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Home , Agnes Oaks, Ballet Ireland, Ballet Philippines, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Gillian Lynne, Northern Ballet

National Tour Partner

Artistic Director David Nixon

Autumn 2009 1 2 Welcome from the Artistic Director

Photo: Richard Moran

The autumn brings a close to our 40th anniversary season. The year began with a mixed programme of immense diversity showcasing the strength of the Company and anchored by the revival of Gillian Lynne’s signature work A Simple Man. As the director of NBT it was a fascinating moment in time from which to observe and reflect on the Company.

There has been an incredible journey attraction that can reach beyond all other alongside dancers from the during the past 40 years and it has powers. It is wonderful to be performing and Les de Monte Carlo, to name been my privilege to be at the helm for it again in the Playhouse and building but two, will join NBT in a sensational the last eight. The Company continues upon our relationship with this special celebratory performance. Never has to perform a unique combination of theatre. been treated to such an extensive line up acting and dance and the high level of with , Royal We continue to perform Claude-Michel achievement in both these areas was Ballet, and Rambert visible in the revival of Wuthering Heights Schönberg’s Wuthering Heights. With among the participants. Newly created this spring. Three casts filled the stage its sweeping and beautiful original short works for the evening will include with refined and expressive dancing score this production fits the Company an original by Gillian Lynne and the NBT and performed with an overwhelming magnificently, providing the showcase dancers in a Wayne McGregor piece, emotional passion that came flooding with which to see NBT at its finest. making this an unmissable event. across the stage to the audience. These The season draws to a close with a All in all, a great way to celebrate 40 years performances reiterated for me the return of our most popular production and to move forward into the future, where unique place that NBT holds; combining A Christmas Carol and our delightful the new building on Quarry Hill heralds a great dancing with an unrivalled ability to Peter Pan which will fly onto the Grand new age of possibilities. tell a story. So often as a company we stage and take us all to Neverland; a I hope that you will join us for many of our have not been outspoken enough about return to the innocence and unbridled performances this autumn and that if you this quality and its power to move and imagination of our childhood. create empathy with its audience. Part of have not already done so you will give to the journey of this 40th anniversary has On 5 December NBT alumni will join the momentum campaign. been for me to admit how proud I am of existing dancers at Leeds Grand for a A final thank you to all our audiences, what we have achieved and the quality of one-off celebration led by the return of sponsors, Board of Directors and Chair, engagement we give. Jeremy Kerridge as Scrooge. This will be Bernard Atha, for supporting NBT and a great event as 40 years melt into one helping us to make this a great company. The season opens with the return of evening. my Dracula and our regular visit to the fantastic West Yorkshire Playhouse. The following weekend on 12 December This interpretation of Bram Stoker’s will see another unique NBT event; novel is a more intimate look at the our Gala performance in aid of the attraction and expulsion of the creature momentum campaign. Thanks to the of the night, reality versus imagination generosity of many of our colleagues, an and simultaneously an exploration of elite group of the best dancers in the UK

Northern Ballet Theatre: Royal Patron: HRH The Earl of Wessex KG, KCVO Winners of the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards Patrons Award 2008

3 David Nixon Artistic Director

David Nixon trained as a dancer, first Nixon’s Liaisons - at the Hebbel Theatre, Madame Butterfly, Wuthering Heights, the in Chatham, Ontario and then at the Berlin in 1990. Gershwin extravaganza, I Got Rhythm, National Ballet School of Canada where , A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nixon left Berlin for a series of principal his training began in earnest. It was Peter Pan, Dracula, The Three Musketeers, guest artist positions with National Ballet during his time there that he first became A Sleeping Beauty Tale, and . of Canada, Bayerisches Staatsballett, interested in choreography, helping to His dark and exciting new production of Munich and before revive a choreographic workshop with Hamlet toured in Spring 2008. returning to Deutsche Oper Ballet in the approval of school director Betty 1994 as first . His guest His work has received recognition: A Oliphant. After further training in Europe artist credits also include: Birmingham Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Three he returned to Canada to train with Erik Royal Ballet; Komische Oper; Deutsche Musketeers were nominated for Olivier Bruhn and the great Russian teacher, Staatsoper; and Sydney awards; The Three Musketeers won a Eugene Valukin. City Ballet. Manchester Evening News (MEN) Theatre Nixon’s career began at the National Award and Madame Butterfly and A In 1994 David became Artistic Director Ballet of Canada where he progressed Midsummer Night’s Dream were nominated of BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio USA. rapidly through the ranks to become a for MEN Awards; David was voted Director During his six-years with the company he , dancing lead roles in the of the Year by readers of Dance Europe in added sixteen world and fifteen company classical and contemporary repertoire. 2003 and 2006; and NBT received the premi `eres to the repertoire. Companies In 1985 he joined the Deutsche Oper audience award at the Critics’ Circle National in Canada, the USA and South Africa Ballet in Berlin as principal dancer where Dance Awards for three successive years have since staged David’s productions. he won the Critics Award for Best Male (2004, 2005, 2006). Performance (1987) and continued to David came to NBT in 2001 and has Recently David has reproduced The increase his own choreographic output. revitalised the Company, adding an Nutcracker in Slovenia and in The Three This included producing and directing a impressive array of new works into the Musketeers in Tallin, Estonia. successful mixed programme - David repertoire including the hugely popular

Photo : Bill Cooper 4 momentum

BUILDING A FUTURE FOR DANCE IN SPACE TO DREAM HOW YOU CAN HELP THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Our new headquarters will give us the Over £1.3 million has now been raised Theatre and Phoenix much-needed creative space to allow for the momentum campaign since Dance Theatre’s dream of a purpose built us to grow as we move forward through its launch in February 2008. In July home in the heart of Leeds is moving the 21st century. It will provide spaces to this year Trustees of The Monument ever closer to reality. Work started produce new work and rehearse existing Trust awarded our project a grant of on site in April 2009 with completion repertoire to tour throughout the UK and £200,000. This major contribution scheduled for August 2010. overseas. from a large national trust confirms the project’s importance and the role A 230-seat studio theatre will give Our headquarters on Quarry Hill will be it will play in shaping the cultural fabric opportunities for our Artistic Director and an important addition to the cultural of the north of England. Such support, other choreographers to experiment with combined with the generosity of landscape of Leeds, Yorkshire and the new work; our work with communities several regional trusts, businesses and north of England. It will be the largest and young dancers will have room to individuals means that we are close to purpose built space for dance outside expand and develop, allowing everyone delivering the target set for momentum. and will be a key part of the to benefit from world-class training national dance infrastructure. The closer to home. The performance space It is testimony to the kindness and building is starting to take shape now. will offer a first-class environment for commitment of our supporters that we To watch it grow, visit: audiences to see the Company at work now have just £500,000 left to raise www.building-momentum.co.uk in rehearsal, performance and training. to reach our goal. If you can help the momentum of our campaign continue, please contact Melanie Aram on 0113 274 5355 or visit www.building-momentum.co.uk

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Photos: NBT Webcam 5 6 d n e i r F a e m o c e B Friends of Northern Ballet Theatre

Like ballet? Like NBT? Want to see a bit more of what goes on Christmas is coming too – Friend’s membership lasts a whole behind the scenes meet some of the dancers, come along to year so could be the perfect present for the ballet lover in open rehearsals and dress rehearsals? Like the idea of meeting your life. like-minded people? We would like to thank all of our Friends, with a particular For just £25 a year you could do all of these things whilst helping thanks to the following Patron level Friends. NBT continue its work. Mr & Mrs J Bingham, Mr & Mrs E & VJ Ellis Our Friends play a crucial role in the Company. In the last five Dr Jonathan Cove, Miss J McNulty years memberships and donations have generated income Mrs Judith Macdonald, Mr Richard Handby Mr Mark Roberson, Mrs Juliet Jowitt of £200,000, making a valuable contribution towards the Mr & Mrs P Meyrick, Mr Patrick Hibbin cost of new productions, costumes, sets and other projects. Mr Peter Simpson, Mr David Heal Friends are passionate about the Company and the art form Northern Society of Costumes & Textiles and are important ambassadors, bringing in new audiences to Mrs James Cookson, Mrs Kathryn Heaversedge performances and helping us to introduce ballet to as many Mrs Susannah Frieze, Mrs Rebecca Rooney Mr & Mrs H Wells, Mrs Pauline Cope people as possible. Mrs D Green, Mrs Melanie Morris For more information on how to become a Friend and the Mr & Mrs Peter Carroll, Mrs S Dean different types of membership, fill in the postcard in this Mrs Miranda Chisenhale-Marsh Mrs Pat Bruce, Mrs Bonnie J Ward programme or contact Judith Baker on 0113 274 5355, Mrs Wendy Hall [email protected]. You can also buy Friend’s memberships online. Northern Ballet Theatre 40th Anniversary Gala An Enchanted Evening Join Northern Ballet Theatre and stars from around the world for An Enchanted Evening. Guest dancers from internationally acclaimed companies including The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, , Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, and will join NBT dancers on stage to celebrate our 40th anniversary in style. Tickets start at just £25 so book now for a once in a lifetime opportunity to see all these companies on stage together in Leeds for one magical night. Tickets for individuals are available from Leeds Grand Theatre on 0844 848 2701* or online at www.leedsgrandtheatre.com* If you’d like to make the evening extra special and book a place at one of our exclusive dinners, please call Melanie Aram or Janet Myers on 0113 274 5355 for more details.

