Dancing into The Hawth

For its 2016 Season, the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain will present a special programme of performances celebrating its inspirational Founder and Artistic Director Jill Tookey, who passed away in March this year.
Over three decades, Jill Tookey quietly became one of the industry’s most influential dance leaders, inspiring generations of young dancers and choreographers, many of whom have embarked upon successful professional careers after their time with NYB.

The 2016 programme of performances will showcase highlights from National Youth Ballet’s 29-year history through some of Jill’s favourite commissions. These include The Old Man of Lochnagar, a ballet based on the children’s book by HRH The Prince of Wales, choreographed by Olivier Award winner and NYB alumnus Drew McOnie. NYB’s innovative Beyond Ballet platform will also return, showcasing young choreographic talents presenting their own works. The Memorial Gala performance at Sadler’s Wells will also include new commissions and performances from returning alumni including choreographer Andrew McNicol, West End performer Lucinda Lawrence and Birmingham Royal Ballet first artist Ruth Brill.

The 2016 Season is led by Artistic Director in Residence Mikah Smillie, a graduate of the Royal Ballet School’s Teachers Training Course, Associate Artist for Re:Bourne, mentor for NYB’s Beyond Ballet choreographic platform, teacher at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and freelance rehearsal director.
Mikah Smillie said today: “Jill Tookey was an extraordinary tour de force and the mastermind behind a pioneering company of young talented dancers. The dedication, cross department collaborations and innovation created memorable performances and resulted in young artists being exposed to high level production values and professionalism from very early on. Jill’s humour, tenacity and bravery to aim for the unachievable has left a significant mark and it is my honour and pleasure to help guide this Season in the celebration of NYB’s wonderful achievements and to help open the doors into a bright new future.”

Friday 26 – Saturday 27 August 2016
Hawth Theatre, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6YZ, Performances: 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets: £20.00, Children £14.00,
Groups: 1 free for every 10
www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/theatre
01293 553636