Expressions: Translating Classical Technique Workshop 

Led by professional disabled dancer Joseph Powell-Main, the workshop will focus on how the classical technique can be approached to allow dancers with different needs to be able to access it.  

The workshop will introduce themes from the Universal Design of Instruction technique, first developed by contemporary dance artist Jurg Koch, that looks at different ideas to improve accessibility within the ballet technique. UDI has been an incredibly useful tool in Joe’s professional career and practice, and he hopes to share some of what he has learned so far.  

You will work with Joe to analyse a selection of technical exercises and a piece of classical repertoire.  

You will leave the workshop with the tools to enable opportunities for further inclusion in a ballet class.  

The session will include practical and creative tasks. Be prepared for some creative fun!

Bookings close on Friday 7 July at 10pm  

For more information contact Expessions@northernballet.com or call 0113 220 8000

The Northern Ballet building is wheelchair accessible and you can find out more about our accessible features on our Accessibility webpage.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to have a pre-visit. 

When: Friday 14 July, 11am – 1.30pm 

Where: Northern Ballet, 2 St Cecilia Street, Leeds, LS2 7PA  

Suitability: This workshop is for ballet and dance teachers who would like to develop their inclusive practice  

Price: Free but booking is essential  

Book now

Joseph Powell-Main  

Joe began dancing in Mid-Wales at the age of five. Between the ages of eight and ten, he trained with the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst School for Dance on the Junior Associate and pre-vocational programmes.  

In 2009 Joe successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet School, White Lodge Richmond Park. Joe trained at the school for three and a half years. Following a period of injuries, surgery and then being involved in a car accident, Joe acquired his disability.  

As a student Joe performed with the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and English Youth Ballet. Joe also performed for HRH Princess Alexandra.    

 Joe returned to dance using a wheelchair through Latin and Ballroom. This led to him studying a degree in Dance and Performance at the Arden School of Theatre, which he graduated from in 2020 with first class honours.  

Joe worked with Ballet Cymru as a company member between 2020 and 2021.   

 Joe is the first dancer using a wheelchair to perform with the Royal Ballet.    

 Since 2022 Joe has been a freelancer. Recent collaborations include Sleepwalker (The Royal Ballet), I am 8 Workshops and R&D (Sweetshop Revolution) and Choreographer/Performer Undone (One Young World Opening Ceremony 2022).