*Booking fees apply.

Photos: Lisa Stonehouse & Simon Lawson 7 Northern Ballet Theatre Orchestra

1st Violins Double Bass Trumpet Geoffrey Allan Steve Costello Position Vacant Leader Gary Ritson Susan Hall Flute/Piccolo Sub Leader David Sumbler Trombone Stella Hartikainen Sarah Bull Rick Scoates Helen Boardman Oboe/Cor anglais Timpani/ Raimonda Koço Mary Gilbert Percussion Ian Hood 2nd Violins Clarinets Hayley Pomfrett Joanne Rozario Percussion Laura Concar also Alto Sax John Melbourne Ian Flower Alan Asquith Harp also Bass Clt Violas Celine Saout Rosalyn Cabot Bassoon Keyboard Hannah Horton Paul Boyes Chris Hobson Cellos Horns Sasha Volpov John Thornton Tom Rathbone Ben Jones

Photos: Brian Slater 8 e r t a e h T t e l l a B n r e h t r o N t a c i s u M Music at Northern Ballet Theatre

Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT) believes that live music enhances performance and is committed to music being played live for almost all performances. The NBT Orchestra is made up of 27 players who travel the length and breadth of the UK with the Company, playing for over 150 performances every year. The Orchestra is also available to play concerts and performances outside the main tour such as its annual ‘Classical Fantasia’ at Kirkstall Abbey. If you would like to book the Orchestra for a concert, please contact Barry Collarbone, Orchestra and Concerts Manager: [email protected] NBT’s commitment to live music also extends to all training and workshops where a musician accompanies all classes. Discography: 20th Century English Ballets and Dracula (Naxos); The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Black Box); Great Expectations (NPC Records); A Streetcar Named Desire (Doyen); Stephen Warbeck’s Peter Pan (Quartz); Sir Malcolm Arnold, The Three Musketeers (Quartz). Music Staff

John Pryce-Jones NIGEL GAYNOR GEOFFREY ALLAN Music Director Assistant Music Director Orchestra Leader

John joined Northern Ballet Theatre in 1992. Nigel joined Northern Ballet Theatre in 1998. Geoffrey joined Northern Ballet Theatre in 1993. Born: South Wales. Born: Sydney, Australia. Born: Ayrshire, Scotland. Educated: Worcester, Corpus Christi College, Educated/Trained: Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, Trained: Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Cambridge. Studied with George Hurst and Aspen Music Festival School. Drama. Studied with the great violinist Nathan Rafael Kubelik. Companies/Organisations: , Milstein in London and Vienna. Companies: Welsh National , Opera North English National Ballet, , Canterbury Companies/Organisations: Leader Scottish (founder Chorus Master), Scottish Opera (Head , New Zealand and numerous leading Ballet, New D’Oyly Carte Opera, North of England of Music), D’Oyly Carte Opera Co.(MD) international orchestras. Chamber Orchestra. Halifax Choral Society (MD). Guest Performances Include: Conducting Christchurch Guest Performances: Guest Leader Welsh National John has a fanatical commitment to expanding Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand for a ballet Gala Opera, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the provision of music for young people and is with principal dancers from , L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva, Ulster Artistic Director of NOEL (Northern Orchestral conducting Philippines Philharmonic in Manila for a Orchestra, English National Orchestra and National Enterprises Ltd.), which undertakes extensive ballet Gala with dancers worldwide, conducting the Symphony Orchestra with Katherine Jenkins and educational work and which runs the Yorkshire Royal Ballet Sinfonia, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Hayley Westenra. In January 2007 recorded works Youth Choir and Orchestra. Pacific Orchestra USA, Shanghai Philharmonic, Moscow for violin and orchestra by film and light music Orchestras: Has conducted throughout the UK Symphony, State Orchestra of Victoria, The Australian composer Angela Morley with Royal Ballet Sinfonia. with many of the major orchestras, and overseas Opera & Ballet Orchestra, and most of Australia’s Career Highlights: Solo performances with the BBC in eleven different countries. symphony orchestras. A regular guest conductor with Scottish Symphony Orchestra in broadcasts of Personal: John is married to a musician, Alison, English National Ballet, Nigel conducted ’s Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Lalo’s Symphonie who teaches and conducts numerous choirs, and final career performance ofThe Sleeping Beauty in Espagnole. He has performed with the Vancouver has two children – a son, Rodric, a member of 2008. Will music direct English National Ballet’s tour to Symphony Orchestra as soloist and Guest Leader. the successful band Idlewild, and a 17 year old Barcelona in 2009. Personal: A keen driver, he has on a number of daughter, Catrin. Career Highlights: Working with , Sir occasions travelled to Germany to drive the famous and Jiri Kylián; conducting The Nurburgring racetrack. Australian Ballet’s Red Earth on live television; Music Directing Northern Ballet Theatre’s China tours; Music Directing English National Ballet’s tour to Taiwan 2006 and conducting their Royal Albert Hall seasons of Swan Lake 2004, 2007; Performing in the Sydney Opera House, and Coliseum, London, Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg, Metropolitan Opera House, New York, Lincoln Centre, Washington, NHK, Tokyo, Poly Theatre, Beijing and the Spoleto Festival in Italy. Personal: Nigel is also a composer, and takes a great personal interest in music education in dance. He has produced seven volumes of Beautiful Music for Ballet Class which are sold around the world. 9 Connect with Northern Ballet Theatre

There are many ways to get more from Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT), whether at your local venue, through classes at our Leeds base or by keeping in touch with what we are doing online. Whilst on tour, you can find out more about NBT and the production at your venue with a talk or try out some of the dance for yourself in an open workshop. Become a Friend of NBT and you can watch Company class at any venue on tour as well as coming to special open rehearsals. If you’d like to dance on a more regular basis then there are a range of classes at our Leeds base, whether you’re looking for a new hobby or are a young person interested in pursuing a career in dance. With classes for ages 6 and up, an Easter course and an intensive Summer School, there’s plenty to choose from to suit all abilities. For more information on classes, auditions and timetables visit our website.

NBT is also renowned for our work with schools around the UK, not only with workshops based on productions but also cross- curriculum projects and teacher training. For more information and to see case studies of projects in schools, visit our website. There are plenty of ways to keep in touch and we’re always keen to hear what you have to say about NBT, our productions and the work we do. Find us on facebook: Join our fan page Follow us on twitter: NBTlive Leave reviews and feedback at ballet.co.uk Email us at [email protected] Phone us on 0113 274 5355 Write to us at West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds, LS16 5BE

Photos: Top: Jo Dean, Bottom: Simon Lawson, Right: Brian Slater 10 Dracula

Choreographer, Director & Costume Designer: David Nixon Set Designer: Ali Allen Lighting Designer: Tim Mitchell Music by: Alfred Schnittke Sergei Rachmaninov Arvo Pärt Michael Daugherty

