivor different, all searching for their personal carries into the future. The lake and the voice and all continuing the history of this water become a mythical draw to our lead masterpiece in some new and fascinating character, enticing him ever deeper into a way. It is perhaps part of the magic of dangerous world of dark imaginings. Swan Lake, this ongoing interest by The swan that appears to captivate our choreographers to reinvent this iconic main character is danced by a woman ballet and to find new meanings and but is not necessarily so – she is simply adaptations within the original. a manifestation of a swan. Is the swan It is important for any to his ideal of women, his true love, his lost perform a version of this work and to do brother, or himself? These are questions I so in a manner most befitting its size and leave for you to answer. resources. This ballet, more than any other, For a true romantic, love is never a happy develops in the women a greater sense ever after tale but is always full of pain of unity, more graceful port de bras and and ultimate tragedy. The romantic lives breath in their dancing. This continues to between the worlds of reality and fantasy, be relevant and always will be. and knows that ultimate passion always The main aim of Patricia Doyle and I was to lives within the confines of danger and time make a more contemporary story, whilst restrictions. The romantic must also live retaining the traditional elements. It is a in the peak of passion, an emotion that is romantic tale and needed a time in history unsustainable over time. noted for this quality yet, in some ways, The end of our story is determined from contemporary enough to involve believable the moment our young character loses people. We settled upon the last days of the his brother. His emotional relationship to Belle Époque, a time of long lazy summers both the loss and the tragedy of this event before the world changed. The story also remain firmly imprinted, waiting for the incorporates the dark nature of romantics, moment to come forward. He is therefore who live in the realm of imagination receptive to his dark romantic nature which where the impossible is possible, even if is triggered by his sexual awakening and only in the mind. It is this characteristic ultimately destroys his friendships. of our leading man that is crucial to the realisation of the story. I wanted to open

8 Martha Leebolt in Swan Lake. Photo Emma Kauldhar. 9 Technical Wardrobe

Production Original Production Steve Wilkins Manager Costume Kim Brassley credits Supervisor Original Production Tim Anger Revival Mikhaila Pye Manager Costume Carley Marsh Supervisors Julie Anderson Bryan Tweddle Ian Broscomb Julie Anderson Ladies Jeff Winstanley Carley Marsh Set Construction costumes Jon Moorhouse Sarah Anderson made by Mike Roberts Donna Hardcastle Peter Deacon

Revival Set Griz Pedley Ellie Kemp Refurbishment Pradeep Dash Assisted by Holly Prescott Roxanne Major Dave Gillan Jerry Hedford Leslie Woolford Tailoring by Scenic Artists Marise Rose (Les the Tailor) Matt Grace Sarah East Original Jane Smith Hats and Revival Scenic & Northern Ballet Ali Allen Headdresses Artist Wardrobe by Ali Allen & Northern Props Revival Ballet Stage Headdresses Harriet Rogers Management by

Furniture Topshow Northern Ballet Assisted by Wardrobe Donated Andy Turner Bicycles Wigs and Makeup Harriet Rogers Supervisor

