For many, The Nutcracker is as much a part of Christmas tradition as mulled wine, mince pies and decorating the tree. Being lucky enough to grow up with an annual family trip to the ballet, for me, the Christmas season doesn’t really begin until we take our seats in the auditorium.

There is no doubt that Anton du Beke has found fame (and probably relative fortune) on the small screen, in the Saturday night family feel good glitterfest that is Strictly Come Dancing, although he had enjoyed a very successful and well-earned reputation prior to that on the dance circuit.

There were fireworks in the streets, this being the Saturday after Bonfire Night, but these were nothing compared to the spring-heeled jumping-jacks within. No spinning Catherine Wheel or fiery Guy Fawkes’ Fountain ever created greater visual effects, more brilliant plumes of colour, more kinetically kaleidoscopic patterns or more vibrant movements than a Flamenco dancer in full swing.

Northern Ballet’s Merlin is an ambitious, tightly packed production that sweeps its audience through magic, myth, conflict and love. At its heart is a coming-of-age story, told with both cinematic scope and deeply human emotion. Kevin Poeung is excellent as Merlin, capturing the shifting emotions of adolescence with nuance.

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy Award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances have left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. To celebrate this incredible 30th-year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour in 2025, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. The show will visit 30 UK venues—one for each year of its history—from August to December 2025. We caught up with principal dancers Anna-Mai Fitzpatrick and Fergus Fitzpatrick to learn more.

I have to confess that I love and adore contemporary dance. Not all of it of course, but as a grand sweeping statement then I find that it is my favourite art form. What a treat is was then to be invited to see the last date of VERVE - the international touring dance company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) - as they complete their latest tour at the Leeds Playhouse.

Following sell-out performances in 2024, Northern Ballet’s choreographic platform, Sketches, is returning to Leeds with a compelling programme that weaves together new works and a classic piece of ballet repertoire. Devised by Artistic Director Federico Bonelli, Sketches offers emerging choreographers a platform to workshop, create, and present new and innovative works.

Concluding our three short interviews we hear from Dominquie Larose as Jane Eyre on how she is preparing for the performances of Jane Eyre and what she most enjoys about performing in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds.

In the second of our three short interviews we hear from Joseph Taylor as Mr Rochester on how he is preparing for the performances of Jane Eyre and what he most enjoys about performing in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds.

It's time for Resurgence. Such an appropriate name for the new tour of the former resident dance company of Sadler’s Wells, London City Ballet, after a 30 year 'rest'. Famously patronised by Diana, Princess of Wales, the original company closed its doors in 1996.

Chris Marney, originally from Essex, now lives in London with broad experience of working internationally as a dancer and as Artistic Director. As a dancer Chris worked internationally in leading principal roles for many companies including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Balletboyz, Gothenburg Ballet Sweden, Ballet Biarritz France and Bern Ballet Switzerland.

Karen Hauer is Strictly Come Dancing's longest-standing professional, having spent 12 series on the iconic show. She has partnered with celebrities including Westlife's Nicky Byrne, The ‘Hairy Biker’ Dave Myers, Mark Wright, Jeremy Vine, Chris Ramsey, and Jamie Laing.

It’s easy to see why the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort’s Hot Ice show is described as ‘The Most Spectacular Ice Show in the World’. This year’s production Eternity combines sport and theatre and showcases the best in class talent with high-tech special effects, nail-biting stunts and mesmerising hand-made costume. As the light go down in the Ice Arena there’s an air of anticipation.

A brand new dance company launches in Leeds, created to break down barriers and nurture a dance culture where everyone feels recognised. Unbound Dance Theatre launches with a special symposium event Shifting Perspectives at Yorkshire Dance Leeds on Friday 26 April.

Northern Ballet will open its autumn 2024 season with Three Short Ballets a triple-bill featuring two world premières and a Northern première. The trio of works will be performed in Leeds at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre from the 6-14 September and in London in early 2025.

Northern Ballet is prolific when it comes to creating new ballets, and apart from the seasonal Nutcracker, the classics feature relatively infrequently: Giselle in 2011 and a characteristically different adaptation of Swan Lake in 2016. Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet is an iconic ballet, much loved and performed around the world.

Northern Ballet’s new season, and their first curated by Artistic Director Federico Bonelli, begins with a triple-bill of breathtaking ballets by some of the world’s finest choreographers.

Northern Ballet, under the guidance of their new artistic director Federico Bonelli, has announced a thrilling new season of works, reinforcing their aim of presenting "stories that connect with people of all ages and backgrounds".

Following a sell-out performance in June 2022, York Theatre Royal are once again welcoming Kyiv City Ballet back to York with a special visit to the city this month - including a one-off fundraising gala performance.

Joining the Company in the role of Gatsby for performances in Leeds and London is Principal of The Royal Ballet, Ryoichi Hirano. Hirano joined The Royal Ballet as a Prix de Lausanne apprentice in 2001, developing through the ranks of the company to Principal in 2016. He has also performed as Guest Principal for Norwegian National Ballet and Scottish Ballet.

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Director Carlos Acosta promises entertainment for all ages when he brings an explosion of Spanish sunshine, spectacular dance and vivacious comedy to the Sunderland Empire. There are not that many ballet dancers from Newcastle.

One of the most popular of full-length classical ballets, and technically the most demanding, Swan Lake, has been performed countless times by many world-famous companies and tonight’s performance by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia did not disappoint. It was breath taking.