Photo: HANSON 11 Dracula The Story ACT I Prologue Celebration A man, Dracula, steps from a coffin. Arthur Holmwood and Lucy hold a party to celebrate their engagement but Lucy arrives late on the arm of an Voyage unknown stranger. Lucy’s unusual behaviour draws attention Jonathan Harker, a young English lawyer, boards a carriage from the other guests. As the party ends, she runs out in for the final leg of a journey that has brought him far from embarrassment. home. One Dance Arrival and Sojourn Dracula stops Mina from following Lucy. Time stands still. Jonathan reads through his papers as Count Dracula Dracula who should feed upon Mina cannot; Mina who should watches. Jonathan is terrorised by the vampire, but is what be repulsed by Dracula, is drawn toward him. Unbidden, the happens reality, fantasy, or both? vision of Jonathan breaks in. Mina leaves after reading a message that Jonathan has returned. The Plot Thickens As Jonathan gazes at his beloved Mina’s photograph, Count Anger, Retribution Dracula reaches into his mind and conjures a living image. Dr. Van Helsing arrives to treat Lucy. Tortured by the grasp He leaves, locking the door and Jonathan is alone until he is Mina has upon him, Dracula serves his retribution upon Lucy. joined by the Brides of Dracula. The women are dispersed by Holmwood, Seward and Van Helsing arrive. They hope to save an angry Dracula who claims Jonathan for himself. Jonathan Lucy but they are too late. watches Dracula depart for England as the real Mina and Lucy are seen in an English garden. Engagement The young Lucy Westenra awaits her suitors. The intelligent but melancholic Dr. Jack Seward is rejected, whilst the confident and flamboyant Hon. Arthur Holmwood is accepted. Fluttering Bats Dracula, skittering among his fellow bats, arrives at Renfield’s cell. The Sanatorium Dr. Seward returns to study his most peculiar patient, Renfield. Renfield, who hungers after bugs, spiders and all living things, grows more violent as he cannot get his way. Foreshadowing Whilst sleep-walking, Lucy Westenra is lured into a cemetery by Dracula. He feeds upon her blood. Once he has had his fill, he feeds Lucy his own blood.

Photo: HANSON 12 ACT Il Funeral Love Final respects are paid to Lucy as she is interred in the Alone in her room Mina realises she is helpless in her love for Westenra family vault. Dracula. Out of the night the exhausted and hunted Dracula arrives. Grieving Discovery Friends and lovers grieve the loss of Lucy. Mina cannot The men return to discover Renfield dead and Mina in Dracula’s escape her thoughts of Dracula. arms. He flees into the night. Freedom Paths to be Followed Van Helsing leads the young men back to the vault. To their Jonathan again finds his wife in one of her strange trances. She horror, the coffin is empty. Lucy returns as dawn approaches. attempts to escape into the night but is stopped by Van Helsing, Van Helsing arranges that Lucy be staked and beheaded. Holmwood, and Seward. Van Helsing leads them all on his crusade to free Mina and the world from Dracula. The Hunt The men return, with Mina, to the Sanatorium where she is to spend the night. Van Helsing hypnotises Renfield and learns of Dracula’s hiding place. The men destroy Dracula’s crates, bearing unhallowed earth. Dracula punishes Renfield and seeks out Mina for his revenge.

Photo: Brian Slater 13 The Music of Dracula

religious and most of his later pieces reflect this. Schnittke ACT I on the other hand was anti almost everything and took Faust Cantata (opening) - Alfred Schnittke mischievous delight in the unlikely juxtaposition of incompatible Concerto Grosso no.1 - Alfred Schnittke (1st movt.) musical ideas – for example the very beginning of his Faust (K)ein Sommernachtstraum - Alfred Schnittke Cantata with which the ballet opens contains a tango, and a Suite (in the olden style) - Alfred Schnittke (5th movt.) parody of the opening of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion played Concerto grosso no.1 - Alfred Schnittke (2nd movt.) simultaneously. He uses the simplest of tunes - yes, even in a from Requiem - Alfred Schnittke ballet on Dracula you can have tunes - and reworks them using Symphonic Dances, op. 45. II Andante con moto - strange sonorities (a piano with bits of rubber wedged between Sergei Rachmaninov the strings is responsible for the extraordinary noise at the start In memoriam - Alfred Schnittke of his Concerto Grosso no. 1). This irreverent deconstruction Concerto grosso no.1 - Alfred Schnittke of simple material is at the heart of Schnittke’s compositional process, and is fitting to the not quite real world ofDracula , where life, half-life, hypnosis and death intermingle in an eerie ACT I l silence. from Requiem - Alfred Schnittke Silence too is an essential component in Arvo Pärt’s work – the Collected Songs Where Every Verse is Filled with Grief - simplest of chordal progressions coming out of total stillness Alfred Schnittke creates a timeless atmosphere in Spiegel im Spiegel (Mirror from Requiem - Alfred Schnittke in the mirror). The other work by Pärt, Wenn Bach Bienen Wenn Bach Bienen Gezüchtet hätte - Arvo Pärt gezüchtet hätte (If Bach had been a bee-keeper) is about Spiegel im Spiegel - Arvo Pärt musically delicate disturbances resolving in serenity. from Requiem - Alfred Schnittke As Schnittke was, Michael Daugherty is also apparently an Red Cape Tango (5th movement of Metropolis symphony )- authority on contemporary popular music. His Red Cape Michael Daugherty Tango is an orchestral tour de force based on the plainsong Essentially the music for this production of Dracula is by Alfred Dies Irae, a hymn sung at Requiem Masses describing the Schnittke (1934-1998), with additional pieces by Arvo Pärt Day of Judgement. Rachmaninov too was haunted by this (b. 1935), Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) and Michael theme, (it occurs in his Paganini Rhapsody and also in the third Daugherty (b. 1954). Schnittke and Pärt were born within of his Symphonic Dances), and the movement in our ballet a year of each other in Eastern Europe - both had clashes is a languid waltz, part seductive, part sad, and like all the with the authorities in their native countries (Pärt in Estonia, music chosen for this ballet open to a wide range of emotional Schnittke in the USSR) and both make use of a stylistic interpretation. eclecticism which is immediately recognisable. Where the two composers differ is in their outlook on life – Pärt is deeply John Longstaff

Production Credits: Dracula

Original Production Manager: Tim Anger Seward and Asylum Attendant by: Becky Graham. Revival Production Manager: Andy Waddington Dyeing and breaking down of costumes by: Beth Stocks. Original Set Construction: Jon Moorhouse, Peter Deacon Wigs and make-up supervisor: Gavin Render Mike Roberts, Works-Of-Iron Assisted by: Georgina Gabbie Revival Set Construction: Steve Wilkins, Sid Taylor, Jim Hannon Pointe Shoes by: Scenic Artists: Dave Gillan, Matt Grace, Cathy Stewart Faust Cantata, Collected Songs where Every Verse is Filled With Grief, Brendan Croker Concerto grosso No. 1, (K)ein Sommernachtstraum by Alfred Schnittke and Assisted by: Alex Cuttill Symphonic Dances by: Sergei Rachmaninov by permission of Boosey and Props: Ali Allen, Alex Christie, Simon Fitzgerald, Naomi Parker Hawkes Music Publishers Limited Topshow, Northern Ballet Theatre Stage Management Requiem and In Memoriam by: Alfred Schnittke licensed by arrangement Cage Flying: Unusual Rigging with Peters Edition Limited, London Wardrobe Supervisor: Kim Brassley Wenn Bach Bienen Gezüchtet hätte and Spiegel im Spiegel by: Arvo Pärt by Assisted by: Beth Stocks, Laura O’Connor, Mikhaila Pye, Heather Burtt arrangement with Universal Edition (London) Ltd. Carley Marsh Red Cape Tango (5th movement of Metropolis Symphony) by: Ladies costumes made by: Julie Anderson and Sarah Anderson Michael Daugherty by arrangement with Faber Music Limited, London on Dracula, Harker, Arthur, Van Helsing and Renfield made by: Phil Reynolds, behalf of Peermusic New York. assisted by Sue MacKenzie, Amanda Hall, Angelina Peroni Anna Von Maltzahn and Judith Edgley. 14 David Nixon’s Notes on Dracula

The popularity of Bram Stoker’s Dracula has not These are among the questions that fascinated me when I diminished since its first publication in 1897 but approached the ballet. All readers take away different images instead has not only outlived its author, but also gained from a book and the ballet is therefore made up of those images which most impressed me. The second interest was the popularity and many new interpretations. contradictions within the tale. Vampires are dead yet live, we are Although the belief in vampires had been spoken about in fearful and yet simultaneously attracted, we look to light for its whispers and darkness long before the publication of Dracula it ability to expose but we also hide in the shadows of darkness was really with the arrival of Bram Stoker’s novel that the myth and we sometimes are unable to separate reality from fantasy. came into the light of day. What to many may at first appear Finally the question of love, not romantic or Christian love, but as only a dark and sinister horror fantasy, with further study love that must have and possess knowing neither good nor evil reveals a truthful interpretation about the warring contradictions and that consumes our being no matter who or what we are. of human nature. The ballet is supported through Ali Allen’s dark and transforming What would you give to live forever rather than facing the set where things cannot only appear to be other than first unknown of death? To what degree of primitive and unrestricted thought but where the absence of light can devour those within. evil would you accept falling just to remain alive and young The costumes conjure up the suppression and morality of forever? What would you give to be free of the rules and the Victorian society and the clearly drawn lines of masculine confinement of morality liberating the beast and all unfilled and feminine also transform into dramatized gothic inspired desires within? This of course can be countered by morality liberation that comes with sensual transformation and freedom. questions; to what ends are we prepared to let our bonds of Finally the score, compiled by Michael Popov, which itself is friendship and love take us? How powerful and strengthened sometimes a perversion of its original intent, much like Dracula do our moral beliefs become when facing real opponents? How and with its tones and heightened dynamics conjures up the do we put aside all we know and believe to face and deal with a other world of this remarkable story. new and hitherto unbelievable reality?