Pointe Shoes by

10 Ayami Miyata in Swan Lake. Photo Lauren Godfrey. 11 WORLD PREMIÈRE

A BALLET BY DREW MCONIE Music by Grant Olding

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Production supported by

12 Artistic Director David Nixon OBE

David Nixon has been Artistic Director of The Three Musketeers (winner of MEN Award Northern Ballet since 2001. and nominated for an Olivier Award); A Sleeping Beauty Tale; ; Hamlet; David trained as a dancer, first in his hometown Cleopatra; Beauty & the Beast; The Great Gatsby of Chatham, Ontario and then at the National (nominated for a Critics’ Circle National Dance Ballet School of Canada where his training Award and UK Theatre Award); Cinderella began in earnest. It was during his time there (nominated for a Manchester Theatre Award); that he first became interested in choreography, The Little Mermaid (winner of a BroadwayWorld helping to revive a choreographic workshop UK Award); and several short works. His with the approval of school director Betty adaptation of Dracula became Northern Ballet’s Oliphant. After further training in Europe he first performance to be broadcast live in returned to Canada to train with Erik Bruhn and cinemas on Halloween 2019. the great Russian teacher, Eugene Valukin. David’s productions have been staged David’s career began at the National Ballet of worldwide including Europe, Canada, the USA Canada where he progressed rapidly through and South Africa. Most recently he reproduced the ranks to become a , dancing The Great Gatsby for in lead roles in the classical and contemporary 2017. repertoire. In 1985 he joined the Deutsche Oper Ballet in Berlin as Principal Dancer where he won In 2020, David’s choreography featured on the Critics’ Award for Best Male Performance primetime television on BBC One’s The Greatest (1987) and continued to increase his own Dancer. choreographic output. This included producing David was voted Director of the Year by readers and directing the successful mixed programme, of Dance Europe in 2003 and 2006, and in David Nixon’s Liaisons, at the Hebbel Theatre, 2018 was awarded the Ken McCarter Award for Berlin in 1990. Distinguished National Ballet School Alumni by David left Berlin for a series of Principal Guest Canada’s National Ballet School. Artist positions with National Ballet of Canada, Under his directorship Northern Ballet has also Bayerisches Staatsballett, and Royal won several awards: Critics’ Circle National Winnipeg Ballet before returning to Deutsche Dance Awards (Audience Award) 2004, 2005 Opera Ballet in 1994 as First . His and 2006; Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards Guest Artist credits also include: (Patron’s Award) 2009; Taglioni European Royal Ballet; Komische Oper; Deutsche Ballet Awards (Best Company) 2014; South Staatsoper; ; and Sydney City Bank Sky Arts Awards (Dance Award) 2016 for Ballet. 1984 and 2020 for Victoria; UK Theatre Awards In 1994 David became Artistic Director of (Achievement in Dance) 2018. Northern Ballet BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, USA. During his has also been nominated for many prestigious six years with the Company, he added 16 world awards: South Bank Sky Arts Awards (Dance and 15 company premières to the repertoire. Award 2017) for Jane Eyre; UK Theatre Awards (Achievement in Dance) 2016; and the Critics’ Since joining Northern Ballet, David has Circle National Dance Awards (Outstanding added an impressive array of new works to Company) 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 the repertoire including: Madame Butterfly and 2020. (nominated for an MEN Award); Wuthering Heights; I Got Rhythm; Swan Lake; A Midsummer In January 2010 David was awarded an OBE for Night’s Dream (nominated for an Olivier his services to dance in The Queen’s New Year Award and MEN Award); Peter Pan; Dracula; Honours List.

Photo Justin Slee. 13 The Dancers - Our Collaborative Artists

Miki Akuta Aitor Arrieta Sean Bates JUNIOR SOLOIST GUEST ARTIST FIRST SOLOIST

Miki is from Fukuoka in and Aitor joined English National Ballet Sean is from Milton Keynes. He trained joined Northern Ballet in 2014. She in 2016 and was promoted to First at School and joined trained at Kazuko Sugihara Ballet Art in Soloist in 2019. Joint winner of Northern Ballet in 2012. Japan and Académie Princesse Grace Emerging Dancer 2017, he trained at Sponsor Clive & Virginia Lloyd in Monte Carlo. the Mariemma Royal Conservatory of Professional Dance. Roles for English National Ballet include: Albrecht (); Nephew/Prince & Nutcracker (The Nutcracker); and Prince Siegfried (Swan Lake). Created roles include Forsythe’s Playlist (Track 1, 2).

Harris Beattie Helen Bogatch Alessandra Bramante DANCER DANCER DANCER

Harris trained at Danscentre in Helen is from Tallinn. She trained at Alessandra is from Siracusa, Italy. She and . Tallinn Ballet School and later danced trained with the ASDC Dietro le Quinte In 2017 he won the Gold Medal at the with Estonian National Ballet. She joined in Catania, Il Balletto di Castelfranco Genée Competition. Northern Ballet in 2018. Veneto and the School He previously performed with Ballet in . She joined Northern Ballet Sponsor Kate & Andrew Fisher Central and joined Northern Ballet in 2019. in 2018. Sponsor Christine & Peter Farmer

Wesley Branch Antoinette Brooks-Daw Sarah Chun DANCER PREMIER DANCER FIRST SOLOIST

Wesley was born and raised in East Antoinette is from Somerset and joined Sarah is from Chicago, Illinois and London. He trained at Tring Park Northern Ballet in 2008. She trained at trained at the Faubourg School of Ballet School for the Performing Arts and The Trull School of Dancing in Taunton and The Academy of English National Ballet School. Past and was a Junior Associate of The Chicago. She previously danced with performance experience includes before joining The and Kansas City works by Kenneth MacMillan, Didy Royal Ballet School (Lower and Upper Ballet. She has won awards placing Veldman and . He joined Schools). second and third at the Youth America Northern Ballet in 2019. Grand Prix in Chicago. She joined Northern Ballet in 2016. Sponsor Bernard Eke 14 Filippo Di Vilio Ashley Dixon Sara Dos Remedios JUNIOR SOLOIST PRINCIPAL SOLOIST APPRENTICE

Filippo is from Vinci in Italy and joined Ashley is from Hull and trained at Sara was born in England and raised Northern Ballet in 2014. He trained at Central School of Ballet. He joined in Barcelona. She trained at the Teatro alla Scala Ballet School in Milan, Northern Ballet in 2004. Professional Dance Conservatoire St. Carlo Ballet School in Naples, English in Barcelona, EESA/CPD Institut del National Ballet School and the Academy Teatre and at the Ecole Supérieure de of Northern Ballet’s Professional Danse Rosella Hightower in Cannes, Graduate Programme. France. She completed her training on the Academy of Northern Ballet’s Sponsor Jane & Alan Foale Professional Graduate Programme and joined Northern Ballet in 2020.

