The Ballet
Faculty
about / The Faculty
Director
Simon Kidd
Simon Kidd was born in London, England and was drawn to Ballet at a very early age. He trained at The Royal Ballet School and Central School of Ballet under the guidance of Christopher Gable. During his training Simon worked with many world-renowned teachers and was a finalist at the prestigious Adeline Genée Awards.
In 1999, Simon joined Northern Ballet and swiftly moved up through the ranks of the company. Some of his roles include Romeo and Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet), Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Beast (Beauty and the Beast) and Mozart (Requiem). During this time, he worked and created roles with choreographers from around the world, including David Nixon, Massimo Moricone, Nacho Duato, Didy Veldman and Cathy Marston.
After having performed with The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Matthew Bournes Swan Lake, Simon retired from the stage, he trained extensively in the Cecchetti Method and has taught world-wide. He was a full-time tutor for The Hammond School and Northern Ballet as well as guest teaching at Vocational and Company level across many continents.
Director
Lynsey Kidd
Lynsey’s journey in the world of dance commenced at the age of 6 when she embarked on her training at the esteemed Lupino School of Dancing. Her talent led her to secure a coveted place at the Royal Ballet School by the time she turned 11. Lynsey then embarked on further training at both the Vaganova Academy and the Central School of Ballet.
Upon completing her formal education, Lynsey achieved a milestone in her career by securing a contract with Northern Ballet under the artistic direction of Christopher Gable. She dedicated 15 years of her life to the stage, showcasing her exceptional abilities in various roles, including both soloist and principal parts.
After gracefully retiring from her performing career, Lynsey transitioned into the realm of dance education. She diligently obtained her teaching qualifications, earning licentiate status with the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing). In a pivotal role, she assumed the position of classical tutor within the CAT program at Northern Ballet during its inaugural year. Furthermore, Lynsey shared her wealth of knowledge as a lecturer at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Ks Dance.
Beyond her institutional roles, Lynsey has played an instrumental role in nurturing and mentoring numerous young talents, guiding them from their early years to successful professional careers in dance.
Ballet Teacher
Niamh Alvey
Head of Teacher Training
Gillian Hurst
RBS DIP (TTC), ARAD, DDE (NB), Fellow and Lead Examiner ISTD (Cecchetti Branch), Holder of the Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma, PDB Spanish Dance Society.
Gillian trained at Bush Davies School from the age of 11 to 16, after which she spent three years at the Royal Ballet School on the Teachers Course, the final year as Head Student. She then embarked upon a teaching career at Elmhurst Ballet School in Surrey, where she introduced the Cecchetti Method alongside the already established RAD work. After six years, she moved abroad to Malta, taking up the role of Principal in a large and successful Cecchetti school, before returning to London to teach freelance in several schools and train to become an examiner.
Currently Deputy Head of Dance at KSDance Ltd and regular faculty member on various summer schools and short intensive courses, Gillian is in demand as a teacher and examiner, both in the UK and overseas, with emphasis on the training of young teachers and also the continued professional development of teachers wishing to complete their teaching qualifications at the highest level.
PATRON
Kenneth Tindall
Kenneth Tindall is regarded as one of the outstanding dance-makers of his generation. He is a freelance choreographer/director and Resident Choreographer at Northern Ballet. A former principal dancer, Kenneth’s first professional commission won the Production Prize at the 26th International Choreographic Competition in Hanover. He has since gone on to choreograph nationally and internationally, working with Ballet, dance and theatre companies worldwide.
“I am delighted to be the Patron of Mentors In Ballet Education. This is a wonderful ballet school with excellent facilities and world class teaching. It has all the ingredients to be a world renowned centre for excellence, and I look forward to watching it grow under the expert and ever nurturing eyes of Simon and Lynsey Kidd.”
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Full Time
Vocational Training
Embrace
Ballet
Company
Enhancement
Associate
Course
Enrichment
Workshops &
Holiday Courses