Photo: Brian Slater 15 Photo: Brian Slater 16 Creative Arts at the new and exciting Leeds City College leedscitycollege.ac.uk17 18 Your future starts here

Northern Ballet Theatre Academy Training and classes for ages 6+ www.northernballettheatre.co.uk 19 Creative Team

DAVID NIXON Choreographer, Director and Costume Designer See page 4

TIM MITCHELL Lighting Designer

Born: South Wales. Educated/trained: Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Tim has previously designed the lighting for the Northern Ballet Theatre’s production of Hamlet, for which he received A Knight of Illuminations nomination for Dance. His other dance credits include The Snowman (Korea/ Sadler’s Well/ Birmingham Rep) and (Birmingham Royal Ballet). Ali Allen Designing extensively for the theatre, his most recent credits include Set Designer Oklahoma!, Grapes of Wrath (also tour) and Sir Trevor Nunn’s production of Cyrano De Bergerac (all Chichester Festival Theatre, for whom he is an Born: Somerset, England. associate); the RSC’s Hamlet (starring David Tennant); Dirty Dancing (West Trained/Educated: Studied Fine Art at Newcastle University. End/ Utrecht/ USA/ Toronto/ Berlin/ Hamburg); A Month in the Country, The Previous Work: Ali’s work has extended over a wide variety of areas Real Thing (Salisbury); Amongst Friends, Alphabetical Order (Hampstead including carnival, sculpture, pantomime, opera and outdoor theatre Theatre); When We Are Married (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Imagine This projects. Her work also includes: Madame Butterfly and Wuthering Heights (West End/ Plymouth); Toyer (Arts Theatre) and Glamour (Nottingham). for Northern Ballet Theatre, Rumblefish, Bloodtide, Lord of the Flies, The Forthcoming productions include Twelfth Night (RSC); Arsenic and Old Lace Twits and Fungus the Bogeyman for Pilot Theatre, Kes and Brassed Off for (Salisbury); East is East (Birmingham Rep) Frau Ohne Schatten (Mariinsky Lawrence Batley Theatre, Bollywood Jane for Leicester Haymarket, Once Theatre) and Darker Shores (Hampstead). upon a Quarry Hill for West Yorkshire Playhouse, Look Back in Anger for Other theatre credits include: Sleeping Beauty (New York, Barbican, Young Harrogate Theatre, Where’s Vietnam? for Red Ladder’s 40th Anniversary at Vic); Henry IV Parts I & II (Washington Shakespeare Theatre) for which West Yorkshire Playhouse. Most recently she has been working with writer he received a Helen Hayes award nomination; The Play What I Wrote Trevor Griffiths on a touring set forCamel station, and The Little Mermaid for (Broadway/West End); Noises Off (Broadway/West End/National); Dundee Repertory Theatre. (Old Vic); Bad Girls The Musical, Otherwise Engaged, , Romeo Highlights: Winning Best Float for Trinidad Carnival, and more recently and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, Sweet Panic (all West End); Nocturne, Big working with 30 people and Red Ladder Theatre Company on the White Fog, The Lightning Play, Enemies, Blood Wedding, Whistling Psyche, show Where’s Vietnam? Brighton Rock (Almeida); Hamlet (/Sadlers Wells); The Cherry Orchard, (Sheffield Crucible);A Lie of the Mind, Merrily We Roll Along (Donmar) and Lieutenant of Inishmore (RSC /Garrick). Tim has also worked extensively for the RSC, including Love’s Labour’s Lost and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the 2008 season; Henry IV Parts I & II (Olivier Award nomination), A Winter’s Tale, Merry Wives the Musical, Coriolanus, Women Beware Women, Oronoko, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, King Lear, Othello, A Comedy of Errors, , Antony and Cleopatra, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth, Measure for Music by Measure and Richard III, most of which transferred to the West End, Japan Alfred Schnittke or Washington. Sergei Rachmaninov Opera includes productions for: WNO, Mariinsky Theatre Russia, Icelandic Opera, Kammeroper Vienna, Berlin Philharmonic, London Arvo Pärt Symphony Orchestra. Michael Daugherty

Photo: Brian Slater 20 21 NBT Winter 09 149 x 210:A4 Display Copy 27/7/09 14:45 Page 1

Central Schoolof Ballet

Professional Performers Course A full-time three year course leading to a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Dance and Performance.

Central Dance Days Held throughout the year, across the UK, these workshops are designed to inspire your training and help you discover more about life in full-time ballet tuition.

For more information please visit our website: www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk

Central School of Ballet 10 Herbal Hill Clerkenwell Road London EC1R 5EG Tel: 020 7837 6332 [email protected] www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk

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Trim 210mm CLEAR SPACE

Photo: Bill Cooper accenture.com ©2009 Accenture. All rights reserved. Trim 297mm Trim Bleed 303mm CLEAR SPACE

We are pleased to support Northern Ballet Theatre where high performance is a way of life.

Accenture is delighted to be a platinum level partner of Northern Ballet Theatre and season sponsor: Glasgow 2010. We wish the company every success with this season's tour.

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Accenture “Northern Ballet”

Document: 480529_Northern_ballet.ai Page #1 Date: 08/05/09 Scale: 1" = 1" Publication deadline: 8/5/09 Folder: 480529 Server: AC S Adobe Illustrator CS2 Fonts: Helveticas, Rotis Sans Serif (keyline released as outlines) Placed Art: Northern Ballet_2.jpg Ballet Staff

DANIEL DE ANDRADE YOKO ICHINO Ballet Master Ballet Mistress

Daniel joined the Company in 1995 as a Principal Dancer. Born: Los Angeles. He became Ballet Master in 2003. Trained: Trained with Mia Slavenska in Los Angeles. Born: Brazil. Previous Companies: American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Stuttgart Trained: Musika Centro de Estudos, Hammond School of Dancing. Ballet. Previous Companies: National Ballet of Portugal, London City Ballet, Guest Performances: , , Ballet de Monte Carlo, Australian Zurich Ballet, . Ballet, Sydney Ballet, , the Deutsche Oper Ballet, Berlin, Favourite Roles: Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights, Romeo, Romeo & Juliet, Bayerishes Staats Oper Ballet, Munich and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Dracula, Dracula and Basilio, . Career Highlights: Becoming the first American trained, and American woman, to Career Highlights: Creating the role of José in Carmen. win a medal at the prestigious Third International Ballet Competition in Moscow in Guest Performances: Three commemorative galas in Brazil to celebrate the 1977; dancing opposite such artists as Rudolf Nureyev, Helgi Tomasson, Anthony ’s 75th Anniversary. Dowell and . Guest Teaching: Worked with the Brazilian Dance Company Personal: Yoko is married to Artistic Director David Nixon. She was Director of the during their 2006 UK tour and is a frequent guest teacher at Phoenix Dance Professional Training Programme at BalletMet (1996 – 2001), has been invited to Theatre, Bern Ballet, Royal Academy of Dance and be a guest teacher in schools and companies around the world and is delighted among others. to be working with Northern Ballet Theatre whilst continuing her successful Choreography: Was a regular participant of the Zurich Opera House Ballet international teaching career. Choreographers’ workshops; organised the 1994 Dancers’ Choreographic workshop for Scottish Ballet; in 2009 choreographed all the fight scenes for the re-staging of David Nixon’s The Three Musketeers for the Estonian Opera House Ballet. Personal: Daniel lives in Cleveland with his wife Pamela and their five children Dale, Lewis, Kieran, Ellise and Madeline.

