Northern Ballet School students take their final bow in style
Northern Ballet School celebrated its Class of 2026 in style on Saturday 27 June 2026, as graduating diploma students took to the stage at the Dancehouse Theatre for their official Graduation Ceremony.
The event followed a sell-out final production of Trailblazers, a powerful celebration of the women whose courage and vision changed the world, performed to nearly 400 family, friends, alumni, and industry representatives.
Special guest Olivier Robert-Murphy, CEO and Vice-Chancellor of BIMM University, delivered a keynote speech reflecting on the value of creativity and the importance of self-belief in the creative industries.
Dr John Harrison, Head of School at the Manchester campus, hosted the ceremony, opening proceedings by thanking the graduating students for their hard work and professionalism over the previous three years. He was joined on stage by Jackie Gray, Course Leader for the Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance, alongside Principal Lecturers Sarah Dickinson and Andrew Margerison.
Each student was given their own moment in the spotlight, receiving a certificate from the CEO and Vice-Chancellor and a white rose from their Course Leader, as friends and family cheered them on.
Dr John Harrison, Head of School, said:
It was an honour to celebrate these students, who have shown extraordinary dedication over the past three years. Watching them take their moment in the spotlight was a genuinely proud moment for all of us at Northern Ballet School.
Jackie Gray, Course Leader for the Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance, added:
This cohort has shown real resilience and talent throughout their training, and Trailblazers was the perfect way to send them off. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.
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