Ballet Black Workshop

On Saturday 16 November, Leeds Dance Partnership supported a workshop at Northern Ballet’s headquarters led by Ballet Black.

A Ballet Black dancer leads a workshop with students in the background. They are in a dance studio, the Ballet Black dancer is standing with his legs apart, one arm in the air and the other on his chest.

The workshop brought together young local dancers from some of Leeds’ dance training schemes, including Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Youth Academy, Northern School of Contemporary Dance’s Centre for Advanced Training scheme and Further Education dance students from Leeds City College.

Dance students at the Ballet Black workshop stand by ballet barres. They are holding on to the barre with one hand, the other arm is in the air above their heads. Some are leaving back slightly

The students were able to learn more about Ballet Black’s Ignoma, a mix of pointe work, contemporary and African dance which was performed at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds.

A Ballet Black dancer leads a balelt technique class. She is watchign the students at the barre, her fingers outstretched at her sides.

The workshop was split into two parts including a ballet technique class led by Cira Robinson and a contemporary repertoire session led by choreographer of Ignoma Mthuthuzeli November.

A Ballet Black dancer is leading a workshop with students. The back of his hands are meeting at his chest, with his elbows pointed out either side. One of his feet is crossed in front of the other.

The students had a great time, with lots of brilliant feedback:

‘I learnt how to move my body in different ways’

‘Challenging, ground-breaking, strong’

‘an amazing piece of choreography’

‘I enjoyed learning part of the South African piece as it was different and I enjoyed learning about the background behind it.’

‘It challenged me’

‘(I learnt) a new drive to dance – passion and motive’