24 Board and Staff

ARTISTIC MUSIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Artistic Director David Nixon Music Director John Pryce-Jones Councillor Bernard Atha CBE (Chair) Ballet Master Daniel de Andrade Assistant Music Director Nigel Gaynor Professor Chris Bailey Ballet Mistress Yoko Ichino Orchestra & Barry Collarbone Dr Jo Butterworth Guest Teachers Antonio Castilla Concerts Manager Graham Dewhirst Andria Hall Company/ Chris Hobson David Forbes (Deputy Chair) David Paul Kierce Orchestra Pianist Susie Hargreaves Raymond Smith Orchestra Pit Manager Steve Costello Alan Harrison Dramatic Associate Patricia Doyle Denise Jagger NBT ACADEMY Professor Simon Lee Curriculum Manager Yoko Ichino Cath Lennon BUSINESS Classical Training Officer Hannah Kirkpatrick Councillor John Procter Chief Executive Mark Skipper Classical Training Assistant Rebecca Smith Maxine Room Finance Director Judith Hartley Classical Training Pianists Richard Kenwood- Phil Swallow Company Manager Steve Hughes Herriott Victoria Tomlinson Finance Manager Joanne Gomersall David Plumpton Finance Officer Kath Holliday Classical Training Teacher Cara O’Shea PA to the Directors Diane Tabern SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Receptionists Karen Dixon Gurth Hoyer Millar Jo Waddington STAGE MANAGEMENT David Lloyd Stage Manager Olivia Dermot Walsh Sir John Manduell CBE Deputy Stage Manager Chun-Yen Chia Sir Simon Towneley KVCO JP COMMUNICATIONS Assistant Stage Manager Katie Turner Head of Marketing Amy Dutton Head of Media & PR Laraine Penson VICE PRESIDENTS Media & PR Manager Ruth Burke-Kennedy TECHNICAL Tim Collins Audience Development Stephanie Bell Technical Director Andy Waddington Judith Donovan CBE Officer Technical Manager Steve Wilkins Jon Hammond Marketing Officer Emma Mooney Chief Electrician Matt Millward David Heal Media & PR Officer Catherine Mullaney Deputy Chief Electrician Martin Smith Juliet Jowitt Web & Graphics Officer Phill Garnett Assistant Electricians Abigail Wilkinson Paul Kaiserman Laura Sprake Paul Lee Deputy Chief Stage Sid Taylor Malcolm Oliver FUNDRAISING Technician Director of Fundraising Jon Ingham Flyman/Rigger Jim Hannon Capital Campaign Manager Melanie Aram Stage Technician Joe Strange OBSERVERS Corporate Fundraising Janet Myers Head of Wardrobe Kim Brassley Mathew Sims, Leeds CC Manager Touring Wardrobe Mikhaila Pye Councillor Val Slater, West Yorkshire Grants Friends and Events Judith Baker Manager Manager Senior Touring Heather Burtt Trust and Foundations Megan McLoughlin Wardrobe Assistant ASSESSORS Officer Wardrobe Assistant Carley Marsh Ivor Davies, ACE Yorkshire Wigs Manager Georgina Gabbie Pam Johnson, ACE Yorkshire Programme compiled by NBT Communications LEARNING & ACCESS Transport Stagefreight Original Design Concept by Feast Creative Director of Learning Selina McGonagle Layout by Design IT & Access Print by Axis Dance Education Officers Sophie Alder IT CONSULTANT Neil Jarman Caroline Burn Published Sept 2009 Learning & Access Jo Dean MEDICAL Co-ordinator Physiotherapy Services Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy Ltd, Leeds Liz Atha Anna Evans Company Doctor Dr Sarah L Lawton MA (cantab), MBB, Chir. RCOG Company Counsellor Lynne Jackson

25 Leading Artists Back (left to right): Georgina May, Darren Goldsmith, Nathalie Léger, Kenneth Tindall, Martha Leebolt Front (left to right): Tobias Batley, Pippa Moore, Hironao Takahashi, Hannah Bateman, Christopher Hinton-Lewis

Photos: HANSON 26 s t s i t r A g n i d a e L HANNAH BATEMAN Favourite Roles: Demetrius, A Midsummer Night’s PIPPA MOORE First Soloist Dream; Romeo and Mercutio, Romeo & Juliet; Premier Dancer Hannah joined the Company in 2002. Valmont, Dangerous Liaisons; Dracula, Dracula; Pippa joined the Company in 1996. Born: Surrey, England. Scrooge, A Christmas Carol; Hamlet, Hamlet. Born: Liverpool, England. Trained: Susan Robinson School of Ballet; Central Career Highlights: The choreographic process of Trained: Hammond School, Chester; The of Ballet. creating Hamlet and guesting with Estonia Ballet as School. Previous Companies: The . D’Artagnan. Previous Companies: Scottish Ballet, Wiener Ballet Favourite Roles: Juliet and Nurse, Romeo & Juliet; Personal: Chris enjoys going to the gym, reading and Theatre and The Royal Ballet. Dracula’s Bride, Dracula; Kate, Madame Butterfly; playing golf. Favourite Roles: Lucy, Dracula; Young Cathy, Wuthering ‘Embraceable You’, I Got Rhythm; Big swans, Swan Heights; Helena, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Juliet, MARTHA LEEBOLT Lake; Hermia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Isabella, Romeo & Juliet; Wendy, Peter Pan; Madame Butterfly; Premier Dancer Wuthering Heights. Also enjoyed dancing in , Clara, The Nutcracker. , Hamlet, The Nutcracker and Lambarena. Martha joined the Company in 2001. Personal: Pippa is half Italian and enjoys summer Career Highlights: Dancing Juliet in Romeo & Juliet Born: Anaheim, California, USA. holidays with relations in Pescara. and Queen Anne in The Three Musketeers; being Trained: Black Mountain Dance Center; BalletMet featured on the posters for Swan Lake and A Sleeping Columbus. HIRONAO TAKAHASHI Beauty Tale; dancing with the Kirov Ballet at the Royal Favourite Roles: Gypsy pas de deux, La Traviata; Premier Dancer Opera House; creating the two girls garden dance Odilia & Odette, Swan Lake; ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ & Hiro joined the Company in 1992. with Martha Leebolt in A Sleeping Beauty Tale. ‘Three Preludes’, I Got Rhythm; Constance, The Three Born: Hokkaido, Japan. Personal: Enjoys going to the theatre and cinema and Musketeers; Titania, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Trained: Hisatomi Ballet Studio; Royal Ballet Upper going out for dinner. Loves spending time at home Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker; Gertrude, Hamlet; School; Central School of Ballet, London. with her boyfriend. Lucy, Dracula; Nikiya, La Bayadére; Ann, A Simple Favourite Roles: Dracula, Dracula; Beast, Beauty and the Man; pas de deux, As Time Goes By; Angels in The Beast; Oberon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Romeo TOBIAS BATLEY Architecture. and Mercutio, Romeo & Juliet. First Soloist Personal: Enjoys sightseeing around the UK and Career Highlights: Winner of a professional prize at Prix Tobias joined the Company in 2004. travelling to foreign countries. Loves socialising with de Lausanne (1992). Born: Manchester, England. friends and visiting family in America. Guest Performances: Hisatomi Ballet Studio dancing Trained: Hammond School of Dance; Royal Ballet Tchaikovsky pas de deux and , and in Tokyo NATHALIE LÉGER School. danced La Fille mal gardée pas de deux. Cape Town Senior Artiste Previous Companies: Cannes Jeune Ballet. City Ballet 70th Anniversary Gala including pas de deux Favourite Roles: Harker, Dracula; Demetrius, Nathalie joined the Company in 2004. from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo & Juliet. A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Heathcliff, Born: Tours, France. Lausanne Gala in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan 2004. Wuthering Heights. Trained: Académie de Dançe Classique Princesse Personal: Loves gadgets and new technology. Personal: Enjoys city living, eating out and going to Grace in Monaco. the cinema. Previous Companies: Basel Ballet; Deutsche Oper Am KENNETH TINDALL Rhein and Ballet de Monte Carlo. Premier Dancer DARREN GOLDSMITH Favourite Roles: Carmen; Manon; Tourvel, Dangerous Kenneth returned to the Company in 2003. Premier Dancer Liaisons; Queen Anne, The Three Musketeers; Born: Dundee, Scotland. Darren joined the Company in 1993. Gertrude, Hamlet. Trained: Central School of Ballet. Born: Rochford, England. Career Highlights: Bluebird & Clara, Spoerli; Previous Companies: Northern Ballet Theatre Trained: Royal Ballet School. Sisters, Cinderella, Maillot; Who Cares?, Concerto (2000-01); Israel Ballet; K Ballet. Favourite Roles: Hook, Peter Pan; Scrooge, Barocco, , Serenade, , Favourite Roles: Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly; Armand, A Christmas Carol; Tybalt and Romeo, Romeo & Balanchine; Forsythe and Kylián choreographies; La Traviata; Bob Cratchit, A Christmas Carol; Lysander, Juliet; Dracula, Dracula; The Prince, Cinderella; Miniatures, Spoerli; Gertrude, Hamlet. A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Claudius, Hamlet; Athos, Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly; Korak, A Sleeping Personal: Enjoys swimming and anything to do The Three Musketeers; Mercutio, Romeo & Juliet; Beauty Tale; Bottom and Oberon, A Midsummer with water. Likes long walks in parks, mountains or Elegies, Serenade; Sydney Carton, A Tale of Two Cities; Night’s Dream; Claudius, Hamlet; Drosselmeyer, on beaches. Enjoys cooking Mediterranean food. Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights; Anthony, Swan Lake. The Nutcracker; Manette, A Tale of Two Cities; Lowry, Communication with people is the key to her life. Ran Guest Performances: XIII International Ballet Festival of A Simple Man. in the Leeds 2008 Race For Life for Cancer Research Miami; Butterfly pas de deux, Etoiles Grand Classical Career Highlights: Adeline Genée Bronze Medal; RAD UK. Gala; Three Preludes, Closing Gala of the Stars. Young Dancer Award; Royal Ballet School Markova- Career Highlights: Closing the 5th International Bejing GEORGINA MAY Bagrit Award. Dance Festival as Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly; First Soloist Guest Performances: In Japan for the Royal Academy partnering Viviana Durante’s Aurora in Sleeping Beauty; of Dance. Georgina joined the Company in 2002. creating the role of Sydney Carton in ’s Personal: Darren is studying photography and took Born: Worcestershire, England. A Tale of Two Cities and taking part in 2008 XIII the photograph for NBT’s La Traviata poster. He also Trained: Royal Ballet School. International Ballet Festival in Miami. enjoys watching football and playing golf. Favourite Roles: Jardi Tancat; Constance, The Three Personal: Loves going on holiday, relaxing with family Musketeers; Lucy, Dracula; Aurora, A Sleeping Beauty and friends and enjoys a good movie at the cinema. CHRISTOPHER HINTON - LEWIS Tale; Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker; Ophelia, Premier Dancer Hamlet; Cathy, Wuthering Heights. Christopher joined the Company in 2000. Career Highlights: Creating and performing the role Born: Wolverhampton, England. of Aurora in the World Première of David Nixon’s A Trained: Walsall Academy of Dance; Senior Associate Sleeping Beauty Tale and Ophelia in David Nixon’s at Royal Ballet School; English National Ballet School. Hamlet. Previous Companies: Israel Ballet. Personal: Enjoys reading and cooking in spare time. 27 Soloists & Coryphée Back (left to right): Yi Song, Ginnie Ray, Michela Paolacci, Martin Bell, John Hull, Victoria Sibson Front (left to right): David Ward, Christie Duncan, Julie Charlet, Ayana Kanda, Ashley Dixon