Rachael Gillespie Albert Gonzalez Orts Jonathan Hanks FIRST SOLOIST DANCER SOLOIST Rachael is from Swindon and joined Albert is from Valencia in Spain. He Jonathan is from Gloucester and Northern Ballet in 2007. She trained trained at Estudio de Danza María trained at Linda Virgoe’s Dance Studio with the Judith Hockaday School and Carbonell in Valencia, the École and The Royal Ballet School (Lower and Central School of Ballet. Her previous Atelier Rudra Béjart in Lausanne and Upper Schools). He danced with the companies include and the Academy of Northern Ballet’s Estonian National Ballet before joining Ballet Central. Professional Graduate Programme. He Northern Ballet in 2016. joined Northern Ballet in 2019. Sponsor Louise & Philip Keller Sponsor Bernard Eke Sponsor Andy & Kath Barff

Riku Ito Minju Kang Natalia Kerner FIRST SOLOIST FIRST SOLOIST DANCER Riku is from Yokohama, Japan and Minju is from Seoul, South Korea. She Natalia is from Salvador-Bahia in trained at Yumi Kitamori Ballet Studio trained at Seoul Arts High School, Brazil. She trained at Ebateca School and The Hamburg Ballet School. He Korea National Institute for the Gifted of Ballet in Brazil and at Académie joined Northern Ballet in 2014. in Arts and The Hamburg Ballet Princesse Grace in Monte Carlo. In 2014 School. She previously performed with she performed with The Norwegian Sponsor Kyla & Andy Mullins Bundesjugendballett for two years National Ballet in The Nutcracker. She before joining Northern Ballet in 2016. joined Northern Ballet in 2015. Sponsor Linda & John Topott Sponsor Dean Eggleston

15 The Dancers - Our Collaborative Artists

Sena Kitano Matthew Koon Mlindi Kulashe DANCER FIRST SOLOIST LEADING SOLOIST Sena is from Osaka in Japan and trained Matthew is from Manchester. He Mlindi is from Cape Town, South Africa at Soda Ballet School in Japan and trained as an Associate of the Academy where he trained at the Cape Town the Academy in of Northern Ballet before taking up City Ballet and Cape Junior Ballet Amsterdam. She joined Northern Ballet full-time vocational training at English School. He completed his training at in 2020. National Ballet School. He joined English National Ballet School. He has Northern Ballet in 2013. performed with and was awarded a Bronze Medal at Sponsor Neil Eckersley the 2011 Genée International Ballet Competition. He joined Northern Ballet in 2013. Sponsor Paul & Diane Cusworth

Kyungka Kwak Dominique Larose Heather Lehan DANCER FIRST SOLOIST DANCER Kyungka is from Seoul, South Korea and Dominique was born in San Francisco, Heather is from Kitchener in Ontario, trained with the Sunhwa Arts School California and trained at the Ayako Canada. She trained at Canada’s and Ewha Womans University. Her School of Ballet, Tanz Akademie Zürich National Ballet School and joined previous companies include Universal and the Academy of Northern Ballet’s Northern Ballet in 2017. Ballet Company, Korea. She joined Professional Graduate Programme. She Sponsor Mr Jolyon & Mrs Carol Harrison Northern Ballet in 2018. joined Northern Ballet in 2014.

George Liang Harriet Marden Greig Matthews DANCER DANCER FIRST SOLOIST

George is from Taipei, Taiwan and Harriet was born in Rochford, Essex Greig is from Aberdeen and trained trained with the New Zealand School and raised in Bournemouth. She at The Lamour School of Dance in of Dance, Canada’s National Ballet trained at the Jo Heynes Performing Aberdeen, The Dance School of School and I Shin Dance Studio. He Arts School in Bournemouth and at Scotland and The Royal Ballet Upper previously danced with The National Central School of Ballet before joining School. He previously danced with Ballet of Canada and joined Northern the Academy of Northern Ballet’s and The Joffrey Ballet in 2018. Professional Graduate Programme. She Ballet in Chicago before joining joined Northern Ballet in 2015. Northern Ballet in 2021.

16 Gavin McCaig Charlotte McKay Aerys Merrill JUNIOR SOLOIST DANCER DANCER

Gavin is from Motherwell near Charlotte is from Rossland in British Aerys Merrill is from Richmond, and trained at The Dance Columbia, Canada and trained at Virginia and studied with Richmond School of Scotland and English Canada’s National Ballet School. She Ballet through high school. Aerys National Ballet School. He joined joined Northern Ballet in 2020. later attended the University of North Northern Ballet in 2014. Carolina School of the Arts receiving a B.F.A in Ballet Performance. Aerys Sponsor The Sterry Family Foundation previously danced with in their second company and with before joining Northern Ballet in 2020.

