Photographer captures Leeds' Northern Ballet dancers' hidden determination to return to stage

All the elegance and majestic poise of dancers’ grace was suddenly stifled in March when the nation’s stages were plunged into an absolute darkness.
A member of the back stage staff wears PPE as she helps a ballerina from Northern Ballet prepare at Leeds Playhouse, ahead of Northern Ballet's first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA WireA member of the back stage staff wears PPE as she helps a ballerina from Northern Ballet prepare at Leeds Playhouse, ahead of Northern Ballet's first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
A member of the back stage staff wears PPE as she helps a ballerina from Northern Ballet prepare at Leeds Playhouse, ahead of Northern Ballet's first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Now, as the Northern Ballet returns in the country’s first major dance performance in front of a live paying audience, there is a wondrous sense of relief.

In a ballet, in theatre, and in arts such as this, said artistic director David Nixon OBE, a dancer’s place will always be on stage.

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“A moment such as this will be remembered throughout the company’s history,” he said.

An audience watches Northern Ballet's first live performances in more than seven months at the Leeds Playhouse. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA WireAn audience watches Northern Ballet's first live performances in more than seven months at the Leeds Playhouse. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
An audience watches Northern Ballet's first live performances in more than seven months at the Leeds Playhouse. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA Wire

“The arts as a whole has had to show real resilience throughout this situation and also reflect on how it works and what it does.

Dance offers an escapism for many people, a chance to listen to beautiful live music while the dancers tell you a story,” he added.

“I think during lockdown, people realised more than ever how much they missed going to the theatre and how much more value they place on it returning.

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“We just hope that it doesn’t take too long to be able to return to our large-scale work, and touring around the country to audiences nationwide.”

Dancers from the Northern Ballet wear face coverings during a training class at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. Image: Danny Lawson/PA wireDancers from the Northern Ballet wear face coverings during a training class at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. Image: Danny Lawson/PA wire
Dancers from the Northern Ballet wear face coverings during a training class at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. Image: Danny Lawson/PA wire
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The company, at Leeds Playhouse on Wednesday night, performed excerpts from ballet classics such as Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Le Corsaire and Giselle.

Abandoning its planned repertoire for 2020, these pieces were chosen to allow for minimal contact and distance between dancers, musicians and backstage staff.

After more than seven months, said Mr Nixon, it feels incredible to return to the stage.

Ballet shoes at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the company's first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Image: Danny Lawson/PA wireBallet shoes at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the company's first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Image: Danny Lawson/PA wire
Ballet shoes at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the company's first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Image: Danny Lawson/PA wire
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For dancers, having trained in their living rooms and kitchens, returning to the studios had proved a “wonderful” moment.

There had been a barrage of emotions in the run up to opening night, amid anxieties over a return to lockdown or the potential jeopardy of a single test.

Under new rules, dancers perform predominantly in solos and duets, training in bubbles and rehearsing with set partners. Those who live together have been paired together.

Masks were removed on stage on opening night for the very first time.

Dancers from the Northern Ballet Lorenzo Trossello and Dominique Larose wear face coverings as they rehearse a duet from Sleeping Beauty at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. Image: Danny Lawson/PA WireDancers from the Northern Ballet Lorenzo Trossello and Dominique Larose wear face coverings as they rehearse a duet from Sleeping Beauty at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Dancers from the Northern Ballet Lorenzo Trossello and Dominique Larose wear face coverings as they rehearse a duet from Sleeping Beauty at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
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“On the night it was a mixture of relief and joy to finally look out on the auditorium,” he said.

“To see it as full as it was able to be with social distancing applied, and the dancers gave a fantastic energy in their performances.”

Vitality

And while there have been challenges, amid uncertainty with little income and fears over dancers’ ability to regain fitness, grants from the Cultural Recovery Fund have proved a “lifeline”, said Mr Nixon.

The company, already embracing opportunities in digital, has seen this drastically accelerated in recent months, and believes now this can only grow further.

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“The arts is vital for society,” said Mr Nixon. “Everyone consumes arts in some form or another, even if they don’t realise it.

A dancer's feet during a training class at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA WireA dancer's feet during a training class at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
A dancer's feet during a training class at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, ahead the their first live performances in more than seven months. PA Photo. Danny Lawson/PA Wire

“The theatre adds light to our normal lives and it is that live human connection between artists and audiences that is unique and incredibly valuable.”

Founded in 1969 with just 11 dancers, the reputation of the Northern Ballet as a powerhouse of inventive dance has grown over time to be regarded among the world’s premier ballet companies, usually touring widely.

The Northern Ballet will perform three different hour-long mixed programmes until October 24, followed by four full-length performances of David Nixon’s Dangerous Liaisons between October 28 to 31.

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James Mitchinson