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Several dancers, each looking away from the camera, hold the same pose in darkness - their left arm hanging loose and their right to the side, palm up, as if holding something weighty.

Choreographer Call Out | In partnership with Bradford Producing Hub

The Project

Northern Ballet are seeking a Bradford-based choreographer to create a piece with Northern Ballet dancers to be performed as part of our Sketches programme on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 June 2025 at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds. Previous years Sketches performances have sold out, and it is has quickly become a highlight in the Northern Ballet calendar.

Are you a choreographer with something on your mind? A piece you just can’t get out of your head? This could be the opportunity for you. Through Sketches you get studio space and access to world-class dancers and mentorship. Whether you want to create a new piece or use the time to expand on an existing piece of work it’s up to you.

All dance styles will be considered, our dancers are ready to take on whatever you throw at them.

We Guarantee You

  • Access to studio space at our Leeds HQ for free (worth over £2,500)
  • Up to four company dancers to work with, more or fewer dancers can be discussed
  • Rehearsal and production photography of your work
  • Two tickets to invite guests to the performances

Dates

The creation period will fall in the weeks listed, however the Company do have other rehearsal and performance commitments within these weeks so the time will be broken up into days, with approximately seven full days available to the choreographer.

Please do specify in your application your availability within these weeks.

Weeks commencing

  • 24 March 2025
  • 31 March 2025
  • 14 April 2025 (Tuesday to Thursday only)
  • 28 April 2025 (Tuesday to Friday only)
  • 5 May 2025 (not Monday)
  • 26 May 2025 (not Monday)
  • 2 June 2025 – tech rehearsal and performances on 3 and 4 June

Pay

Whilst there is no fee paid for this project £500 will be paid towards expenses directly from Bradford Producing Hub.  
 

Music

Can be discussed, however royalty free or original music should be used where possible.
 

Application

To apply, please email Emily Deller, Artistic Planning Manager by email, emily.deller@northernballet.com.

Please include a recent video of your work and a short statement on why you would benefit from the opportunity and what you plan to explore during your time in the studio.

All applications will be considered by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director, Federico Bonelli, in conjunction with Bradford Producing Hub. Applications will be assessed on previous experience and video content provided.

Closing date for applications Monday 17 February, 9am
 

Photo from Sketches 2024 taken by Emily Nuttall.