THE COURSE

Classical Ballet Focus

The classical ballet option is open to those students with the appropriate physical and mental attributes to pursue a professional career in this demanding field. NBS fully appreciates that a classical dancer must be much more that just a strong technician, so there is an emphasis on performance throughout the course.

The school has long recognised the wider range of skills required of today's classical dancers and these are nurtured through valuable opportunities to perform in a variety of different dance styles and genres during their training and through the study of complimentary subjects, including drama, anatomy and pilates.

The foundations of a secure classical technique are built during the first year of study, including an introduction to supported adage and corps de ballet repertoire. In the following two years of training, students pursue courses in pas de deux, repertoire, virtuosity and pointe work in addition to their daily class. These are amplified by studies in Dance History, Music and Choreographic Styles, supported by theatre visits and audio visual material. Practical interpretation of this knowledge is gained in regular performances, including full-length ballets such as Nutcracker and Coppelia, in the school’s own public Dancehouse theatre. Strength and stamina are increased in the final year along with the development of individual performance style and artistic eloquence.

In addition, students participate in a variety of Master Classes with eminent dancers and teachers, which helps to bridge the gap between training and a professional career. Students are also given individual coaching and advice in audition technique.

Manchester City Ballet

Manchester City Ballet is one of the performing companies of NBS, with students participating in several yearly productions. These invaluable experiences are an essential component of training and provide the opportunity to perform in a diversity of styles and to work with a variety of choreographers.

Student’s abilities are stretched by dancing in classic ballets from many different eras and through this they gain knowledge of the Romantic and Imperial styles, as well as many modern and new works - all of which challenge the technical and interpretative skills of the young performers.

MCB is often invited to give special performances both in Britain and abroad, which again increases the range of production experiences and contexts gained by NBS students - from village hall to concert hall.

In addition to performing, students gain an understanding of the time-consuming and demanding process of staging a dance work - from initial rehearsals with the choreographer to stage calls and costume fittings, these young dancers are well equipped to enter any professional company with confidence and enthusiasm.

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