Rise, Keisha Hamilton

Rise

Rise is an education project focusing on health and wellbeing in schools.

Rise is delivered to Key Stage 2 pupils in primary schools across West Yorkshire. Pupils take part in 10 weekly classes with a dance artist as part of their core curriculum, using ballet and creative movement to explore their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Sessions explore Northern Ballet productions, working with a live pianist to enhance the experience. The culmination of each year is a trip to the theatre to watch a Northern Ballet performance.

Research and evidence

Rise was successfully piloted with five primary schools and the impact and outcomes of the project on pupils’ resilience, body confidence, communication and self-expression skills were tested and measured. We were able to work with a researcher from the University of Leeds to undertake in-depth research in one school.
During this 2-year period we were able to explore and perfect a delivery model which is now available to more schools in the region. The pilot was made possible with funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Read the report

Get involved

If you would like to know more or are interested in taking part in Rise, please get in contact with the Learning Team on learning@northernballet.com or by using the contact form.

Pupil from Beechwood Primary School (Leeds)

"I had a hidden talent that I never knew of and that was being able to do ballet and move my body in different ways. The best thing was when I danced in front of class because I found out I had confidence and resilience."

Supported with funding from the The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, The Steel Charitable Trust and The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust.

Photos Gavin Joynt.

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