Northern Ballet School

“As Jazz Focus students, we were given a wide variety of classes – technical jazz, commercial, tap, contemporary, musical theatre, Latin American, jazz partnering and, of course, ballet – alongside singing and classes dedicated to audition scenarios. NBS encourages third-year students to explore as many auditions as possible, building the confidence to know what to expect after graduating.

The college’s belief in embedding classical technique early on, whatever path you choose, meant I was fully prepared for my first open audition for The Lion King, a mix of ballet and contemporary – there wasn’t anything asked of me in that room that I hadn’t already experienced in my everyday classes at NBS.

We really got to know our teachers, and they understood each of us as individuals: what we needed, how we worked best, and the importance of perseverance. The training I received was invaluable, opening so many doors. After three memorable years, I left feeling prepared and excited for my first job in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake!”

“Training at Northern Ballet School pushed me to be the best dancer I could become, and I loved my time there. I came away with the practical skills I needed for the industry, mental resilience, and lifelong friendships.

Since graduating in 2024, I have gone on to perform all around the UK with companies such as Northern Dance and Brecon Festival Ballet, and I recently made my debut as Juliet in a new production of Romeo and Juliet in London. I would not have had the rewarding career I’ve had so far without the high standard of training at NBS.”

“Training at Northern Ballet School greatly prepared me for the industry. As a male dancer on the Jazz Focus pathway, I gained a versatile skill set across tap, ballet, commercial, contemporary, modern, partner work and, of course, jazz.

The emphasis on technique has helped me stay one of the most technical dancers in the room, and the constant work on audition technique left me confident and prepared for ever-changing audition formats. Strong pick-up skills and the ability to reverse and deliver choreography quickly helped me land work with cruise line companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.

On my first contract with Norwegian, the versatility of my training really shone – skills from tap, jazz and commercial transferred straight into new styles in rehearsals, where I learned Irish tap, Bollywood and Tinikling. Being consistent with technique was crucial when performing on a moving ship! I’ve also done pantomime, appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, where I had the pleasure of working with past tutors in a professional setting.

Every contract you grow as a performer, and my training at Northern Ballet School nurtured me into the professional I am today.”

“My time at Northern Ballet School was an incredibly important part of my journey as a performer. I chose the school because it came highly recommended by both friends and teachers, and I knew many people who had gone on to successful careers in the industry after training there.

I studied for a Diploma in Dance, training across a wide range of genres including ballet, tap, contemporary and ballroom. I also chose the Jazz Focus course, which gave me even more valuable experience and helped shape the performer I am today. The classes were diverse and never overcrowded, so we received a great level of individual attention and support.

The teachers genuinely wanted to see us succeed, both as dancers and as people. Mr Margerison was a particularly influential mentor, giving us real insight into the professional world and preparing us for the realities of the industry. The audition preparation classes were invaluable and gave me the confidence to approach opportunities outside of school.

After graduating, I successfully auditioned for Princess Cruises, where I have continued to progress and am now a Cast Manager and Dance Captain. I truly believe the training, discipline, confidence and professional preparation I received at Northern Ballet School played a huge part in getting me to this stage.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Northern Ballet School to anyone looking to develop in a warm, welcoming and supportive environment. If you are willing to work hard, challenge yourself and make the most of every opportunity, the school can give you an incredible foundation for a career in the performing arts.”

“Years on from graduating, my college friends and I are busy working in the industry, and on the rare occasion we’re in the same country with a few hours spare, we meet up and reminisce about what we still call the ‘best days of our lives’. Eight hours a day, five days a week, we danced. We never really knew how lucky we were to get that much training every day.

Jazz Focus was definitely the right path for me. The vast variety of techniques, styles and class dynamics prepared me for any situation I might face in the industry – in an audition room I’ve never been thrown by something I haven’t done before. Alongside my daily training, I experienced every element of a professional contract: writing my CV and filming my showreel, landing an audition, long rehearsal days and after-hours practice, the long tech days spent lighting three numbers, and finally hitting the stage in front of an audience. NBS let me experience all of this within the college, with an excellent faculty supporting my growth.

I left after my third year with my first cruise contract secured, feeling confident about going out into the industry. I always look back and feel grateful for ‘the best days of our lives’.”

“I am incredibly grateful for my time at Northern Ballet School and for the wonderful opportunities it gave me. My years at NBS were filled with inspiring teachers, engaging classes, and unforgettable performance experiences that shaped me into a well-rounded dancer. The training challenged me to constantly push my boundaries and grow both technically and artistically.

Since graduating, I have had the opportunity to perform across Europe and the USA, including with Europa Ballet in Austria and the National Ballet of the Muzički Centar Crne Gore in Montenegro. Looking back, I can see how much my time at NBS prepared me for the professional world, giving me the skills, versatility and confidence to pursue opportunities across different countries.”