Photos: HANSON 28 e é h p y r o C & s t s i o l o S MARTIN BELL JOHN HULL Career Highlights: Dancing in Japan. Soloist Soloist Guest Performances: Japan – Hisatomi Ballet Studio, dancing ‘American in Paris’ pas de deux Martin joined the Company in 2003. John joined the Company in 2003. from I Got Rhythm. Japan – Takahashi Satoko Born: London, England. Born: Sydney, Australia. Ballet Studio, dancing ‘Peasant’ pas de deux from Trained: Central School of Ballet. Trained: Ecole Ballet Studios; English National Ballet . Previous Companies: Ballet Central. School. Personal: Enjoys reading and watching films and Favourite Roles: Renfield,Dracula ; Goro, Madame Favourite Roles: ‘Girl Crazy’ Solo and ‘I Got Rhythm’, making jewellery. Butterfly; ‘I Got Rhythm’, I Got Rhythm; Porthos and I Got Rhythm; Anthony’s friend, Swan Lake; Athos King Louis, The Three Musketeers; Fiddler, & D’Artagnan, The Three Musketeers; Cavalier, VICTORIA SIBSON A Christmas Carol; Korak, A Sleeping Beauty Tale; The Nutcracker; Oberon/Theseus, A Midsummer Soloist Oberon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Mercutio, Night’s Dream; Benvolio, Romeo & Juliet; Solor, La Romeo & Juliet; Claudius, Hamlet; Cavalier, The Bayadére; Simon, Swan Lake; Edgar, Wuthering Victoria joined the Company in 2003. Nutcracker. Heights. Born: Leicestershire, England. Career Highlights: Dancing as The Prince in the Personal: Likes to escape on his mountain bike or his Trained: Northern Ballet Theatre Associates; ‘Fireside’ pas de deux. Being voted one of two best up motorbike. Enjoys eating out and having a few drinks Central School of Ballet. and coming male dancers by Dance Europe Magazine with friends. Previous Companies: Ballet Central. in 2003. Favourite Roles: Milady de Winter, The Three Personal: Enjoys playing and watching football and AYANA KANDA Musketeers; Mrs Fezziwig, A Christmas Carol; Lady supports Newcastle United. Coryphée Capulet, Romeo & Juliet; Gertrude, Hamlet; Puck, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Odilia, David Nixon’s Ayana joined the Company in 2003. Swan Lake; Angels in the Architecture. JULIE CHARLET Born: Tokyo, Japan. Career Highlights: Selected to appear on the Coryphée Trained: Kishibe Mitsuyo Ballet School; Central School Dracula poster; Performing Young Cathy in Julie joined the Company in 2003. of Ballet. Wuthering Heights in 2002 whilst still at Central Born: Lille, France. Favourite roles: Ghost of Christmas Past, A Christmas School of Ballet. Trained: National Conservatory, Rouen; National Carol; Washerwoman, The Three Musketeers; Suzuki, Personal: Loves travelling to new places and has Superior School, Marseille. Madame Butterfly; Friends, Swan Lake; Clara, recently returned from Las Vegas. Favourite Roles: Nikiya, La Bayadére; Sugar Plum The Nutcracker; Young Cathy, Wuthering Heights; Fairy, The Nutcracker; Maud, A Simple Man; Gypsy Angels in the Architecture; first soloLa Bayadére. YI SONG pas de deux, La Traviata. Personal: Enjoys cooking, arts and crafts and Soloist Career Highlights: Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker; spending time with her family in Japan. Nikiya in La Bayadére. Yi joined the Company in 2005. Personal: Enjoys reading, going to nice restaurants MICHELA PAOLACCI Born: Qing Dao, China. and going home to visit her family. Coryphée Trained: Beijing Dance Institute, China. Previous Companies: . Michela joined the Company in 2003. Favourite Roles: Arthur, Dracula; Aramis, The ASHLEY DIXON Born: Rome, Italy. Three Musketeers; Tybalt, Romeo & Juliet; Soloist Trained: Centro Danza , Rome; Royal Lysander, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Cavalier, Ashley joined the Company in 2004. Ballet Lower School; National Ballet Academy of The Nutcracker; Anthony, Swan Lake; Jiri Kylián’s Born: Hull, England. Rome; Centro Studi Danza Laura Morandini; English Forgotten Land; ’s Jardi Tancat; Trained: Central School of Ballet. National Ballet School. ’s Maningas; Choo-San Goh‘s Birds Favourite Roles: Michael and Shadow, Peter Pan; Favourite Roles: Cécile de Volanges, Dangerous of Paradise; Lambarena; Angels in The Architecture. Gaston, La Traviata; Rondar, A Sleeping Beauty Tale; Liaisons; ‘Cuban Couple’, I Got Rhythm; Belle Personal: Enjoys watching movies and swimming. Mercutio, Romeo & Juliet; Puck and Demetrius, A Fezziwig, A Christmas Carol; Washerwoman, The Treasures quality time with family. Midsummer Night’s Dream; Nutcracker Prince, The Three Musketeers; Helena, A Midsummer Night’s Nutcracker; Edgar and Young Heathcliff, Wuthering Dream; Juliet, Romeo & Juliet; Odette, Swan Lake. DAVID WARD Heights. Career Highlights: Performing Juliet in Romeo & Juliet. Soloist Personal: Supports Hull City football team and enjoys Personal: Enjoys making jewellery, travelling, seeing going to the cinema. new places and spending quality time with family and David joined the Company in 2005. loved ones. Born: Lewisham, England. CHRISTIE DUNCAN Trained: Dorothy Marshall School of Dance and Coryphée GINNIE RAY Drama; English National Ballet School. Favourite Roles: Cinq Mars, The Three Musketeers; Christie joined the Company in 2004. Soloist Rondar, A Sleeping Beauty Tale; ‘I Got Rhythm’, I Born: Portsmouth, England. Ginnie joined the Company in 1998. Got Rhythm; Prince, The Nutcracker; Demetrius, Trained: The Royal Ballet Lower School; Central Born: Essex, England. A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Hamlet, Hamlet; School of Ballet. Trained: Thomas Rayner School of ; Solar, La Bayadére; Simon, Swan Lake. Favourite Roles: Cygnets, Swan Lake; Dream, Central School of Ballet. Personal: Enjoys listening to music and is a massive Madame Butterfly; Washerwoman, The Three Previous Companies: Ballet Central. fan of Michael Jackson. Likes watching new Musketeers; The Ghost of Christmas Past, A Favourite Roles: Kate, Madame Butterfly; Nurse, movies, cooking when he has time. Christmas Carol; Helena, A Midsummer Night’s Romeo & Juliet; Vampire Woman, ’s Dream; Clara, The Nutcracker; First Shade Variation, Dracula; Madame de Volanges, Dangerous Liaisons; La Bayadére. Mrs Darling, Peter Pan; Milady de Winter, The Three Personal: Enjoys arts and craft type activities. Musketeers; Lady Capulet, Romeo & Juliet.