Ayami Miyata Matthew Morrell Julie Nunès LEADING SOLOIST DANCER DANCER Ayami was born in Shiga, Japan and Matthew is from Manchester and Julie is from La Ciotat in France and trained at Jun Ballet Gakuen, Japan and trained at Central School of Ballet trained at the National Dance School Académie Princesse Grace in Monte and the Academy of Northern Ballet’s in Marseille and Central School of Carlo. She joined Northern Ballet in Professional Graduate Programme. He Ballet. Upon graduation, she joined 2009 and performed with joined Northern Ballet in 2018. the Academy of Northern Ballet’s and , before Professional Graduate Programme. Sponsor Neil Eckersley rejoining Northern Ballet in 2014. She was part of the in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom Sponsor Louise & Philip Keller of the Opera, Stockholm and joined Northern Ballet in 2018.

Leandro Olcese Aurora Piccininni Kevin Poeung APPRENTICE DANCER FIRST SOLOIST Leandro was born in Brazil and raised Aurora is from Italy. She trained at the Kevin is from Montpellier in France. He in Italy. He trained at Spazio Danza Conservatory of Valencia and on the joined Northern Ballet in 2012 having Cicagna in Italy and English National Professional Graduate Programme at trained at English National Ballet School. Ballet School. He joined Northern Ballet the Academy of Northern Ballet. She Sponsor Russell Race in 2019. joined Northern Ballet in 2019.

17 The Dancers - Our Collaborative Artists

Abigail Prudames Mariana Rodrigues Bruno Serraclara PRINCIPAL SOLOIST JUNIOR SOLOIST DANCER

Abigail is from Harrogate in North Mariana is from Lisbon, Portugal and Bruno is from Barcelona and started Yorkshire and joined Northern Ballet trained at the National Conservatory dancing at Escola de Dansa Marisa in 2011. She trained at The Royal Ballet Dance School in Lisbon and at The Yudes in Barcelona at age eight before Lower School and Elmhurst School for Royal Ballet School. She joined Northern continuing his training at Académie Dance (Upper School). Ballet in 2012. Princesse Grace in Monte Carlo from 2015 until 2020. He joined Northern Sponsor The Sterry Family Foundation Sponsor Patricia Swallow Ballet in 2020.

Archie Sherman Joseph Taylor Andrew Tomlinson APPRENTICE LEADING SOLOIST DANCER Archie is from Kent and trained at Hilton Joseph is from Skegness, Lincolnshire. Andrew was born in Leeds and Hall Dance Academy before joining The He trained at the Janice Sutton Theatre trained on the Academy of Northern Royal Ballet School. He joined Northern School and Elmhurst School for Dance Ballet’s Centre for Advanced Training Ballet in 2020. (Upper School). He joined Northern Programme and at Canada’s National Ballet in 2012. Ballet School. He previously performed Sponsor Stephen Griffith MBE with The National Ballet of Canada and Sponsor Patricia Swallow joined Northern Ballet in 2017.

Matthew Topliss Javier Torres Lorenzo Trossello SOLOIST PREMIER DANCER SOLOIST

Matthew was born in Boston, Javier is from Cuba and trained at Lorenzo is from Crova, Italy. He trained Lincolnshire. He is a graduate of the the National Ballet School of Havana. at Teatro alla Scala Ballet School in Academy of Northern Ballet’s Centre He previously performed with Ballet Milan and at The Royal Ballet School for Advanced Training programme Nacional de Cuba and also performs before joining Northern Ballet in 2016. and continued his training at the Royal regularly as a guest artist. He joined Conservatoire of Scotland. He joined Northern Ballet in 2010 and was Northern Ballet in 2012. nominated for Best Male Dancer at the 2018 National Dance Awards. He is a Sponsor Jo McLaren member of the International Dance Council CID, UNESCO and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

18 Photos Lisa Stonehouse & Karoline Kuras. For dancer biographies visit northernballet.com/dancers Matthew Koon in Swan Lake. Photo Emma Kauldhar. 19 Music Staff

Jonathan Lo Daniel Parkinson Ellie Slorach MUSIC DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR GUEST CONDUCTOR

