Northern Ballet appoints cohort of new trustees

Northern Ballet has appointed five new trustees, including Sir Gregory Doran and Steven McRae, as the company seeks to strengthen the representation of artists on its board. To broaden the skills and expertise represented, also joining are Emma Burrows, Imogen Knight and Jessye Parke, as Northern Ballet continues to fulfil its purpose of bringing the joy of dance to as many people as possible.

Emma Burrows is a partner and employment law specialist at international law firm Trowers & Hamlins. She is a committed supporter of ballet and a trustee of the Alderney Wildlife Trust.

Sir Gregory Doran is an internationally celebrated theatre director, writer and expert on Shakespeare who served as artistic director for the Royal Shakespeare Company from 2012 – 2022. In 2023, Sir Gregory worked with the dancers of Northern Ballet to prepare for the staging of Romeo & Juliet.

Imogen Knight is an experienced dance teacher who founded the Colours of Dance School in Cambridge. She has been a trustee of the Royal Academy of Dance since 2017 and is passionately committed to dance teachers everywhere having access to great training, support and inspiration throughout their careers.

Steven McRae is an award-winning dancer and Principal of the Royal Ballet where he has danced and created many leading roles. Steven also performs as guest artist around the world and recently released the documentary film, A Resilient Man, about his journey back from injury on the BBC.

Jessye Parke is a dynamic leader with 20 years’ experience in the cultural sector. Jessye trained at Trinity Laban and, following her dance career, has secured philanthropic support for some of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions. She is currently deputy director of Advancement & Alumni at the Royal College of Art.

David Collins, chief executive at Northern Ballet said "We are delighted to welcome this new group of trustees to Northern Ballet, bringing their rich and varied experience from the worlds of dance, theatre, education, visual art and the commercial sector. Our trustees make a huge contribution in shaping the future direction of the company and we are excited to welcome such a talented group.”

Guy Perricone, chair of Northern Ballet’s board of directors said
“These experienced and dynamic new trustees will further strengthen our Board, adding to and complementing the skills we are fortunate to draw upon. It is a very exciting time for our Company, and I look forward to working with each of them.”

Northern Ballet has just completed its spring 2025 season which reached over 59,000 people. This autumn the Company will perform Merlin, Little Red Riding Hood and The Nutcracker. In 2026, new ballet Gentleman Jack will premiere in Leeds followed by six cities in the UK before being performed in Helsinki by co-producers Finnish National Ballet.