29 Dancers Back (left to right): Thomas Aragones, Antoinette Brooks-Daw, Yoshihisa Arai, Dreda Blow, Jeremy Curnier Front (left to right): Michael Berkin, Lori Gilchrist, Isabella Gaspirini, Giuliano Contadini

Photos: HANSON 30 THOMAS ARAGONES DREDA BLOW JEREMY CURNIER s r e c n a D Thomas joined the Company in 2007. Dreda joined the Company in 2007. Jeremy joined the Company in 2009. Born: Toulouse, France Born: Toronto, Canada. Born: Guildford, Surrey. Trained: Centre des Arts et de la Danse; Terpsi Trained: National Ballet School of Canada; Royal Trained: Patricia School of Dance; The Royal Ballet Danse (Nr Toulouse, France). Conservatory, The Hague. School, Lower & Upper School. Previous Companies: Performed with English Previous Companies: Het Nationale Ballet, Favourite Roles: Basilio, Don Quixote. National Ballet and Bordeaux Opera Ballet (both Amsterdam. Career Highlights: Dancing Puck from Ashton’s The 2007); Contract with David Campos Company, Favourite Roles: Mother, Swan Lake; Girls in Dream on the Royal Opera House stage. Spain. Red, A Simple Man; Angels in the Architecture. Personal: Likes watching sport especially tennis and Favourite Roles: Basil, Don Quixote; Puck; A Career Highlights: Touring the UK for the first rugby. Midsummer Night’s Dream. time and meeting so many fantastic dancers and Career Highlights: Semi finalist in the 2005 Prix choreographers. ISABELLA GASPARINI de Lausanne; dancing Swan Lake with ENB in the Personal: Loves classic films and musicals, Isabella joined the Company in 2007. Royal Albert Hall. enjoys reading and writing her own fiction, walks Born: Sao Paulo, Brazil. Personal: Encouraged to try ballet when he was in Canadian woods and travelling to new places. Trained: Canada’s National Ballet School; Ballet nine by his father who knew nothing about the Marcia Lags; BTK, Brazil. ballet world. ANTOINETTE BROOKS-DAW Favourite Roles: The Sylph, La Sylphide and Clara, YOSHIHISA ARAI Antoinette joined the Company in 2008. The Nutcracker. Born: Taunton, England. Personal: Enjoys reading, travelling and spending Yoshihisa joined the Company in 2008. Trained: Trained with her mum at The Trull School time with her family in Brazil. Loves the beach and Born: Yamaguchi, Japan. of Dancing in Taunton; Junior Associate of the Brazil’s tropical weather. Trained: International Ballet Academy; The Royal Royal Ballet School before joining the Royal Ballet Ballet School, Upper School. Lower School; The Royal Ballet Upper School. LORI GILCHRIST Favourite Roles: Tchaikovsky pas de deux, Favourite Roles: Solo girl in Natalie Weirs The Lori joined the Company in 2004. Sleeping Beauty; ; Jewels; Unwritten; ’s Gallantries. Born: West Yorkshire, England. Edgar, Wuthering Heights; in Romeo & Career Highlights: Performing on the Royal Trained: Northern Ballet School. Juliet. Opera House stage in the annual school matinée; Favourite Roles: La Traviata; ‘Girl Crazy’, I Got Career Highlights: Finalist coming 2nd in the Young British Dancer of the Rhythm; Washerwoman, The Three Musketeers; 2007; The Ballet Competition in Fukuoka 3rd Year at 15; winning the Phyllis Bedells Bursary, Hermia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. prize; Kobe International Ballet Competition 2nd 2004. Personal: Lori started dancing at the age of 4. She prize. Personal: Antoinette absolutely loves music enjoys going to the gym, cinema and also enjoys Personal: Loves going shopping and has had a passion for it ever since she was travelling. little, both listening and playing. Has been lucky MICHAEL BERKIN enough to be able to play the piano, violin and harp. Michael joined the Company in 2006. Born: Milton Keynes, England. GIULIANO CONTADINI Trained: The Royal Ballet School (Lower and Upper School). Giuliano joined the Company in 2007. Previous Companies: Royal New Zealand Ballet; Born: Rimini, Italy. Birmingham Royal Ballet; . Trained: Rimini, Rome and London. Favourite Roles: Tybalt, Romeo & Juliet; The Previous Companies: Ballet Ireland and English Mouse King, The Nutcracker. National Ballet. Career Highlights: Performing The Nutcracker Favourite Roles: The Prince, Sleeping Beauty; ‘Prince’ pas de deux in a Tchaikovsky Gala at Swan Lake. the Dublin National Concert Hall with his Dad Career Highlights: Dancing the principal couple in watching; touring all around New Zealand and Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante. Ireland. Personal: Loves London’s nightlife and enjoys Personal: Loves touring, especially to his clubbing and going to the cinema with friends. hometown of Milton Keynes because he gets Adores Italian food. to perform for his mother. Loves the outdoors especially escaping to the beach with his wife Kimberley. Also enjoys playing the guitar and song writing. To listen to recordings of Michael’s songs visit www.myspace.com/michaelberkin

31 Dancers Back (left to right): Rachael Gillespie, Daniel Clarke, Ayami Miyata, William Simmons, Jessica Morgan Front (left to right): Graham Kotowich, Rym Kechacha, Sebastian Loe, Anna Blackwell, Ben Mitchell

