Our Learning Team is committed to creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to join in and learn about dance.
We work in schools, theatres and community settings across the UK to bring the joy of ballet to as many people as possible.
We offer talks and workshops at theatres across the UK, and a range of projects in Yorkshire. These are the perfect introduction to our performances for people who are new to ballet, and give a deeper insight for those who are more experienced in the ballet world.
We also work with partners on a number of research projects to develop learning and best practice within the sector.
Our dedicated and friendly team are passionate about inclusion and ensure our work is pitched at the appropriate level; so whether you’re a dance school that would like your pupils to learn some repertoire or an individual with professional aspirations, we will work with you to ensure everyone enjoys their Northern Ballet experience.
Who we are
Artistic Learning Manager
Sophie Alder
Part of my role is to oversee the artistic output of the department. This includes supporting the Dance Education Officers and delivering training and CPD to dance artists and teachers. I also lead Ability, our course for adults with learning disabilities and autism, managing and delivering on the programme. Currently, the main focus for Ability is SHIFT, an international project to develop a framework that enables adults with learning disabilities to reach their technical dance potential.
Dance Education Officer
Keisha Hamilton
I plan and develop workshops and projects that are delivered in the community, both in Leeds and across our touring venues, by Northern Ballet artists and freelance practitioners. My role includes leading on the Early Years work at children’s centres, Rise which focuses on health and wellbeing in schools, our children’s summer course and children’s ballet outreach that is delivered nationally. I also work closely with teachers to develop cross curricular projects and schemes of work which support areas of the curriculum.
Dance Education Officer
Philippa Ranger
As part of my role, I create, plan, deliver and evaluate many different projects. I am artistic lead on several projects including Burberry Inspire, Let’s Dance and In Motion. I also deliver Dance for Parkinson’s and work on our Diversity Action Plan with Green Lane Primary School.
I love the variety of work I deliver, working with children in early years, Primary and Secondary, as well as adults in the community.
Artistic and Learning Assistant
Pippa Moore
I am a former Premier Dancer at Northern Ballet with my performing career spanning over two decades. I now teach workshops and classes for the Academy and coach the Company dancers.
My work with the Learning Team includes co-writing audio descriptions and delivering them live during performances, plus the planning and delivery of Touch Tour Insight Workshops to visually impaired patrons. I also deliver talks and workshops at touring venues for people of all ages and abilities.
Director of Learning
Leanne Kirkham
It is my responsibility to create a programme of work which strategically aligns to the vision of the Company and ensures that Northern Ballet reaches large and diverse audiences.
On a day to day basis, I oversee the department staff, budget and output, ensuring high quality and consistency across our work. Another big part of my job is attending local and national networks such as the Leeds Cultural Education Partnership where strategic priorities for our sector are created and driven.
The best thing about my job is creating opportunities for people to take part in ballet or to go and see a live performance for the first time. I thoroughly enjoy seeing how much people enjoy our work and promoting the ethos that dance is for everyone!
Senior Learning Project Manager
Sam Moore
I oversee all project management and communications within the Learning department. I also lead on accessibility for the Company to ensure we navigate and remove barriers to enjoying our work.
My role also sees me manage large-scale projects such as Expressions, Burberry Inspire and the children’s ballets tour outreach programme.
I’m passionate about ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone, whether they are a spectator, building their skills or choosing to embark on a creative career.
Learning Project Manager
Nicola Phillips
I look after a wide range of workshops and projects including the Let's Dance hospice project, In Motion, Dance for Parkinson's and Rise.
I also manage Audio Described performances and outreach activity that takes place while the company are on tour. I love the variety that I have within my role and the commitment we have in making dance accessible for all.
Learning Project Coordinator
Heather Newstead
I assist with the planning and organisation of a variety of projects with schools, community groups and other cultural organisations. I’m passionate about making the arts as accessible as possible, something which I’m able to bring into my day-to-day work.
Some of the projects I work on include; Burberry Inspire, Let’s Dance, Expressions and the children’s ballets tour outreach. I love the work that we do, and I am proud to be part of a team which does such important work in our local community, as well as nationwide.
I also run the Learning department’s Twitter account @balletlearning
'Expressions provides an amazing opportunity for children and young people who are usually excluded from similar events. It builds their self-esteem and quality of life and means so much to their families.'Expressions Community Group Leader
'Thank you for this lovely opportunity to see so many children enjoying the creativity and freedom dance gives them. It was such a brilliant morning.'Teacher after children’s ballet tour workshop
'It has given me the confidence to teach dance when I felt I didn’t know anything about it. It means we can broaden our PE offer.'PE teacher who attended CPD
'The workshop made me feel like I was part of the book.'Student after an Oliver Twist workshop
'Dance for Parkinson’s has been a great initiative; attending each week has given me a new appreciation of ballet and perhaps more importantly helped in the management of my condition. Unanticipated benefits include the new friends we have made and the smile which it never fails to put on my face!'Dance for Parkinson’s participant
'We don’t think we’ve ever done something as a family before. The twins have gained a lot of confidence from the project, for them to get up and dance is really special.'Let’s Dance participants
'The Early Years project has had a very positive impact on the wellbeing of all the children taking part. 79% saw an increase in development for managing their feelings and behaviour.'Teacher at a children’s centre
Our Research
We believe in the power of dance participation, and the valuable impact for our participants and industry peers. Our growing body of research proves the value of arts-based education and develops best practice across the sector.
Did you know...
In 2019/20 we worked with 18,016 people, which included 87 schools, 6 early year’s centres, and 19 events at venues across the main-scale tour. 351 people attended an event at the theatre including Northern Ballet Revealed, Over 55’s workshops and Touch Tour Insight Workshops.
366 participants achieved arts award qualifications.
We held 88 inclusive dance sessions across In Motion, Ability and Expressions and we held 29 Dance for Parkinson’s sessions with 323 participants.
Expressions 2019 our inclusive dance platform, was attended by 394 people with 113 participants from local community groups performing.
The outreach work on the Puss in Boots children’s ballet tour reached 2,155 participants.
More from our Learning team
Inclusive Dance
Activities, classes and courses specifically designed for disabled people.
Read more
Events and Workshops
There are lots of events and workshops to enhance your experience with Northern Ballet.
Read more
Photos Gavin Joynt and Lisa Stonehouse.