Welcome to Ballet Britain
Our mission is to inspire young dancers to achieve their full artistic potential through exceptional training and performance opportunities across Britain.
Across all our programmes, we aim to nurture artistic expression, build confidence and develop skills in a supportive and inclusive environment, which will benefit students in life beyond our studio doors.
About Us
Ballet Britain began as 'Midland Theatre Ballet', founded by Lisa Hollinshead in 2011. The original vision was to provide an environment where young dancers could not only train in classical ballet technique but also apply that training in meaningful performance settings. Through full-length ballet productions, Lisa created a space for students to experience the discipline and joy of bringing ballet to the stage.
In 2021, Midland Theatre Ballet entered a new chapter as Imogen-Lily Ash and Mason Gain were appointed Directors. Under their leadership, the company expanded its programmes into Leeds and subsequently launched Ballet Britain. Today, Ballet Britain continues the legacy started by Lisa Hollinshead by offering high-quality ballet and contemporary training to young dancers across the UK. We maintain our commitment to combining strong technical foundations with real performance opportunities through the rehearsal and staging of classical and contemporary ballet repertoire.
Ballet Britain now offers a range of programmes including our Sunday Performance Programme, Associates Training Programme, School Holiday Courses, Workshops and Masterclasses.
We are committed to providing exceptional ballet & contemporary dance training and performance opportunities to young dancers. Our programmes are designed to inspire artistic expression, build confidence, and develop skills that students will take with them beyond our studio doors.
Our Values
SAFETY: Every decision we make and every action we take must be rooted in our commitment to safeguarding everyone involved through uncompromising standards.
EXCELLENCE: We are committed to providing the highest standards in teaching, performance opportunities, and student care.
CONFIDENCE: Both on-stage and off-stage, we provide opportunities for students to build self-assurance and confidence.
COMMUNITY: We cultivate a strong sense of belonging and teamwork, amongst our dancers, their families, and our teaching staff.
HAPPINESS: We aim to create uplifting experiences that bring happiness and joy to both students and staff.
Learn About Our Programmes
Please visit your local website to find audition dates and upcoming events in your area.
Meet The Team
Our core team includes a small group of dedicated full-time staff, who are supported by a wide network of exceptional freelance teachers, choreographers and class assistants.
Teachers, Choreographers & Assistants
Here are some of the amazing freelance teachers, choreographers, and assistants we've been lucky to work with in the past - each one has brought something special to our journey over the years, and we are incredibly grateful for sharing their passion and expertise.
Reviews & Testimonials
“The whole experience has been fantastic. The opportunity to perform in a full-length ballet under the guidance and tuition of professional dancers has been priceless. Watching her on stage in the performance was delightful. It's given her a renewed love for ballet and the ambition, one day, to dance with a professional company. She has also made so many great friends."
"Genuinely I can't thank you enough for the amazing opportunity. The exposure to so many successful people in the dance world is really exciting and helps us grow so much. The support we get is also so wonderful and I feel so happy to come every week - its always the highlight of my week."
“An incredible experience I will treasure for a long time! Feel so lucky to have worked with an incredible team and cast. A huge thank you to all the teachers for believing in me."
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Unleash your potential with Ballet Britain
“This has been a fabulous opportunity for my children. They’ve grown so much as dancers and in their confidence, we can’t thank you or recommend you highly enough.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in a specific area to take part?
No! While many of our programmes run in specific cities/regions, dancers travel from across Britain to attend. We're also looking to expand into new areas soon.
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes and programmes for dancers aged 7 years to 21 years.
Do I need to audition to join?
Only some programmes require an audition (Sunday Performance & Associates Training).
Our School Holiday Courses, Workshops and Masterclasses are open to all aged 7yrs-21yrs and there is no audition or entry selection. Place are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure that students will enjoy their experience with us, it is important that students must be taking part in at least one weekly ballet class at their local dance school to ensure that they are aware of the ballet terminology that will be used throughout the course.
It is also important that all students have full permission from their local dance teacher in order to join any of our programmes.
Is Ballet Britain a dance school?
We offer ballet and contemporary dance training which is designed to complement your local dance school training - so we do not replace your local dance school and all students must be taking part in at least one class at their local ballet school in order to join any of our programmes.
It is also important that all students have full permission from their local dance teacher in order to join any of our programmes.
What's On: Upcoming Events
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Our Programmes
Explore Our ProgrammesPerformance Programme
The cornerstone of our commitment to artistic development, students work together weekly to create and perform in a week long run of a full-length ballet production.
Associates Training
For passionate dancers seeking additional weekly ballet and contemporary dance training, enhancing technical skills and performance abilities.
School Holiday Courses
Immersive full-day ballet and contemporary training with lots of fun and games throughout the day, creating an exciting school holiday experience.
Ballet Workshops
Short and intensive classes providing students with the unique opportunity to dive deep and focus on a specific technique or repertoire of the teacher’s choice.
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