Hong Kong-born Briton Jonathan Lo is Daniel was appointed Associate Based in Manchester, in 2021-22 Ellie Music Director of Northern Ballet, Staff Conductor of Northern Ballet in will be the Assistant Conductor for the Conductor of the Royal Ballet, Covent 2019 following several years as the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Garden, and Principal Conductor Company’s Assistant Music Director. Liège. She will also make her debut of the New Bristol Sinfonia and the He combines this role with a busy with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Haffner Orchestra. Jonathan was a freelance career, most notably as a Choir for a world première BBC Performing Arts Conducting regular guest conductor for Scottish performance and with Northern Opera Fellow with Ballet. In 2020, Daniel brought Group as part of the Leeds Opera and has returned every season since together a group of friends to record Festival. In 2020-21 Ellie conducted as a guest conductor. Other highlights Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite in the BBC Singers in recording, include: Dutch National Ballet; Scottish aid of Help Musicians, whose support London Sinfonietta in workshop and Ballet; Rambert; BBC Philharmonic; for musicians through the coronavirus participated in conducting sessions and the London Sinfonietta. He was a crisis has been vital. Daniel studied with the Orchestra of the Royal Jette Parker Young Artist at the Royal Orchestral Conducting at the Royal . In 2019-20 Ellie was Opera House and was Principal Guest Northern College of Music with Clark the Musical Director of the Hallé Conductor with the Xi’an Symphony Rundell and Mark Heron. Youth Orchestra and made several Orchestra in China. Jonathan read appearances with the Hallé Orchestra. Music at Oxford University before In 2015, Ellie founded Kantos Chamber studying conducting at the Royal Choir, putting on innovative concerts Northern College of Music. and rising to the fore of the choral scene in the North of the UK.

Geoffrey Allan Andrew Dunlop Ewan Gilford ORCHESTRA LEADER COMPANY PIANIST COMPANY PIANIST

Born in Scotland, Geoffrey studied Andrew received his doctorate Ewan received his Music Masters with the great violinist Nathan as a Fulbright School from the from the Royal Northern College of Milstein. Leader for the orchestras of Eastman School of Music (New ) Music (RNCM) and was invited to be Scottish Ballet and the new D’Oyly after gaining his MMus and BMus Répétiteur Junior Fellow. Collaborating Carte Opera Company, he has guest- at the RNCM on full scholarship. with many distinguished artsong led for: Welsh National Opera; English He has performed across Europe and operatic soloists, Ewan has also National Ballet; Vancouver Symphony and USA, teaches piano for Leeds worked as an accompanist for: Opera Orchestra; Ulster Orchestra; Orchestre Conservatoire and Yorkshire Young North; RNCM; Leeds College of Music; de la Suisse Romande; and the BBC Musicians and is an examiner for Liverpool Philharmonic; The Hallé; Scottish Symphony Orchestra, with ABRSM. Andrew recently released Leeds Lieder Festival; and Yehudi whom he has broadcast concertos by his first album, Dithis, with his sister Menuhin’s Live Music Now. Ewan acts Tchaikovsky and Lalo for the BBC. Gaelic Singer Joy Dunlop. as Music Director for Northern Ballet’s children’s ballets.

For full biographies please visit northernballet.com/our-people

20 Northern Ballet Sinfonia

Northern Ballet believes that live 1st Violin Flute Horn music enhances performance Geoffrey Allan Tom Hancox Nicholas Wolmark and is committed to music Winona Fifield Laura Jellicoe* Dave Horwich being played live for almost all William Chadwick* Sarah Bull of its productions. Northern Shulah Oliver* Trumpet Ballet Sinfonia travel the length Helen Boardman Oboe/Cor anglais Tracey Redfern and breadth of the UK with the Raimondo Koço Mary Gilbert Gary Ritson Company playing for over 100 performances every year. 2nd Violin Clarinet Trombone The full Sinfonia is made up of Helena Buckie * Joanne Rozario Rick Scoates Alan Asquith 27 players and is available to Gordon Bragg * Timpani/Percussion play concerts and performances Ian Flower Bassoon outside the main tour. Laura Concar Ian Hood Paul Boyes John Melbourne If you would like to book the Viola Ben Hudson* Sinfonia for a concert or to find Harp Ros Cabot out more about workshops or Hannah Horton Lucy Haslar* recordings, please contact: Tamara Young* [email protected] Cello 0113 220 8000 Sasha Volpov Toby Turton

Sinfonia Supporters Bass Nick Lyle & Sheila Nelson Hannah Turnbull* Katy Furmanski * Pietro Lusvardi * *Guest/Extra

Northern Ballet dancers in Swan Lake. Photo Emma Kauldhar. 21 Ballet Staff

Daniel de Andrade Yoko Ichino Christelle Horna ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE REHEARSAL DIRECTOR & REHEARSAL DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMY

