Creative Dance and Theatre Art Training for 7-18yrs
A unique training programme for creatively talented children and young people aged 7-18yrs from Newcastle to learn with balletLORENT’s world class artists and collaborators.
Juniors (7-12yrs) and Creative Studio (13-18yrs) have exclusive access to experts and facilities to learn: Dance, Theatre, Performance, Music and Film production, Costume and Set Design, and more...
As a member of the balletLORENT Youth Academy, you can:
Create and present work for showcases and events at our studios
Have opportunities to perform with our professional company
Be part of a team working towards artistic goals, fostering individual creative talents
Gain confidence in artistic abilities
Gain insight into further training and career paths within the creative arts
Develop physical, creative and social skills in a safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment
Juniors are guided through creative processes and projects in dance and theatre
Creative Studio work independently on individual and group projects covering a wider range of arts
Experience is not necessary. Passion, interest and motivation to create is! No exams, no uniform – just creativity!
We welcome children and young people of all backgrounds, and support neurodiverse members.
Juniors Youth Academy 7-12 yrs
Weekly sessions working with balletLORENT’s Artistic Director, Creative Team and Guest Artists
Holiday intensives
Showcases and Performance opportunities with the professional balletLORENT Company
Learn different dance styles and work closely with the balletLORENT Creative Team and guest artists to create new works and films.
Recent Youth Academy Junior Achievements:
Created and performed roles in the premiere performances of balletLORENT’s Rapunzel and Snow White at Northern Stage and Durham Gala Theatre
Created short films: The Beginning, B for Belonging
Performed a pop-up version of The Velveteen Rabbit, based on a balletLORENT touring production for young audiences
Presented showcases of works at the balletLORENT Studios
Learned dance styles including Bollywood, K-Pop, Tap Dance and Ballet with local guest artists
Designed and made costumes for showcase events
Entry Process:
Entry to the Junior Youth Academy group is mainly through talent spotting in schools and community workshops, where our experienced team are always on the lookout for children with raw creative and physical talent and creativity. If we spot children we can support, they will be invited to attend a FREE taster session on a Monday evening. If the child continues to show interest, we may offer them a full place with the Youth Academy Juniors.
The children we look for may not have had previous dance experience, but will have shown interest, creativity and a natural desire to move and create.
Commitment:
The Youth Academy Juniors work on new projects each term. We expect children to attend all sessions to benefit fully, and to support their peers and the work they are creating.
We understand there are unavoidable family commitments, and children will be poorly. We ask that you let us know as soon as possible if your child can’t attend a session so we can plan sessions accordingly.
If your child is invited to perform in a professional production with balletLORENT, there will be additional rehearsal and performance sessions which children will be expected to attend. Full details will be given in advance of each professional production.
Full terms and conditions will be sent out when a place is offered.
Cost:
We’re committed to keeping the Youth Academy accessible, and no child will be excluded due to financial reasons.
Fee Structure from September 2025:
£5/week – recommended for those able to pay
£3/week – for children receiving free school meals
Free – for those unable to pay
There are currently no additional costs if your child is invited to rehearse and perform in shows with our professional company (e.g., Northern Stage).
Youth Academy Terms & Conditions
Creative Studio – 13-18yrs
Creative Studio offers:
- Weekly sessions with balletLORENT’s Artistic Director, Creative Team, Guest Artists, and Collaborators
- Holiday Intensives and Summer Sessions
- Showcase events to share your work with family, friends, and invited audiences
As a Creative Studio member, you will:
- Work independently and in groups on briefs set by our Artistic Director and Creative Team
- Present your work in showcases, exhibitions, and performances
- Join masterclasses and workshops in dance, film, music production, costume, and set design
- Hear from Guest Artists offering insights into arts training and careers
- Learn new skills, explore ideas, and grow creatively
- We’re here to support your vision—providing the space, time, and tools to bring your ideas to life
Recent highlights include:
- Best Worst Dances pilot performance with balletLORENT dancers, directed by Liv Lorent
- Showcases featuring films, music, dance, costumes, and computer games
- Masterclasses and talks with The Suggestibles, Trish Mayes, and Rupert Philbrick
- Summer Intensive with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, creating eco-inspired work
Who Can Join:
Creative Studio is open to young people aged 13–18 from Newcastle’s west end. Limited places are available for those from other parts of the city.
How to Apply:
Fill out our short online form, telling us about your interests and why you want to join. We’ll then invite you to visit and have a chat before offering a place.
Youth Academy Juniors can join Creative Studio after turning 13.
Cost:
Free to attend, thanks to funding from Newcastle Youth Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Commitment:
We ask members to commit to each term’s project. We understand other commitments like exams and will be as flexible as possible—just keep us informed.
Our Approach:
We treat young people like professionals—encouraging independence, creativity, and respect. In return, we expect clear communication, commitment, and care for our team, your peers, and our space.
Creative Studio is free thanks to funding from Newcastle Youth Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.
balletLORENT Youth Academy Information
Where:
balletLORENT Studios, John Marley Centre, Muscott Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6TT
When:
Juniors (7-12years) - Term time – Mondays 4.30pm-5.45pm
Creative Studio (13-18yrs) - Term time – Mondays 6.00pm-7.30pm
Other Information:
Working alongside our Creative Team are a team of experienced and friendly Support Workers who supervise children and young people at all times when they are with us.
We provide some free snacks and refreshments at weekly sessions, and free cold lunches during intensives.