Northern Ballet School is a renowned dance school located in Manchester, United Kingdom. Founded in 1977 by Patricia McDonald, the school is a centre of excellence for classical ballet and musical theatre. The school shares its home with ICTheatre Manchester at The Dancehouse. However, its history dates back even further to 1918 when Madge Atkinson, the ballet mistress at the Gaiety Theatre in Manchester, established a school focused on 'natural movement'.
In 1992, NBS moved into The Dancehouse, a state-of-the-art facility, and in 1994, a 430-seater theatre was opened, solidifying NBS as a prominent training academy for dancers. The school's success can be attributed to a combination of its rich history and the fresh perspective brought by ICTheatre. Through continuous development and innovation, NBS has established itself as an outstanding institution for training dancers aspiring for careers in classical ballet and commercial theatre.
At NBS, aspiring dancers have the opportunity to develop their skills and artistry in one of the most prestigious training academies in the UK. The school offers a 3-year Diploma in Professional Dance, which is a full-time professional course. Upon completion, students receive the Trinity College London Diploma in Professional Dance as well as the NBS Diploma in Professional Dance. This comprehensive programme equips students with a wide range of dance styles and genres, preparing them for the demanding and ever-evolving dance industry.
Training with NBS comes with numerous benefits. The school takes a holistic approach to education, focusing not only on technical skills but also on building confidence, resilience, and industry-savviness. NBS recognises the demands of the professional dance industry and ensures that students are prepared to meet those demands. Graduates of NBS have gone on to join classical and modern theatre companies worldwide, showcasing their talent on stages all over the world.
The school is proud to provide practical performance experience, with a highlight being the industry showcase in the third year of the programme. NBS understands the importance of real-world experience and strives to give its students opportunities to perform and network with industry professionals.
Northern Ballet School is dedicated to nurturing dance artists and providing them with the necessary skills to succeed in their careers. With a team of highly qualified and experienced lecturers, the school fosters an environment that promotes growth, creativity, and professionalism. Students can expect to receive a well-rounded education that combines technical training, artistic development, and industry-specific knowledge.
Whether aspiring to become a professional ballet dancer or pursue a career in musical theatre, Northern Ballet School offers a comprehensive education that allows students to thrive in the competitive world of dance.