Daniel is from Brazil and danced with Yoko was born in Los Angeles where Born in France, Christelle trained National Ballet of Portugal, London she trained with Mia Slavenska. at the Opera School and with City Ballet, Zurich Ballet and Scottish Her previous companies include Marika Besobrasova in Monaco. She Ballet before joining Northern Ballet , The National was a Principal Dancer at the Ballet as Principal Artist in 1995 where he Ballet of Canada, and de l’Opera de Nice, France until performed and created roles until Joffrey Ballet. She also performed joining the Compañía Nacional de joining the artistic team in 2003. for numerous companies as a Danza, Spain as a Principal Dancer He has also worked as a guest with guest across the globe and danced under the direction of . companies across the world. As a opposite such artists as Rudolf She has worked with numerous choreographer he has created many Nureyev, Helgi Tómasson, Anthony world-renowned choreographers and short works and children’s ballets for Dowell and . Yoko is a graduate of the State Teaching Northern Ballet, as well as The Boy in was the Director of the Professional Diploma of Dance in France. She the Striped Pyjamas. He created two Training Programme at BalletMet has worked widely as an Associate full-length ballets for Slovak National (1996 – 2001) and has been invited to Director, Teacher and Rehearsal Ballet, most recently Chaplin, The be a guest teacher with schools and Director and is regularly invited Tramp in 2019. He was awarded the companies around the world. to teach masterclasses and give 2011/12 Dance Fellowship on the Clore repertory workshops. Leadership Programme where he was mentored by Wayne McGregor and seconded to Sadler’s Wells.

For full biographies visit northernballet.com/our-people

22 Rediscover the heritage and history of the city Northern Ballet call home

#ReDiscover Leeds

Harewood House © Harewood House Trust and Lee Beal Trust House House © Harewood Harewood visitleeds.co.uk 23

NORTHERN BALLET_MAR 2021.indd 1 16/03/2021 17:33 With grateful thanks to

Platinum Level Sponsors

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The Audrey and Stanley Burton Charitable Trust

24 Carol Arrowsmith Denise Ashworth Dianne Balmforth Andy & Kath Barff Jenny Beverley Liz & Terry Bramall William Geoffrey Michael Burrell The Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund Jeremy & Martine Burton The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust Kate Carroll Bruce Wake Charitable Trust Paul & Diane Cusworth Business Archives Council Kate Dugdale Trusts & The Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust Our Neil Eckersley Foundations Charles Brotherton Trust Benefactors Dean Eggleston The David Solomons Charitable Trust & Donors Bernard Eke The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust Christine & Peter Farmer Ecclesiastical Charitable Trust Kate & Andrew Fisher (Movement for Good Awards) Jane & Alan Foale Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation G.F. Armitage Charitable Trust Evan Cornish Foundation Stephen Griffith MBE The George A Moore Foundation Di & Tim Hare The Granada Foundation Adrian Harris Holbeck Charitable Trust Mr Jolyon & Mrs Carol Harrison Hull & East Riding Charitable Trust John & Maggie Hayes The Kenneth Hargreaves Dr & Mrs Keith Howard Charitable Trust Gwyneth Hughes & Chris Brown Leeds 2023 J & A Charitable Trust Leeds Inspired Elizabeth Jackson The Linden Charitable Trust Juliet Jowitt DL Maxwell Morrison Trust The Keller Family Charitable Trust R E Chadwick Charitable Trust Julie Kenny The Reed Foundation Imogen Knight Rhododendron Trust Ida Levine The Rix-Thompson-Rothenberg Foundation Clive & Virginia Lloyd Sir George Martin Trust The London Ballet Circle Sir James Knott Trust Judith Macdonald Sir John Fisher Foundation Jo McLaren The Spectacle Makers’ Charity Ann Meyrick The Steel Charitable Trust Kyla Mullins The Adams Charitable Trust David Nixon OBE Theatres Trust Sarah & Bruce Noble TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation Charles & Fiona Prest Wade’s Charity Russell Race The & Countess of Scarbrough Mark Skipper DL In Memoriam Graham Smith Mrs Dianne Mary Burton The Sterry Family Foundation Patricia Swallow Jill Thompson Linda & John Topott Howard & Clodagh Woods David & Liz Wootton and those who wish to remain anonymous Sinfonia Supporters Nick Lyle & Sheila Nelson

