About the Academy

Northern Ballet Academy is a different kind of dance school.

We train the professional dancers of the future and we also open our doors to welcome everyone, from the age of 18 months up, who wants to dance.

Professional programme

We are a government-approved Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) in dance. We provide training that is second to none, enabling our students to develop unrivalled technical mastery and artistic skills. Many graduates from our professional programme go on to full-time vocational dance training at top training schools including English National Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, The Royal Academy in Partnership with Scottish Ballet and the ballet school of the Hamberg Ballet.

Learn more about the Professional Division and Associate Division.

Open classes

We offer a wide range of open classes to students of all ages and abilities who want to experience the excitement and joy of dancing.

Learn more about our Open Classes.

A 21st century approach to training

Both our professional and open class students benefit from the same teaching methods developed by our renowned Ballet Mistress, Yoko Ichino. We take a holistic approach to teaching, nurturing and inspiring our students to become balanced and healthy dancers.

“Our Academy is a centre of excellence for dance in the North of England, a place that complements the best dance spaces and training schools in the UK.”

David Nixon, Artistic Director, Northern Ballet.

• Learn more about Yoko Ichino's training method

Student support

The Academy has a dedicated Student Support team all of whom have had CRB checks, Child Protection training and hold Professional Chaperone licenses. We aim to offer all students the best possible support and advice and ensure students have a safe and friendly environment in which to pursue their passion for dance.

A member of the team will always come to greet students and parents before class and accompany students to the studio. They will be available throughout class in case of illness or injury and will escort them back to the foyer once the class has finished. Our Student Support team are friendly and approachable and are always more than happy to speak to parents about anything to do with their child’s training.

For further information or to request a copy of our Child Protection Policy, Anti Bullying Policy or Healthy Eating Policy please contact Emma Rodriguez-Saona, Student Support Coordinator. Child Protection Co-ordinators Faye Cardwell and Diane Tabern are also available to speak to parents about any concerns they may have. Concerns are dealt with in confidence.