Behind The Scenes

We regularly invite people to our base at West Park, Leeds to spend a day watching our dancers in rehearsal. This is a rare opportunity to see exactly how our productions are created, and makes for a fantastic day out. As well as watching rehearsals, you will have the chance to hear from our backstage staff, our wardrobe department, the musicians, and even the dancers themselves to find out what really goes on behind the scenes! All this, with lunch provided, costs from as little as £20 per head.

You can also enjoy days out at the theatre watching our Company Class and enjoying talks at the theatres where we perform.

Why not treat someone for a special occasion such as a birthday, an anniversary or Mother’s Day by arranging a special package through us?

If you belong to a club or special interest group, or would like to arrange an event for your staff, please contact Judith Baker on 0113 274 5355 or email judith.baker@northernballettheatre.co.uk. We can arrange an event to suit you by including all the elements you require – simply ask!

A Grand Day Out
Before Christmas, the Airedale and Wharfedale Federation of Townswomen Guild enjoyed a ‘Day at the Theatre’. Click here to find out more.

Case Studies

South Yorkshire Federation of Women’s Institutes

In January, 2004, 61 members of the South Yorkshire Federation of Women’s Institutes came to our base at West Park for an enthralling day out. The day began by watching Company Class and seeing the dancers perfect their moves in the rehearsals for the forthcoming World Premiere of Swan Lake. Following lunch, the ladies had the opportunity to question two of our principal dancers, Jonathan Olliveir & Desire Samaii, about their lives as dancers, and they also got to hear from our Resident Conductor, our Company Manager, and saw the actual costumes up close and personal courtesy of our Wardrobe Department.

“I would like to thank you…for making our day so enjoyable. There was a wonderful buzz of enthusiasm at the end of the day. Please thank all…who helped…make our visit so absorbing and interesting.”

Catherine Watson, Chairman, Combined Arts Committee SYFWI

All in all, everyone had a wonderful day and this led to some 175 members going to see the actual production of Swan Lake at Sheffield Lyceum in November where they were all treated to a pre-performance talk from our Artistic Director himself, David Nixon.

“We thought the performance was just magical – congratulations and enormous thanks to the dancers for giving such an emotional and gloriously danced interpretation…special thanks to David Nixon for giving us the most interesting and entertaining talk beforehand. Many members…had enjoyed the performance so much more because of his talk.”

Catherine Watson, Chairman, Combined Arts Committee SYFWI

Lincolnshire North & Nottinghamshire Federations of Women’s Institutes

On Saturday 5th March 2005, nearly 200 ladies from the two federations converged upon the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, to enjoy a Day at the Theatre. The day began with Company Class and was followed by talks from company members, in particular a discussion with costume maker, Julie Anderson. Following lunch, the group enjoyed the matinee performance of La Traviata.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their day; some were still on ‘a high’ when I spoke to them on Monday.”

Jean Burgess, Assistant Federation Secretary, Lincolnshire North

“Would you please thank the organisers…for a really wonderful day. It was a brilliant idea…the show was breath-taking.”

WI member

“…a very big thank you for a wonderful day. We were all mesmerised by the performance – not a dry eye on my row! Julie made a huge impression…please pass on our…admiration to the company.”

Wanda Adams, Federation Secretary, Nottinghamshire