25 With grateful thanks to

Helen Barnes Philip & Jane Ingham David & Wendy Sterry S. Bell Michael & Zoe Introna Lorraine M Stevens Angela Birkin Caroline J Carey Tebby Peter Blake & Nicholas Lodge Toni Johnston Amy Thwaites Nick & Linda Brown Valerie Jones Robert Topliss Ann Burns Lizzy Joyce Fiona Trewavas Kate Carroll Peter A Knappett Sheila Wainwright Laura Clarke Gary Knapton John Ward James & Kate Close Margaret Knight Philip Webb Our Patrons Alison & Malcolm Cooper Stephen Knight-Gregson Crys Whitewoods Pauline Cope Malcolm Lynch Michael Wiles Reverend Christopher Cowper Michelle Maclachlan Mr & Mrs Graham Wilson OBE John Crosby Kathryn Marsden Julia Wise Susan Dalgetty Ezra Pamela Mason & Keith Parsons John Wright Diana Dent Dave & Maria McGlade Tobias Wynn & Diana O’Neil Lynn Dickinson Janet McNulty and those who wish to remain Sophie Don Jo Mills anonymous Neil Eckersley Andy Mullins Jennifer Fawkner-Corbett Mrs Rupert Nickols Olive Freeman Janet Parkinson Carol Gleisner Mary Percival Paul Goulden Theresa Rainbird Ronald Gray Rachel Rawnsley Michael Hall Maxine Room CBE Wendy Hall Rebecca Rooney Richard A Handby Sandi Sales Avril Handscombe Jo Saxby John Harrop Catherine Selby Kathryn Heaversedge Peter Simpson Geoff Hill & Janet Armson Katharine Smith Jeremy & Mellon Horsell Paul Smith Louise Huband Geoffrey Spackman Mark Ibbertson Robert & Susie Staveley David Ilott Richard Stephens

Mark & Clare Armour Isabella & Brian Leigh-Bramwell Peter Blake & Nicholas Lodge Chih-Chieh Liang Pauline Cope Dave & Maria McGlade Susan Dalgetty Ezra Janet McNulty General Judith Donovan CBE Kate Newman Donors* John & Alaine Fendek Jolyon Oxley Cllr. Robert Gettings Victoria Smith Angel Gonzalez Allen Thomas Sandra Goodwin Elizabeth Wilson J Green Natalie Wing Mr & Mrs Derek Halbert Adrian Wood Elizabeth Halbert Jennifer Young Lizzy Joyce

26 *General donations of £250 - £1,000 HAVE YOU MISSED US?

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Become a Patron or Benefactor Corporate Partnerships As a Patron or Benefactor of Northern Ballet you Align your brand with quality and creativity by can be at the heart of everything we do. Keep up creating a unique partnership with one of the UK’s to speed on life behind the scenes with regular leading cultural brands. updates, invitations to inspiring insight events and northernballet.com/support-us/corporate-partnerships much more. northernballet.com/patrons Trusts and Foundations northernballet.com/benefactors Support from Trusts and Foundations makes a huge difference to our work and helps us carry out our Support our Bring Back the Magic appeal inspiring and innovative artistic, educational and accessible projects. Help our new ballet Merlin become a reality with magical sets, choreography, costumes and illusions. northernballet.com/support-us/trusts-and-foundations northernballet.com/magic Every gift we receive supports our mission Leave a gift in your Will to make ballet accessible to everyone, everywhere. Thank you to all our generous Remembering Northern Ballet in your Will is a very supporters who are helping us on our way. special way to share your passion for dance with the next generation and support the future of the Company for years to come. A gift of any size will Discover more at help create new productions, revive much-loved northernballet.com/support-us favourites and train the dancers of the future. Contact the Development team at northernballet.com/legacies [email protected]

Ayami Miyata with Northern Ballet dancers in rehearsal for Geisha. Photo Justin Slee. 27 the international dance magazine published in london No. 254 April/May 2021 £4.75

Prix de Lausanne

Arthur Pita n Benoit Swan Pouffer Christopher Powney n Jason Reilly Marcelino Sambé n Emily Suzuki

the international dance magazine published in london No. 251 October/November 2020

internationalthe dance magazine

Ghost Light published in Hamburg DEBUTS IN MUNICH From Berlin Swan Lake With Love in london critics' choice Patricia Barker 10 Erico Montes Aurélien Scannella 9 771359 979088 www.danceeurope.net

Dance Europe Films on YouTube

105

NB_Programme Ad May 2021.indd 1 06/05/2021 13:36 SOGE_METI_SGPB_1801_HAMBROS__210x297_COLLECTION_GB.indd 1 the international dance magazine published in london No. 254 April/May 2021 £4.75

Prix de Lausanne

Arthur Pita n Benoit Swan Pouffer Christopher Powney n Jason Reilly Marcelino Sambé n Emily Suzuki

the international dance magazine published in london No. 251 October/November 2020

internationalthe dance magazine

Ghost Light published in Hamburg DEBUTS IN MUNICH From Berlin Swan Lake With Love in london critics' choice Iana Salenko Patricia Barker 10 Erico Montes Aurélien Scannella 9 771359 979088 www.danceeurope.net

