The MA Classical Ballet Performance is designed specifically for classical performers to refine their artistry at the highest level and prepare for the rigorous demands of professional Company life.
With unique opportunities to train and perform alongside the Company of Northern Ballet, the course offers emerging dancers personal and professional development as artists, equipping them with confidence, discipline, and professional readiness to excel within the current landscape of professional ballet.
Students can choose to leave the programme in the spring, achieving a post graduate diploma level 7 or continue studying through the summer to achieve MA Classical Ballet Performance.
Course Award
MA
Duration
1 year full-time
Application Deadline
23:59 14 May 2026
In-Person Auditions
Round 1: April 2026
Round 2: June 2026
Round 2: June 2026
Interview dates
April – June 2026
Places
12
Course Overview
Students will engage in increasingly complex repertoire, including ensemble and soloist roles, to deepen their understanding of narrative expression, stage presence, and the collaborative demands of Company work. Usually, performance opportunities involve corps de ballet roles in Northern Ballet’s main scale productions during our Christmas season, and leading character roles in Children’s Ballets at theatres across the UK, providing real-world experiences of working for a professional touring ballet company.
With a core curriculum designed and delivered by industry professionals, the course fosters the professional expectations of the Company, instilling skills including adaptability, role preparation, stamina, and the ability to embody diverse choreographic styles. Emphasis is placed on cultivating healthy minds and bodies through preventative conditioning, a nuanced understanding of individual strengths, and detailed exploration of classical technique. From this foundation, dancers are supported to reach their full potential as performers, refining musicality, precision, creativity, and stylistic authenticity. The course provides students with a strong grounding in both reflective and research practice, and the ability to apply these skills in professional contexts. For those studying to MA through an Independent Choreographic Research Project, students will work with a range of choreographers, exploring a range of styles and approaches, to inform their own choreographic practice and development as 21st century ready artists.
Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore and prepare for their next steps, through individualized support in audition research and preparation. This usually includes the coaching of carefully selected variations and technical demonstrations through showreels, and support in creating dynamic CVs and imagery to help dancers achieve their personal career goals.
How will the course do this?
Advancing your dance practice
Push your physical and artistic boundaries through progressive training to prepare you for a career as a professional classical dancer. With up to 30 hours of weekly training and rehearsing in world class facilities, this course not only upskills your technical mastery, but encourages you to explore and celebrate your individuality as an artist.
Learning/Guidance from industry professionals
Gain professional performance experience working with world class choreographers and ballet staff, alongside Northern Ballet company dancers to advance your maturity and support artistic growth.
Find your artistic voice
Working with a rage of professionals including choreographers, ballet staff, Company dancers and the Academy faculty, you will be empowered to question and explore traditional and contemporary choreography and practice, developing critical thinking and refined reflective writing skills to establish yourself as a well prepared, thoughtful, and rounded artist.
Develop bespoke audition material
With the support of the Faculty and diverse talent across the organisation, you will research and prepare for auditions which support your future career goals. Develop dynamic images and perfect your variations under the expert guidance of those who have been there, and understand what industry is looking for.
Perform in a diverse range of Company repertoire
Unleash your artistry and master the art of narrative ballet to elevate and refine your performance skills in works of varying scales and themes. This usually includes opportunities to join the corps de ballet in main stage repertoire, and take on character roles in ballets for children.
What You Will Study
Level 7
Autumn Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
Independent Choreographic Research Project
60 credits, compulsory module
Classical Ballet Technique 1
30 credits, compulsory module
Classical Ballet Technique 2
30 credits, compulsory module
Ballet Repertoire
30 credits, compulsory module
Contemporary Technique
15 credits, compulsory module
Strength and Conditioning for Classical Dancers
15 credits, compulsory module
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Classical Ballet Technique 130 credits, Compulsory Module
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Delivered September – February
This module provides advanced training in classical ballet technique, focusing on refinement of skills, artistry, and professional ballet repertoire, while promoting anatomical awareness, injury prevention, and adaptability in rehearsal and performance settings.
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Classical Ballet Technique 230 credits, Compulsory Module
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Delivered October – May
This module builds on Classical Ballet Technique 1, offering advanced training that emphasizes technical refinement, artistic maturity, and professional readiness within a ballet company context. Students enhance their stamina, musicality, and performance skills while developing individual artistry and preparing for auditions, with support through critical reflection and mentorship.
