Academy of Northern Ballet Open Day
Sunday 1 February
FREE to attend
Do you have a child who loves to dance, but you're not sure what their next step could be? Join us on Sunday 1 February 2026 for an insight into the Academy of Northern Ballet’s audition programmes; Centre for Advanced Training programme (CAT) and Associate Programme.
The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) programme identifies and assists young people with exceptional potential, regardless of their personal circumstances, to benefit from world-class specialist ballet training – whilst they continue to live at home and attend their mainstream school education. The main aim of the programme is to prepare students for auditioning at vocational ballet schools and a career in classical ballet. This is done by providing a rich and diverse curriculum ensuring the student’s full potential is achieved. The course is for students in academic years 6 onwards, with the main intake being in academic year 6.
Our Associate Programme is an enhancement programme for students in academic years 4-11, who attend regular ballet classes with their home teacher. The programme offers complimentary training to enhance the classical technique in preparation for vocational school. Our Junior Associate Programmes are an ideal stepping stone to both the Associate and CAT Programmes. Auditions are held yearly to fill available places on all levels of the Associate Programme.
"I am so proud to have joined the CAT scheme this year. The teachers are so friendly and helpful and I have made so much progress already. I love the hard-working atmosphere which has given me an insight into being a professional ballet dancer. It is great to rehearse in the main company building and we have been lucky enough to get some advice from them."Level 3 CAT Student
"My daughter really looks forward to her weekly Northern Ballet lessons. She loves how her teacher finds fun, imaginative ways of getting her to understand and remember the things she needs to know to be an even better dancer."Parent of child in the Associate Programme
The free Open Day is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the programmes prior to our auditions in March 2026. Prospective students and parents/carers will learn more about the courses we offer, the method of training we use in the Academy, take part in a taster class, meet the teachers, watch some of our current students perform, as well as meet other young people who are as passionate about ballet as they are.
Parents/Carers are welcome to attend the full Open Day event including the taster classes.
The day will run 11:00-13:30 and includes
- Welcome Introduction talk to our CAT & Associate Programmes
- Observation of technique class demonstrations from our current students
- Dance teacher specific Q&A
- Take part in a taster class for the following year groups, current academic year; years 3 & 4, years 5 & 6, and years 7 to 10
- Q&A
To register for our free open day please complete the online application form.
You will receive the details of the schedule for the day in an email shortly after registering.
Dance Teachers
As the Academy continues our journey under the leadership of Federico Bonelli, we would like to extend a warm invitation to dance teachers from around Yorkshire and beyond to attend our Open Day. The day is open to all dance teachers who are interested in hearing about the Associate and CAT Programmes at Northern Ballet and how we can work closely together in the future. Teachers are welcome to attend all or part of the Open Day and there will be specific time allocated in the day for dance teachers to have refreshments and ask questions to members of the Academy team in a more personalised setting.
Dance teachers do not need to have a student participating in the Open Day to be able to attend.
For attending dance teachers, please complete this online registration form.
Dance Teacher Registration Form
Take the first step on your dancing journey.
Your future starts here.
Photos taken by Emily Nuttall.