Photos: HANSON 32 RACHAEL GILLESPIE SEBASTIAN LOE JESSICA MORGAN s r e c n a D Rachael joined the Company in 2008. Sebastian joined the Company in 2004. Jessica joined the Company in 2008. Born: Swindon, England. Born: London, England. Born: Newcastle, Australia. Trained: Judith Hockaday School; Central School Trained: The Royal Ballet School. Trained: Marie Walton; Mahon Dance Academy; of Ballet. Favourite Roles: Fritz, The Nutcracker; ‘Girl Elmhurst School for Dance. Previous Companies: Scottish Ballet Apprentice Crazy’, I Got Rhythm; Michael, Peter Pan; Pierre, Career Highlights: Awarded Bronze at Genée (Cinderella tour); Ballet Central. La Traviata; Renfield, Dracula; Chinese doll, The International Ballet Competition, Hong Kong in Favourite Roles: Nymphet, A Simple Man; Nutcracker. 2006; being Principal female in Michael Corder’s cygnets in David Nixon’s Swan Lake. Career Highlights: Getting a place at the Royal newly created ballet Varii Caprici. Career Highlights: Joining NBT, touring with Ballet Upper School. Personal: Loves being in the sun, swimming at Scottish Ballet - gaining experience before Personal: Enjoys listening to music, dancing, the beach and spending time with her family. leaving school. socialising, travelling and being spontaneous in Personal: Enjoys sightseeing, reading, spending certain circumstances. ANNA BLACKWELL time with friends and family, listening to a wide Apprentice variety of music and making dance wear. BEN MITCHELL Born: Cheshire, England. RYM KECHACHA Ben joined the Company in 2008. Trained: Northern Ballet Theatre Associates; Born: Emden, Germany. Central School of Ballet. Rym joined the Company in 2008. Trained: Royal Ballet School; Elmhurst School Favourite Roles: Ascent created by Mikaela Polley Born: London, England. for Dance. for Ballet Central; swans in David Nixon’s Swan Trained: Central School of Ballet. Favourite Roles: Puck, A Midsummer Night’s Lake. Favourite Roles: ‘Fireside’ pas de deux from Dream; Young Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights; Career Highlights: Performing Swan Lake and La Christopher Gable’s Cinderella. Angels in the Architecture. Bayadére with the Company whilst in third year Career Highlights: Joining NBT; performing at the Career Highlights: Touring with Birmingham Royal at Central; dancing in the semi-finals at Prix de Linbury Theatre. Ballet in Firebird and Romeo and Juliet; joining Lausanne in 2009. Personal: She has a passion for reading of all Northern Ballet Theatre. Personal: Enjoys eating out, especially Japanese kinds as well as creative writing. Also enjoys Personal: Has a huge passion for choreography. and Thai restaurants. Also enjoys reading, world cinema. Loves outdoor activities such as camping and cooking and spending time with friends. B-Boarding. Also has a huge passion for music GRAHAM KOTOWICH and likes watching films, spending time with DANIEL CLARKE friends and family and exploring new countries. Apprentice Graham joined the Company in 2008. Born: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. AYAMI MIYATA Born: Birmingham, England. Trained: Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Trained: Elmhurst School for Dance. The University of Regina; The Royal Ballet Ayami joined the Company in 2009. Favourite Roles: Bethena Waltz pas de deux, School; The National Ballet School of Canada. Born: Shiga, Japan. Elite Syncopations. Favourite Roles: Garden gent, Wuthering Heights; Trained: Jun Ballet Gakuen, Japan; Académie de Career Highlights: Joining NBT. Jive, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Matchstick Dançe Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco. Personal: Swimming, car mechanics, travelling. Men, A Simple Man. Favourite Roles: ; Swan Lake; Romeo Career Highlights: Receiving a full scholarship and Juliet; Sleeping Beauty. WILLIAM SIMMONS to the Royal Ballet School; performing at Career Highlights: Académie de Dançe Classique Apprentice Buckingham Palace; travelling with the National Princesse Grace in Monaco. Born: Edgware, England. Ballet of Canada and working with Northern Ballet Personal: She likes to read books, listen to Trained: Royal Ballet Lower School; Hammond Theatre. music, go shopping and stroll through the streets. School of Dance; English National Ballet School. Personal: Graham enjoys spending time outdoors Career Highlights: Working in 3rd year at using new technology and listening to music. He ENB School, with the Company on their UK is also passionate about meeting new people, Tour of Manon and Sleeping Beauty. Working good food and family. with Michael Corder on a pas de deux in his L’arlesienne. Obtaining a place at Northern Ballet Theatre as an Apprentice. Personal: Likes to exercise and go to the gym, also likes to listen to new music and watch new movies at the cinema. Enjoys spending time with family at home in Luton.

33 Corporate Partners Thank you to all our corporate partners for their vision and belief in NBT. To find out more about partnership opportunities please contact Janet Myers on 0113 274 5355, [email protected]

NATIONAL TOUR partner

Season Sponsor: Glasgow 2010 yorkshire Schools Programme Sponsor

GOLD Level

Season Sponsor: Hull Season Sponsor: Peter Pan, Leeds

SILVER Level BRONZE Level

Sponsorship-in-kind

nbt 40th anniversary gala supporters

Trusts, Foundations and Individuals • The John Jarrold Trust • All contributors to the Development Fund • All members of Friends of Northern Ballet Theatre

34 Leeds. The UK’s leading centre for business and financial services outside London ONS Annual Business Inquiry 2005 Leeds. The best UK’s Leeds. One of the top five university destination UK cities for restaurants The Independent 2004/05 Which? Good Food Guide 2007

Leeds. One of Europe’s best cities for business Cushman and Wakefield European Cities Monitor 2006 Leeds. The best place Leeds. Visitor city in Britain to live of the year Urban Behaviours Study 2004 The Good Britain Guide 2004

Leeds. The UK’s most important legal centre outside London UK Legal 500

Business | Residents | Students | Visitors Visit leedsliveitloveit.com The official website for business, leisure and education in Leeds Northern Ballet Theatre Autumn/Winter Tour 2009 Dracula A Christmas Carol Peter Pan Thu 10 – Sat 19 September Tue 13 – Sat 17 October Thu 17 – Sun 27 December Leeds, West Yorkshire Playhouse Milton Keynes Theatre Leeds, Grand Theatre Box Office: 0113 213 7700 Box Office: 0870 060 6652 Box Office: 0844 848 2701 Tue 10 – Sat 14 November Wuthering Heights Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre 40th Anniversary Gala An Enchanted Evening Tue 29 September – Sat 3 October Box Office: 0114 249 6000 Norwich, Theatre Royal Tue 17 – Sat 21 November Sat 12 December Box Office: 01603 630 000 Nottingham, Theatre Royal Leeds, Grand Theatre Box Office: 0844 848 2701 Tue 6 – Sat 10 October Box Office: 0115 989 5555 Woking, New Victoria Theatre Tue 1 – Thu 10 December Box Office: 08448 717 601 Leeds, Grand Theatre Tue 20 – Sat 24 October Box Office: 0844 848 2701 Bradford, Alhambra Theatre Box Office: 01274 432 000 Spring/Summer Tour 2010 Mixed Programme Wuthering Heights Dangerous Liaisons Tue 23 – Thu 25 February Thu 11– Sat 13 March Thu 6 – Sat 8 May Leeds, Grand Theatre Edinburgh, Festival Theatre Llandudno, Venue Cymru Box Office: 0844 848 2701 Box Office: 0131 529 6000 Box Office: 01492 872 000 Tue 16 – Sat 20 March Wed 2 – Sat 5 June Romeo & Juliet Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre Glasgow, Theatre Royal Sat 27 February – Sat 6 March Box Office: 0114 249 6000 Box Office: 0844 871 7647 Leeds, Grand Theatre Box Office: 0844 848 2701 Peter Pan Wed 19 – Sat 22 May Tue 23 – Sat 27 March Hull, New Theatre Woking, New Victoria Theatre Box Office: 01482 226 655 Box Office: 08448 717 601 Tue 8 – Sat 12 June Tue 13 – Sat 17 April Cardiff, New Theatre Nottingham, Theatre Royal Box Office: 029 2087 8889 Box Office: 0115 989 5555 Tue 20 – Sat 24 April Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office: 0870 060 6652 Tue 27 April – Sat 1 May Norwich, Theatre Royal Box Office: 01603 630 000 Wed 12 – Sun 16 May Booking fees may apply. London, Sadler’s Wells Check with venue for on sale dates Box Office: 0844 412 4300 for spring/summer tour.

Northern Ballet Theatre West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds, LS16 5BE Front Cover Photo: HANSON Tel: 0113 274 5355, Fax: 0113 274 5381 Design. FEAST & Design IT [email protected] www.northernballettheatre.co.uk Print: Axis This tour schedule is correct at the time of printing. Northern Northern Ballet Theatre Registered Charity No: 259140 Ballet Theatre reserves the right to make alterations where Company Registration No: 947096. VAT No: 146 6307 66 necessary without prior notice. 36