.logo-img{fill:#000;}Asset 1 Main navigation Open Menu Watch Join In Academy Support Our Company About our Learning Team Breadcrumb Home Join In About our Learning Team 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. Who we are Artistic Learning Manager Sophie Alder Part of my role is to oversee the artistic output of the department. This includes supporting the Dance Education Officers and delivering training and CPD to dance artists and teachers. I also lead Ability, our course for adults with learning disabilities and autism, managing and delivering on the programme. Currently, the main focus for Ability is SHIFT, an international project to develop a framework that enables adults with learning disabilities to reach their technical dance potential. Dance Education Officer Keisha Hamilton I plan and develop workshops and projects that are delivered in the community, both in Leeds and across our touring venues, by Northern Ballet artists and freelance practitioners. My role includes leading on the Early Years work at children’s centres, Rise which focuses on health and wellbeing in schools, our children’s summer course and children’s ballet outreach that is delivered nationally. I also work closely with teachers to develop cross curricular projects and schemes of work which support areas of the curriculum. Dance Education Officer Philippa Ranger As part of my role, I create, plan, deliver and evaluate many different projects. I am artistic lead on several projects including Burberry Inspire, Let’s Dance and In Motion. I also deliver Dance for Parkinson’s and work on our Diversity Action Plan with Green Lane Primary School. I love the variety of work I deliver, working with children in early years, Primary and Secondary, as well as adults in the community. Artistic and Learning Assistant Pippa Moore 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 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! Senior Learning Project Manager Sam Moore I oversee all project management and communications within the Learning department. I also 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, Burberry Inspire and the children’s ballets tour outreach programme. 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. Learning Project Manager Nicola Phillips I look after a wide range of workshops and projects including the Let's Dance hospice project, In Motion, Dance for Parkinson's and Rise. I also manage Audio Described performances and outreach activity that takes place while the company are on tour. I love the variety that I have within my role and the commitment we have in making dance accessible for all. Learning Project Coordinator Heather Newstead I assist with the planning and organisation of a variety of projects with schools, community groups and other cultural organisations. I’m passionate about making the arts as accessible as possible, something which I’m able to bring into my day-to-day work. Some of the projects I work on include; Burberry Inspire, Let’s Dance, Expressions and the children’s ballets tour outreach. I love the work that we do, and I am proud to be part of a team which does such important work in our local community, as well as nationwide. I also run the Learning department’s Twitter account @balletlearning '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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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. Find out more about our research Did you know... In 2019/20 we worked with 18,016 people, which included 87 schools, 6 early year’s centres, and 19 events at venues across the main-scale tour. 351 people attended an event at the theatre including Northern Ballet Revealed, Over 55’s workshops and Touch Tour Insight Workshops. 1 2 3 4 5 More from our Learning team Education We offer a variety of projects for children’s centres, primary & secondary schools and colleges. Read more 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 Photos Gavin Joynt and Lisa Stonehouse. Become a Member for FREE Get exclusive discounts, priority booking, behind-the-scenes content and competitions. Sign up What would you like to do? 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