Sean Bates

Sean is from Milton Keynes. He trained at the Royal Ballet School and joined Northern Ballet in July 2012.

Learn more about Sean

Where did you do your dance training?

The Royal Ballet Lower and Upper Schools

What made you want to be a dancer?

As a child I was always dancing whenever and wherever there was music playing. I have a few fond memories of dancing in front of buskers and once a large brass band! I always knew I'd be a dancer.

What would be your dream role to dance and why?

A role made on me would always be a dream to dance, to be part of the creative process is incomparable.

If you could adapt one work into a ballet what would it be?

I read Jane Eyre a couple years ago and thought it could make a wonderful ballet.

Who are your artistic influences or heroes?

Kevin Haigen, ballet master of Hamburg Ballet, was someone who really inspired me when he taught class. He had such understanding of not just classical technique but how to physically introduce artistry to any ballet step, making the simplest move beautiful in it's timing or dynamic. He is someone I'll always admire and respect.

Choreographically, Hofesh Shechter really opened my eyes to how powerful and dramatic dance can be. So much adrenaline just sitting in the audience of one his pieces, you should expect to be awake for hours!

Describe your perfect Sunday morning.

Back in Milton Keynes with family listening to Andrea Bocelli, eating croissants and coffee and reading a Sunday newspaper.

What was the first album you bought and what was the last album you bought?

The first I bought was Celine Dion, the last was Ed Sheeeran.

What would be your luxury item on a desert island?

An iPod.

What are you favourite places in Yorkshire?

I was a regular at the Yorkshire Ballet Summer School and each summer I'd fall more in love with York. All the old parts - the Minster, the old city walls and Betty's Tea Room in Harrogate, the best fish 'n' chips in Northern England.

More about Sean...

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