English National Ballet launches Dance Leaders of the Future

James Streeter. Photo by Karolina Kuras

English National Ballet announces the launch of a new dancer development programme, Dance Leaders of the Future.

Running from November 2019, the programme is open exclusively to English National Ballet dancers and aims to offer the opportunity to develop skills in leadership and gain experience and a greater understanding of the running of an arts organisation.

Following an application and interview process, the first dancer selected to take part in the programme is First Soloist, James Streeter, who said: “I am over the moon to have been selected to take part in the Dance Leaders of the Future programme. I can’t wait to get started, it is a truly incredible opportunity to see and learn how the company works behind the scenes.”

As part of this programme Streeter will attend key organisational meetings, shadow English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo; Executive Director, Patrick Harrison; and Chief Operating Officer, Grace Chan; carry out placements in key administrative departments and work alongside the Artistic Team. Streeter will have exposure to financial budgeting and artistic programming, learning more about Arts Council England and the business model at English National Ballet. The programme culminates with assisting on the production of English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer event in May 2020.

English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo, said: “I am delighted to announce our new programme, Dance Leaders of the Future. At English National Ballet we are committed to the development of every individual and every aspect of this art form, including leadership. This exciting opportunity will allow our dancers to have unprecedented access to the running of the company and the development and delivery of a vision, and to start to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to lead and manage an artistic organisation. Once again, we want to inspire and lead with positive change in our industry.”

The programme has been designed to work alongside rehearsal and performance commitments.