October eNewsletter

Since its première in February Cleopatra has been seen by over 50,000 people and our acclaimed production visits Woking and Norwich this month. HRH the Earl of Wessex attended Cleopatra earlier in the year – read more about our Royal visit now. To whet your appetite further our short 'making of' film features exclusive interviews, behind the scenes footage and more.

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This month Dance Europe published their top 100 dancers. Dance critics from around the world were asked to nominate up to 10 outstanding dancers seen in performances during the 2010-11 season and we’re over the moon that five of our Company were recognised for their roles in Cleopatra and Giselle – Martha Leebolt, Pippa Moore, Tobias Batley, Hironao Takahashi and Javier Torres.

If you're looking for an alternative to your Christmas party or festive treat with friends or family why not celebrate with Northern Ballet. For £100+VAT per person you can enjoy a gourmet three course meal with wine at Northern Ballet, transfer to Leeds Grand Theatre, premium seats for Beauty & the Beast, a souvenir programme and interval drink.

Classes have kicked off again at Northern Ballet and we've more ways than ever to get you moving and in shape in time for end of year festivities. ZUMBA© fever is sweeping the nation and has reached Northern Ballet. Ballet Fusion is a fun fitness class based on ballet and Pilates. Both are taught by ex-Northern Ballet dancer Natalie Russell who is our 60 second interviewee this month.

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This Saturday Fashion Bites Back is a night of entertainment and creative fashion to raise awareness and funds for the United Nation Foundation's Nothing But Nets malaria campaign. On 11 October Neil Mullarkey's hilarious awardwinning alter ego L. Vaughan Spencer (pictured above) will treat us to an unmissable night of comedy in Don't Be Needy, Be Succeedy. Action Hero's Front Man is a furiously loud, raucous reproduction of all the best gigs you never saw on 13 October. And we've more laughs in November from 80s comedy legends Phil Cool and Richard Digance.

Twenty-five years after the release of their classic debut album, Grammy award-winning, all-female choir Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares is set to appear at Leeds Town Hall on Friday 28 October. Their strange, spine-tingling harmonies and heart-wrenching melodies are drawn from traditional Bulgarian songs in contemporary arrangements. Formerly known as the Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Vocal Choir, the ensemble is conducted by Dora Hristova and has toured the globe to great acclaim. Tickets cost £15/£20. To book call 0113 224 3801 or book online.

We met up with former Company dancer Natalie Russell who now teaches at Northern Ballet Academy and is our ZUMBA© and Ballet Fitness instructor extraordinaire.

Beauty & the Beast premières at Leeds Grand Theatre this December and tickets are also on sale for its Edinburgh, Sheffield and Hull Spring dates. Madame Butterfly will make a welcome return to Leeds Grand Theatre from 29 February – 10 March. Book soon to secure the best seats.