Our Learning Team is committed to creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to join in and learn about dance.
We work in schools, theatres and community settings across the UK to bring the joy of ballet to as many people as possible.
We offer talks and workshops at theatres across the UK, and a range of projects in Yorkshire. These are the perfect introduction to our performances for people who are new to ballet, and give a deeper insight for those who are more experienced in the ballet world.
We also work with partners on a number of research projects to develop learning and best practice within the sector.
Our dedicated and friendly team are passionate about inclusion and ensure our work is pitched at the appropriate level; so whether you’re a dance school that would like your pupils to learn some repertoire or an individual with professional aspirations, we will work with you to ensure everyone enjoys their Northern Ballet experience.
In 2024/2025 the Learning team delivered almost 500 sessions with nearly 10,000 people in schools, nurseries, community centres and theatres across the country.
Before our most recent children’s ballet, Hansel & Gretel, toured the country, our Community Dance Artists delivered workshops with over 2,000 children.
Expressions 2024 featured over 200 disabled dancers performing in 4 sold out shows. Dancers came from as far as London and Wales to perform in our inclusive dance platform!
In 2024/2025 we delivered 96 sessions on our inclusive dance projects; Ability, In Motion and Rise & Shine.
Who we are
Ability Lead
Sophie Alder
Part of my role is to oversee the artistic output of the department. This includes supporting the Community Dance Artists and delivering training and CPD to dance artists and teachers. I also lead Ability, our course for adults with additional learning support needs, managing and delivering on the programme.
Community Dance Artist
Dagmar Birnbaum
Central to my role is delivering dance workshops and projects out in the community, from Early Years settings and Schools, to Community Centres and Libraries, as well as activity taking place at our studios. I enjoy enabling everyone to take part and love seeing the positive impact participation in dance activities has on individuals. I am passionate about promoting enjoyment, mental well-being and accessibility through my work.
Community Dance Artist
Kim Hardy
My role is to encapsulate the qualities of Northern Ballet and share them with the community. Led by my passionate belief that dance is a universal language, I deliver differentiated workshops in a range of settings across the country.
Whether or not someone is new to dance, it is my ultimate ambition to celebrate with them the richness of individual experience and creative expression.
Engagement & Audio Description Artist
Pippa Moore MBE
I am a former Premier Dancer at Northern Ballet with my performing career spanning over two decades. I now teach workshops and classes for the Academy and coach the Company dancers.
My work with the Learning Team includes co-writing audio descriptions and delivering them live during performances, plus the planning and delivery of Touch Tour Insight Workshops to visually impaired patrons. I also deliver talks and workshops at touring venues for people of all ages and abilities.
Director of Learning and Academy Operations
Leanne Kirkham
It is my responsibility to create a programme of work which strategically aligns to the vision of the Company and ensures that Northern Ballet reaches large and diverse audiences.
On a day to day basis, I oversee the department staff, budget and output, ensuring high quality and consistency across our work. Another big part of my job is attending local and national networks such as the Leeds Cultural Education Partnership where strategic priorities for our sector are created and driven.
The best thing about my job is creating opportunities for people to take part in ballet or to go and see a live performance for the first time. I thoroughly enjoy seeing how much people enjoy our work and promoting the ethos that dance is for everyone!
Head of Learning
Sam Moore
I oversee all project management and communications within the Learning department and lead on accessibility for the Company to ensure we navigate and remove barriers to enjoying our work. My role also sees me manage large-scale projects such as Expressions.
I’m a member of a number of external networks that champion youth dance and accessibility.
I’m passionate about ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone, whether they are a spectator, building their skills or choosing to embark on a creative career.
'Expressions provides an amazing opportunity for children and young people who are usually excluded from similar events. It builds their self-esteem and quality of life and means so much to their families.'Expressions Community Group Leader
'Thank you for this lovely opportunity to see so many children enjoying the creativity and freedom dance gives them. It was such a brilliant morning.'Teacher after children’s ballet tour workshop
Our Research
We believe in the power of dance participation, and the valuable impact for our participants and industry peers. Our growing body of research proves the value of arts-based education and develops best practice across the sector.
Photos Gavin Joynt, Lisa Stonehouse, and Emily Nuttall.
More from our Learning team
Inclusive Dance
Activities, classes and courses specifically designed for disabled people.
Read more
Events and Workshops
There are lots of events and workshops to enhance your experience with Northern Ballet.
Read more