The balletLORENT Youth Academy has now celebrated four remarkable years of success. Our free program provides talented Newcastle children aged 7-19yrs with opportunities to develop skills in dance, theatre, creative arts, technical production, and performance.
Thanks to generous grants over the past year from the Hays Travel Foundation, The Guyll-Leng Trust, Newby Trust, Three Monkies Trust and for our new senior group Newcastle City Council Youth Fund and National Lottery Community Fund. The youth academy has continued to offer free participation to children and young people from marginalised communities. In doing so, it fosters creativity and skill development in a region where such opportunities are often scarce.
A Year of Creativity and Growth
Over the past 12 months, the youth academy has hosted a diverse range of activities, including workshops, intensive sessions, and performance opportunities, leaving a lasting impression on participants and their families.
"It is a delight to meet such talented children and young people living locally," the balletLORENT team shared. "We are thrilled to help them develop their interests and skills in dance and theatre, especially in an area where such opportunities are rare. It has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to supporting them in the future."
The Youth Academy: Two Groups, One Vision
The balletLORENT Youth Academy is made up of two groups: the Junior Group for children aged 7-12 years and the Senior Group, Creative Studio for young people aged 13-19 years. Creative Studio was newly introduced in 2024 adding an exciting dimension to the academy’s structure and expanding opportunities for older participants.
Highlights of 2024
Junior Group: A Year of Achievements
The group had an exceptional year, starting with the creation of an original 15-minute dance theatre piece before the summer break. In autumn, they performed in Snow White at Northern Stage, spending months in rehearsal. For many, it marked their first professional production. To ensure full participation, balletLORENT provided logistical and practical support, including chaperoned transport and daily lunches.
In December, the group presented another original work inspired by The Velveteen Rabbit, captivating children and families alike.
Creative Studio’s Artistic Development
The group, which started in April 2024, had a busy and enriching year, benefitting from diverse training opportunities in areas such as improvisation, film making, music production, and costume design. These sessions helped young people take charge of their own creative practices and broaden their artistic horizons.
During a three-day summer intensive, the group worked with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to explore environmental issues and create artistic responses. The results were impressive, with participants producing stop-motion films, dance films, original music and songs, and costumes.
In the autumn term, the group explored themes from Brother’s Grimm fairytales, producing works that included live music, computer games, exhibitions, and film. A final sharing of their work in December included performances alongside the junior group.
Inclusivity at the Heart of the Youth Academy
The balletLORENT Youth Academy is a welcoming and inclusive space, open to neurodiverse and neurotypical young people as well as those with special educational needs. Support workers ensure every participant feels safe and encouraged, with additional training planned to further enhance this nurturing environment.
Parents consistently praise the youth academy’s impact. One parent noted, “My son has always enjoyed being part of the balletLORENT family. It’s an inclusive environment that encourages young people to develop their skills in so many ways.” Another shared, “Thank you for the amazing opportunity you’ve given our children! We’re so proud to see them on stage and grateful for the care you’ve shown throughout the process.”
Looking Forward to 2025
The youth academy is eager to build on its success in 2025. With funding secured through April 2025, balletLORENT is seeking additional support to extend its reach and impact.
“We’re grateful to all our funders for their continued support,” said the team. “This funding has made a real difference, and we look forward to another year of creativity, growth, and achievement.”
With more training and performance opportunities ahead, including chances for young people to showcase their work through performance, film, and exhibitions, the future is bright for participants in the balletLORENT Youth Academy.
The youth academy’s focus on nurturing artistic talent is shaping a brighter future for young people in Newcastle, with plans for continued growth and lasting impact on the region’s creative landscape.
