Northern Ballet to Present Audio Described Performances of THE GREAT GATSBY in Spring 2023

Northern Ballet will present Audio Described performances of their award-winning ballet The Great Gatsby, in Leeds, Sheffield and London next Spring.

The Great Gatsby choreographed by the Company's former Artistic Director David Nixon CBE, first premiered in 2011 and is now one of the Company's most beloved ballets.

Co-written by former Northern Ballet Premier Dancer Pippa Moore MBE and VocalEyes these special performances offer live audio descriptions of the movement, action and drama unfolding on stage. Accompanied by live music played by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, these descriptions bring the The Great Gatsby to life for people living with visual impairments.

Free Touch Tour Insight Workshops are also offered to audio described ticket holders, introducing elements of the production to aid understanding of the show. Led by Moore and Northern Ballet Company dancers, these events provide descriptions and opportunities to feel the scenery, props and stunning Chanel inspired costumes that appear on stage.

Northern Ballet's Audio Described performances first began in 2003 and are now offered for all full-length ballets across their UK tours.

Pippa Moore MBE, Artistic & Learning Assistant and former Premier Dancer of Northern Ballet said:

"My love of performing narrative ballets led me to writing and delivering scripts as live audio descriptions to Northern Ballet's productions, as well as hosting our Touch Tour Insight Workshops prior to our Saturday matinée performances. I firmly believe that ballet can be made accessible for everyone to share in the magic of live performance, regardless of any additional needs they may have."

Leanne Kirkham, Director of Learning Northern Ballet said:

"We are hugely proud of our commitment to audio describing Northern Ballet's work. Along with the accompanying Touch Tours, this investment significantly contributes to our mission - 'Breaking Down Barriers to World Class Ballet'. Pippa Moore MBE leads this work with integrity, passion, and an insight that makes our offer unique, enabling visually impaired audiences to experience and enjoy our Wonderful Productions."

In addition to The Great Gatsby in Spring, Northern Ballet will also be offering Audio Described performances of The Little Mermaid and The Nutcracker throughout their Autumn 2022 tour.

To find out more about Northern Ballet's audio described performances and their range of audio described films visit northernballet.com.

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