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Powerhouse Ballet takes its name from the Coalition Government's proposal to rebalance the British economy by integrating and expanding the economic, social and cultural resources of the North of England, The company was always intended to be a Transpennine one and for the first two years our classes, workshops and other activities alternated between the studios of Northern Ballet School and Dance Studio Leeds.
At some time during lockdown, there was a change of ownership at Northern Ballet School. Its new management stopped letting its studios to members of the public. We had to find a new venue in Northwest England as did the dance schools and teachers who also used to train and rehearse there. We held classes in Bolton, Mold and Ballet Contours. I am very grateful to all those studios for hosting us.
Last Summer Karen Lester-Sant, the Principal of KNT Danceworks, opened new studios at 114 Chapel Street. I attended the pre-intermediate class there shortly after the studios opened. I described the experience in My First Class in KNT's New Studios on 12 July 2023. Karen has always been a great friend of our company. She gave us our first opportunity to dance in public at KNT's 10th-anniversary gala in May 2019. Before lockdown, she was also one of our most popular ballet mistresses. She delivered a particularly memorable company class a few weeks later with the great David Plumpton as her accompanist.
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On 17 Feb 2024, Karen Lester-Sant gave us another memorable class in her new premises. This class took place just a few days after my 75th birthday and I was particularly touched that many members travelled long distances to attend. Joanna Goodman travelled all the way from London and Sarah Lambert drove up from Birmingham. Several others came from York and Ripon.
Karen gave us a very thorough class as usual. A brisk barre. A beautiful adagio. The usual centre exercises. A joyous grand allegro to finish. I did my best to keep up but age and infirmity have greatly reduced my capabilities. However, the other members danced beautifully.
After class, we adjourned to the Black Lion where we drank a toast to Po Ling Katherine Wong on her recent wedding and birthday and my dear friends and acquaintances kindly toasted me. As you can see from the photo I received a beautiful calendar, some lovely roses, excellent wine and a delicious birthday cake,
I was also given a card signed by members of the company which I shall keep forever - just as I have kept similar mementoes from the cast members of La Sylphide, Giselle and Aria. I am very grateful to the members of the company who have contributed many hours of their time to our classes, workshops, rehearsals and performances. I hope they have enjoyed our activities as much as I did.
Next Saturday we welcome back Fiona Noonan. She is another very popular teacher. She trained in Brisbane and danced with the Queensland Ballet. She stepped in at very short notice last January when the ballet mistress who was expected to take that class was indisposed. Fiona gave us a very demanding but also very enjoyable class.
Fiona's class will take place at Dance Studio Leeds on 30 March 2024 between 14:00 and 15:30. I shall be sponsoring the class also it is free for those who attend. For those who do not know the studios they are in Mabgate Mill about a mile from Leeds Central Station and half a mile from the main bus station and Northern Ballet. There are several bus routes from the city centre. The nearest bus stop is "Lincon Green," Those coming by car can park free of charge in the mill yard.