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Ballet Repertoire30 Credits, Compulsory Module
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Delivered September – May
This module offers a practice-based exploration of classical ballet repertoire, allowing students to interpret and perform significant roles with technical excellence and artistic sensitivity, while engaging in professional rehearsal processes. Emphasis is placed on personal artistry, narrative context, and the integration of technique and expression, alongside critical reflection and injury prevention for sustained artistic growth.
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Contemporary Technique15 Credits, Compulsory Module
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Delivered September – May
This module immerses students in contemporary dance techniques, emphasizing technical precision, physical versatility, and embodied awareness through diverse methodologies and somatic exploration. Students deepen their personal movement practice and artistic identity, engaging in reflective analysis and creative experimentation, with assessment focused on performance and critical reflection.
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Strength and Conditioning for Classical Dancers15 Credits, Compulsory Module
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Delivered September – February
This module provides an in-depth exploration of strength and conditioning for classical dancers, integrating Pilates, body conditioning, and gym-based training to enhance strength, flexibility, alignment, and injury prevention. Students apply evidence-based principles, developing practical and theoretical knowledge to support performance, longevity, and injury prevention and rehabilitation in classical dance.
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Independent Choreographic Research Project60 Credits, Compulsory Module
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Delivered May – August
This module allows students to design and lead a choreographic project rooted in classical ballet, blending artistic practice with theoretical perspectives and cultural inquiry. Through critical reflection and research, students create a choreographic work that challenges traditional ballet paradigms and contributes to the evolution of the form, supported by reflective and analytical writing.
How You Will Study
Tutorials
Independent Study
Performances
Group Work
Off-site Visits
Practical Classes & Workshops
How You Will Be Assessed
Summative Practical Assessment
Written Essay or Reflection
Continuous Assessment
Performances
Those studying to MA level will also be assessed through
Research Project
Practical Presentation
Spoken Assessment
Our Facilities
The MA Classical Ballet Performance is delivered onsite at Northern Ballet’s headquarters in central Leeds. Boasting seven studios, including one of the largest in Europe, it is one of the top dance facilities in the UK. MA students have access to:
- A dedicated industry standard studio with sprung floor, ballet barres, mirrors, piano for class and rehearsal accompaniment and Pilates reformer
- A gym facility, shared with the Company dancers
- A physiotherapy facility, shared with Company dancers
- A dedicated training room, including access to PCs and an onsite library
- Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre
- Dedicated changing rooms with showers and lockers
- Onsite wardrobe department
- Various breakout spaces for rest and study
- Onsite café, offering student discounts
- Sun terrace available for breaks
In addition to the facilities onsite at headquarters, students will be able to access the physical library at NSCD, Northern Ballet’s archive collection housed at the University of Leeds Special Collections and may visit Northern Ballet’s workshop where production sets are built, refurbished, and maintained.
Entry Requirements
Entry is through successful audition and interview which can be conducted in person at our base in Leeds, or online.
The course is open to graduates of two or three-year dance training programmes at Higher Education level, or dancers with professional experience and equivalent vocational dance training.
On entry the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of physical ability, technical proficiency, and the potential for advanced development in classical ballet technique and artistry.
- Articulate and contextualise their artistic preferences, influences, and career aspirations, showcasing a thoughtful understanding of classical ballet as an evolving art form.
- Respond constructively to feedback and begin to integrate reflective responses into their training and performance development through participation in the audition processes.
- Exhibit the potential to refine and advance their artistic awareness and interpretative skills through previous experience and meaningful engagement in performances or collaborative creative processes.
- Engage fully and imaginatively with the course's intentions, showing practical and intellectual curiosity and commitment to personal and professional growth.
- Demonstrate a high degree of commitment and approach to work in a professional environment, in the way they present themselves for entry to the programme.
Students with English as a second language will need a 6.0 ESOL level (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and 5.5 in speaking and listening) or equivalent.
Any questions about any of the above can be directed to/further details can be obtained from MAadmissions@northernballet.com
Application Process
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Step 1In Person & By Video
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Firstly, you will need to submit an application via our online application portal.
