MASTERCLASSES
DARLINGTON
20TH SEPTEMBER 2026
DARLINGTON HIPPODROME
9 - 15+ YEARS
BRINGING THE BALLET NIGHTS EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT GENERATION
An unmissable opportunity for dancers to step onto a professional stage, learn from world-class artists, and perform their work for a real audience.
This autumn, Ballet Nights brings its masterclass programme to the main stage of Darlington Hippodrome, the very stage where the Ballet Nights show will take place on 3rd October. Dancers won't just be learning in a studio. They'll be working in the space, under the lights, with the professionals who will perform there.
GROUP 1: 9 - 13 YEARS
Beginner/Intermediate (Grade 5 to Intermediate Foundation, RAD equivalent)
GROUP 2: 11 - 14 YEARS
Intermediate (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2, RAD equivalent)
GROUP 3: 15+ YEARS
Advanced/Pre-professional
COURSE FEE £50.00
25 Dancers Maximum Per Group
WHAT TO EXPECT
Classical Ballet with Gavin McCaig and Live Music
Gavin is one of the most respected voices in dance education and leadership in the UK today. As Deputy Chair of Yorkshire Dance, Chief Operating Officer of Fundamentally Dance, and former Director of London Vocational Ballet School, he is championing dance at every level. He has led programmes and workshops for the Royal Academy of Dance, Scottish Ballet Associates, Elmhurst Ballet School, London Studio Centre, Northern Ballet Academy, and international platforms in Portugal. A passionate advocate for dance as a force for transformation, Gavin brings exceptional depth of knowledge, vision, and generosity to every class he teaches.
Repertoire: Flux with Jordan James Bridge
Jordan is a multi-award-winning choreographer and former company artist with Wayne McGregor, Michael Clark Company, and Alexander Whitley Dance Company, with credits spanning The Royal Ballet, English National Opera, ABBA Voyage, and Disney. He will be teaching Flux, his critically acclaimed contemporary solo, which will be performed at the Ballet Nights Darlington show by Royal Ballet first artist Casper Lench.
Whether your child is training intensively or simply passionate about dance, Ballet Nights Masterclasses are designed to motivate, challenge, and inspire the next generation of artists.
"I am absolutely delighted that these young dancers will have the opportunity to perform on the wonderful stage of Darlington Hippodrome ahead of the Ballet Nights performance. Experiences like this are so valuable, giving dancers the chance to perform in a professional theatre and learn from two exceptional creative leaders within our industry.
They will also learn a piece of repertoire by Jordan James Bridge, which Casper Lench of The Royal Ballet will later perform on that same stage as part of the Ballet Nights show. I hope this experience inspires every dancer to keep dreaming, working hard, and embracing every opportunity that comes their way. Moments like these can leave a lasting impression and remind young artists that they are part of a much wider creative journey."
- Constance Devernay-Laurence
Course Leader, Principal Dancer and Actor
SCHEDULE
GROUP 1
Ballet
9:00 – 10:30
Repertoire
10:45 – 12:00
GROUP 2
Ballet
13:45 – 15:15
Repertoire
12:15 – 13:15
GROUP 3
Ballet
17:00 - 18:30
Repertoire
15:30 - 16:45
MEET THE TEAM
Classical Ballet
Gavin McCaig
Gavin McCaig is a Scottish ballet teacher, choreographer and arts leader who trained at The Dance School of Scotland and English National Ballet School. Following a successful career with Northern Ballet, where he performed leading roles and was promoted to Junior Soloist, he has established himself as an inspiring coach and mentor. Gavin has taught and led workshops for Northern Ballet Academy, the Royal Academy of Dance, Scottish Ballet Associates, Elmhurst Ballet School, London Studio Centre and international programmes in Portugal. He is Deputy Chair of Yorkshire Dance, Chief Operating Officer of Fundamentally Dance and a former Director of London Vocational Ballet School, bringing a wealth of professional, artistic and leadership experience to every class.
Repertoire, Flux
Jordan James Bridge
Jordan James Bridge is a multi-award-winning choreographer and performer working across dance, film, and fashion. He has been a company artist with Wayne McGregor (seven years), Michael Clark Company, Alexander Whitley Dance Company, and Tavaziva Dance. His work spans major stages and global platforms including The Royal Ballet at the Roundhouse, English National Opera, BBC Two, COS at Pitti Uomo, Google Arts & Culture, ABBA Voyage, Disney’s The Marvels, and Milan Fashion Week with Moschino. His award-winning dance films include Us, Locked Down, and PARASITE. In 2024, he created Falling into Jupiter for Győri Ballet and received a National Dance Award nomination.
LOCATION
HOW TO GET HERE
By Bus:
Darlington has regular local bus services connecting the town centre and surrounding areas.
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There are bus stops directly outside the theatre on Parkgate.
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Service 2/2A runs every 10 minutes, Monday to Saturday, with a 30-minute evening and Sunday service.
By Train:
Darlington Station – approx. 5-minute walk to the venue.
Darlington is a frequent stop on the East Coast Main Line as well as on local routes. If you're travelling on the East Coast line, book with LNER; for local and regional services, use Northern.
Walking Directions (from Darlington Station):
Approx. 5 minutes walk.
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Exit the station and head onto Parkgate.
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Turn towards the town centre and continue along Parkgate.
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The Hippodrome is located a short walk along the road, on Parkgate.
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The venue is at Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR.
BALLET NIGHTS UK TOUR 2026
11 MARCH — 3 OCTOBER 2026
In March 2026, we embark on our first-ever UK tour, bringing our acclaimed format to the Opera House Manchester, Theatre Royal Brighton, and Richmond Theatre, followed by our October landing at Darlington Hippodrome.
Audiences will experience a uniquely curated programme spanning classical favourites, modern masterpieces, emerging talent, and brand-new creations that redefine what a dance show can be, with additional venues and dates soon to be announced.
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