Dance Europe Films on YouTube

105 29

NB_Programme Ad May 2021.indd 1 06/05/2021 13:36 Artistic Development Company & Stage Artistic Director Director of Development Management David Nixon OBE Jennifer Young Company Manager Artistic Associate Head of Development Emily Deller Daniel de Andrade Zoë Walker Stage Manager Rehearsal Directors Development Manager: Lyndsey Holmes Yoko Ichino Trusts & Foundations Christelle Horna Hannah Blackwood Senior Deputy Stage Manager Bethany McNaboe Chun-Yen Chia Board Artistic Director of Digital & Choreographer in Residence Events & Business Assistant Stage Manager / and Kenneth Tindall Development Manager Book Cover Sally Tiplady Sandrine Enryd Carlsson Dramatic Associate Staff Patricia Doyle Development Campaigns & Individual Giving Manager Artistic & Learning Assistant Katy Lee Facilities Pippa Moore Senior Development Executive: Facilities Manager Corporates Shaun Daniels Business Hannah Blackwood Facilities Officer Development Officer Peter Scott Chief Executive Richard Cross Mark Skipper DL Facilities Assistants Wayne Dunn Head of Planning John Boulton Tobias Perkins IT Head Receptionists Executive Assistant IT Director Will Dawson Sam Bryans Neil Jarman Fiona Heseltine IT Officer & Receptionists Communications & Assistant Developer Kathy Dean David Fodden Karen Dixon Digital James Gray Carol McCarthy Director of Communications Brandon Robinson-Connolly & Digital Learning Khemi Shabazz Emma Mooney Director of Learning Leanne Kirkham Head of Communications Academy of Liz Rose Senior Learning Head of Digital Project Manager Northern Ballet Liam Verity Sam Moore Director of Academy In-house Designer Learning Project Manager David Nixon OBE Richard Barrelle Nicola Phillips Associate Director of Academy Digital Manager Artistic Learning Manager Yoko Ichino Phill Garnett Sophie Alder Academy Deputy Director Creative Content Producer Dance Education Officers Cara O’Shea Emily Nuttall Keisha Hamilton Philippa Ranger Centre for Advanced Senior Communications Officer Training Manager Rachel Evans Project Coordinator Laura Walsh Heather Newstead Communications Officer Associate & Graduate Kathryn Thompson Archive & Records Manager Programme Manager Hari Jonkers Annemarie Donoghue Junior Designer Amy Kelly Archive Volunteer Open Programme Manager & Alex Goring-Jones Student Support Coordinator Emma Rodriguez-Saona Academy Coordinator Emily Humphreys Academy Pianist Gerard Power

30 Medical Technical Royal Patron Physiotherapy Services Technical Director Sport & Spinal Steve Wilkins Physiotherapy Ltd, Leeds Liz Atha Head of Lighting Craig Schofield Alastair West Company Masseurs Deputy Head of Lighting Giuliano Contadini Abbi Fearnley Caitlin Hampson Studio Technical Manager Martin Smith Head of Stage HRH the Earl of KG GCVO Music Sid Taylor Music Director Deputy Head of Stage Board of Directors Jonathan Lo Nick Anger Sir David Wootton (Chair) Associate Conductor Stage Technician Javaad Alipoor Daniel Parkinson Daniel Alexander Carol Arrowsmith Guest Conductor Seasonal Stage Technician Baroness Blake of Leeds CBE Ellie Slorach Henry Boulton Jolyon Harrison Elizabeth Jackson Orchestra & Concerts Seasonal Assistant Electrician Philip Keller Managers Sam Day Clive Lloyd Barry Collarbone Roisin Dullard Kyla Mullins Steve Costello Head of Workshop Kevin O’Hare CBE Company/Orchestra Pianists Griz Pedley Anita Rani Andrew Dunlop Graham Smith Ewan Gilford Deputy Head of Workshop Paul Smith Pradeep Dash Transport Stagefreight Honorary President Sound Engineer Bernard Atha CBE Kevin Heap Senior Vice President Wardrobe & Wigs Sir Simon Towneley KCVO JP Head of Wardrobe Kim Brassley Senior Wardrobe Manager Vice Presidents Mikhaila Pye Dr Jo Butterworth Costume Cutters & Makers Tim Collins Julie Anderson Judith Donovan CBE Carley Marsh David Forbes Jon Hammond DL Assistant Costume Maker Alan Harrison Donna Hardcastle David Heal Wigs Manager Juliet Jowitt DL Harriet Rogers Malcolm Oliver Dr Maxine Room CBE Wardrobe Manager Phil Swallow Ellie Kemp Victoria Tomlinson Deputy Wardrobe Manager Holly Prescott Wardrobe Assistant Observer Roxanne Major Matthew Sims, Leeds CC

Assessor Kristian Pellissier, Arts Council England

31 Events and Conferencing

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t: 0113 220 8000 Day Delegate Rates e: [email protected] starting from £26pp

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Featuring full-length films of our most popular ballets through to innovative and unexpected exclusive short dance films by up-and- coming choreographers and filmmakers. Plus insight films offering a glimpse behind the scenes of our work for stage and screen.

digitaldance.org

Photos Emily Nuttall and Riku Ito.