The application will include:
- Personal details
- Place of education
- Qualifications
- Personal statement and showreel
- Equality and Diversity information
Following your application you will need to complete an audition, this can be in person or via video submission.
Application deadline
Midnight 14 May 2026
Submit your application here
Personal statements & showreels should be emailed to MAadmissions@northernballet.com. Clearly mark both your personal statement and showreel with your name.
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Step 2In Person
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To qualify for admission to this course, candidates are also required to pass an audition.
The In person audition will be held at Northern Ballet where you will participate in a ballet class and learn a section of repertoire. Applicants are only required to attend audition if they are shortlisted form Step 1.
Auditions will be held April & June 2026.
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Step 2By Video
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Applicants will be sent a video with a range of content to learn, record and send back to the panel. Applicants are only required to submit a video audition if they are shortlisted from Step 1.
Video auditions will include:
- Technical work: Ballet (centre, five exercises)
- Technical Work: contemporary (two exercises)
- Verbal Personal Statement (maximum three minutes)
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Step 3In Person & By Video
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Candidates that are successful at audition will be invited to an online interview with the Programme Lead.
Interviews will take place April – June 2026
For any questions or advice regarding the application process please email MAadmissions@northernballet.com
Applications will open early 2026.
Key Attributes
Technical Skill and Refinement
A strong sense of physicality underpinned by refined dance skills and bespoke knowledge from a variety of teachers, choreographers, and repertoire.
Artistry
The ability to embody a range of complex characters and develop skills to work collaboratively in the corps de ballet.
Commitment and Resilience
Daily commitment to themselves, using reflective practice to develop technically and artistically to prepare for, and experience performing and touring in a professional manner.
Passionate and Ambitious
A love of ballet, and the power of dance to connect with audiences, using this to drive for continuous improvement in technical and artistic development.
Student Support
We understand the demands of the classical ballet industry, both for students, and in the professional world, and we have a range of people to assist students to feel emotionally and physically fit throughout the course. Getting the guidance and support you need directly affects academic success, wellbeing, and long-term development, so we’ll be with you, every step of the way to enable you to reach your full potential.
Throughout the course, the course leader will point you in the right direction to enable you to access the following areas of student support services.
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Personal Tutorials
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While all students will have academic tutorials scheduled into curriculum time, they may also request additional tutorials with a tutor of their choice for further personal guidance and support.
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Learner Support
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Students will be assessed on entry to enable them, and the course staff to understand their individual learning style. This assessment identifies students who may require support with learning challenges such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Any students who are identified as having learner support needs, or those with diagnosed neurodiversity, will be offered relevant support throughout the course, enabling everyone to gain equal access to the curriculum. This may take the form of support with written assessments, or 1-2-1 or group sessions on areas such as time management and organisation skills.
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Disabled Student Allowance
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If you are offered a place on the MA Classical Ballet Performance at the Academy of Northern Ballet, we can also help you to apply for the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) if you don’t already have this in place, and help you to arrange any specialist support you may be entitled to. This can help cover the cost of specialist equipment necessary for your studies, including software and study skills tuition. Unlike a student loan, DSA does not have to be repaid. Applications are made through your awarding body, for example Student Finance England. In order to apply for DSA the awarding body will require evidence of any impairment or disability.
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Support for students with a disability or medical condition
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Applicants are encouraged to disclose a disability or health condition to The Academy of Northern Ballet at the point of application so that appropriate support and adjustments can be considered as early as possible.
The MA Classical Ballet Performance course is designed to be as accessible as possible, meaning that we can support students through a variety of assessment methods to find the methods most appropriate for them.
If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss before you apply, you can contact the Course Leader via MAadmissions@northernballet.com Any information that you share will be treated in confidence and will only be discussed with other members of staff with your permission.
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English Language Support
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English Language (EL) support will be provided to students who do not have English as their first language. This support is provided in conjunction with NSCD Student Services; to access it, please speak to your course leader.
Overseas students are offered an extended induction to introduce them to Northern Ballet and their course of study. This will also include an opportunity to discuss Visas, life in Leeds, and any additional support available.
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Health & Wellbeing Support
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Good mental health is essential for students to get the most form their training at Northern Ballet, however we recognize that it’s completely normal to experience anxiety, stress and overwhelm.
