Guest Artist
Amy is from Newcastle and initially trained on Northern Ballet's Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Programme, before attending Elmhurst Ballet's Upper School and the Academy of Northern Ballet's Professional Graduate Programme. Previous companies include the National Moravian - Silesian Theatre, Ballet DJKT, Czech Republic and Northern Ballet. Earlier this year Amy founded and began directing Youth Ballet North.
Learn more about Amy
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne
At what age did you start dancing?
I began dancing when I was 4 years old.
Where did you train?
I trained here at Northern Ballet on the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Programme, followed by three years at Elmhurst Ballet Upper School. On graduating in 2019, I returned to Northern Ballet and completed the Professional Graduate Programme.
Previous companies
The National Moravian - Silesian Theatre, Ostrava, Czech Republic and Ballet DJKT.
Awards, nominations and prizes
3rd Place Senior Soloist YAGP (Italy 2018) and New York finalist (2019)
Top 12 YAGP Senior Soloist (Barcelona 2017)
Which Northern Ballet role would you most like to dance?
I think The Great Gatsby is a pretty iconic production in the Northern Ballet repertoire, It looks so much fun to perform — I love being able to enjoy and have fun with a part on stage so I would really like to dance this.
A dream would be to dance Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.
Career/training highlights
The most exciting moment of my career so far was in 2019 as a graduate student, being invited to go on tour with the Company and perform Cinderella. I had trained in the building alongside the dancers for much of my childhood, and from a young age had aspired to join the company. This opportunity was quite literally a dream come true and the experience I gained was invaluable in helping me transition to professional life.
A more recent career highlight was choreographing a piece I named Hell-bent, for Ballet DJKTs production Ballet Inspiration. I have always had a passion for choreography and had previously created pieces for school productions and competitions but this was the first time I had choreographed professionally and it was definitely one of the most exciting moments of my career so far.
What do you like most about being a dancer?
My favourite thing about being a dancer is that you are constantly growing and improving, both physically and artistically. Going out on stage and performing is a thrill that cannot be put into words – especially when it is a piece or role which you’ve had to work really hard to make possible and achieve. I also love the camaraderie that exists in ballet companies and the satisfaction that comes from inspiring and supporting each other.
If you could adapt one work into a ballet what would it be?
That’s a really difficult question as there are so many things I’ve imagined creating into a ballet! I think that often a really successful ballet should influence as well as entertain, therefore Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaids Tale (and subsequent drama) has great potential as the themes are contemporary, the narrative and characters are strong and imagery is powerful; there is so much you could do with it artistically.
What is your favourite book?
I’m going to go with an absolute classic - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
What is your favourite post-show meal?
Definitely pizza!
How do you like to relax?
Seeing friends and family, watching movies and eating good food.
If you weren’t a dancer what would you be?
A choreographer, teacher or writer.