There is always someone in the Academy office during timetabled sessions, and a Designated person when on tour who students can speak to if they are struggling with their mental health, or who are concerned about themselves or a fiend.
All MA students are able to access a free and confidential counselling service which is offered in collaboration with NSCD Student Services. Appointments can be booked through Moodle, and usually the initial appointment will take place within a week. From there, different support options are available depending on what feels right. For example, students could be offered:
- Weekly counselling via our team of student counsellors
- Groups and workshops covering a range of common student mental health issues
- Ad hoc support and advice appointments as and when needed
- Referral to external services if required.
Whatever students are struggling with – stress, anxiety, loneliness, addiction, panic attacks, eating or low mood – and however large or small it may feel, we can help.
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Mental Health Resources
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Although we aim to see any student needing support quickly, we are not an emergency service and are unable to offer out of hours support.
For the full directory of mental health services available in Leeds visit MindWell directory.
Or, if you need help right now, Samaritans are available 24/7 to talk to. You can use the free helpline at 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
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Injury Support
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This level of dance training will inevitably place stress on muscles and joints. Aches and pains, injuries and strains are all possibilities which we aim to support students with.
If students are injured during the course, they have access to:
- Free, on-site physiotherapy and sports massage appointments
- Injury rehabilitation and prevention strategies
- Advice on how to respond and support injuries through exercises and restorative movement so that students can continue to engage with their training during their recovery
- On site gym and rehabilitation studio
Physiotherapy appointments can be booked via email through the course leader. We always aim to see students as quickly as possible but encourage students to access A&E for immediate support with any serious injuries.
All students are provided with guidance on nutrition and fitness, with timetabled sessions on these areas.
We also offer help and support in finding a local GP and other NHS services.
Our teaching faculty understand the emotional side of managing injuries, and work closely with students who may be struggling with pain or an inability to participate fully in their studies to discuss coping strategies and adjustments to their weekly schedule, alongside their physical therapy.
Student Accommodation
The Academy of Northern Ballet does not own student accommodation, but we can recommend websites to visit based on previous students’ experiences.
Leeds is one of the most vibrant, diverse, student-friendly, and fastest growing cities in the UK, with many options for halls of residence, several of which are walking distance from Northern Ballet. In previous years students have stayed at Unite student accommodation Clarence Dock and at other various Unite sites across Leeds. Unite offer many accommodation complexes for students in Leeds. Unite Leeds Accommodation
You can also book student accommodation through Unipol, which is a student housing charity, who accredit student housing using the Unipol code.
Please note that all student accommodation blocks in Leeds will charge you for a fixed contract starting September 2026 to beginning of July 2027. Student accommodation does book up fast, so please do not delay in commencing your search. Students may also wish to extend their stay for any weeks additional to the fixed term contract (which is required if completing the full MA), by booking a summer let. This can be done by requesting further information from the accommodation management.
If you are looking for a host family you can try Homestay.
Please be aware we have no association with Unite, Unipol or Homestay.
Course Changes
As part of your decision-making process, we appreciate you will want to research potential programmes of study ahead of application deadlines. To enable you to do this, we work hard to ensure that our website is as up to date as possible.
Although we try to ensure that this is as current as possible, there are always changes we make to ensure that the course is vibrant and as up to date with sector requirements as possible. Dance is a dynamic, fast-moving sector, and our courses evolve to ensure they reflect and respond to the industry’s needs.
Sometimes it may be necessary to change course content, delivery and entry requirements, if we believe it will enable us to improve the high-quality experience we offer. Change sometimes comes because of student feedback/consultations, external examiner feedback, and consultation with industry partners.
All reasonable care has been taken to ensure course information is accurate; however, NSCD, as our validating body, cannot guarantee all courses will be available in exactly the form and detail described here. We encourage you to regularly check the course page for any changes. On Audition and Interview Days we will take the opportunity to inform you about any proposed changes and will also notify you if any changes are made after you have accepted an offer.
Header photo taken by Colleen Mair.
MA Fees & Finance
As you will be on NSCD’s student registry, if you are a UK (home fee paying student) you are entitled to the same financial assistance as students at UK Universities.
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