WELCOME TO MTB
We’ve been developing and showcasing the greatest talent in the Midlands for over 12 years.
Midland Theatre Ballet is an exciting and unique Midlands based project for 7-21 year olds, which aims to give talented ballet students the experience of being part of a youth ballet company for a year, culminating in a full length ballet performance at the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham.
Full Production Experience
MTB provides students with the full experience to demonstrate what it takes to be a part of a full length ballet production. From the audition process, to rehearsals, to theatre week, the students will not only develop their technical ballet ability, but will also benefit from the experience of the entire process.
Weekly Classes
Our youth ballet cast members have weekly classes taught by our faculty of experienced dancers and choreographers. All of our teaching staff have worked, or are currently dancing, within ballet or musical theatre companies around the world. This allows students to further develop their technique and vocabulary of steps, which complements classes at their local ballet schools.
Developing Skills
All our ballets are choreographed on the students, who play a big part in the creative process. Having the students on a weekly basis allows us to get to know them as individuals, to see their strengths and weaknesses, and to help them develop their confidence and performance levels.
Lavish Ballet Productions
We believe in the art of telling a story through dance. Lavish sets and exquisite costumes all contribute to a truly professional performance and box office successes. Our youth ballets are three act performances, in which we endeavour to give every child their moment to shine!
WELCOME TO MTB
We’ve been developing and showcasing the greatest talent in the Midlands for over 12 years.
Midland Theatre Ballet is an exciting and unique Midlands based project for 7-21 year olds, which aims to give talented ballet students the experience of being part of a youth ballet company for a year, culminating in a full length ballet performance at the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham.
Full Production Experience
MTB provides students with the full experience to demonstrate what it takes to be a part of a full length ballet production. From the audition process, to rehearsals, to theatre week, the students will not only develop their technical ballet ability, but will also benefit from the experience of the entire process.
Weekly Classes
Our youth ballet cast members have weekly classes taught by our faculty of experienced dancers and choreographers. All of our teaching staff have worked, or are currently dancing, within ballet or musical theatre companies around the world. This allows students to further develop their technique and vocabulary of steps, which complements classes at their local ballet schools.
Developing Skills
All our ballets are choreographed on the students, who play a big part in the creative process. Having the students on a weekly basis allows us to get to know them as individuals, to see their strengths and weaknesses, and to help them develop their confidence and performance levels.
Lavish Productions
We believe in the art of telling a story through dance. Lavish sets and exquisite costumes all contribute to a truly professional performance and box office successes. Our youth ballets are three act performances, in which we endeavour to give every child their moment to shine!
THE MTB STAFF
Immie Ash
Artistic DirectorImmie's Bio
After graduating with a First Class degree from Central School of Ballet in 2018, Immie went on to perform as ‘Meg Giry’ in The Phantom of the Opera in Denmark. Since then, Immie took the lead in the global tour of ‘The Nutcracker and I’.
Lisa Hollinshead
Artistic AdvisorLisa's Bio
Lisa began her career by studying at The Hammond School (Chester), before going on to tour with Northern Ballet Company. Since 1984, Lisa has dedicated her career to inspiring and developing the future stars of ballet. Over 10 years ago, the concept of MTB was born from what she felt her own pupils required to enhance their ballet training.
Joshua Ecob
Teacher/ChoreographerJoshua's Bio
From graduating in 2010 Joshua joined The Serbian National Theatre Ballet, moving onto The Serbian National Ballet Belgrade, Bosnian National Ballet and on return to the UK, London Contemporary Ballet Theatre and International Arts Collective.
Yvette Knight
Teacher/ChoreographerYvette's Bio
Yvette’s training began at The Royal Ballet School (White Lodge and Upper School) before joining Birmingham Royal Ballet as an Artist in 2007. In 2012 Yvette was promoted to first artist and in 2015 she became soloist before being promoted to First Soloist in 2018.
Yvette has toured with Birmingham Royal Ballet nationally and internationally. Some of her repertoire includes the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Belle in Beauty and The Beast and Big Swans in Swan Lake.
Yvette’s interests expand beyond performing and as well sharing her expertise through teaching, she also works with the wonderful Freefall Dance Company at Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Rosanna Ely
Teacher/ChoreographerRosanna's Bio
Rosanna joined Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2014, after graduating from Elmhurst Ballet School. Here she has danced both nationally and internationally in many productions including Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
Rosanna was promoted to first artist at the end of the 2022/23 season after performing roles such as Polish princess and Cygnets in Swan Lake (Wright), Dawn solo in Coppelia (Wright), alongside Kitri’s friend in Carlos Acosta’s production of Don Quixote.
Rosanna started working for MTB in 2021, and has enjoyed working with the students on multiple productions, sharing insights of a professional career and watching the students flourish.
Jacob Wye
Teacher/ChoreographerJacob's Bio
Jacob Wye, trained at the Royal Ballet School and Central School of Ballet before joining Ballet Black (2012) and Rambert (2017).
Featuring as “Siegried” in the show “Peaky Blinders”, he has also featured in music videos from Jessie Ware and Years & Years. Jacob was a rehearsal director for The Common Wealth Games Opening Ceremony and is currently ambassador for ROH’s, Chance To Dance program.
Jacob most recently worked as a dancer and collaborator on a project titled “The Limit” with the Royal Opera House and frequently works at schools in the North West, sharing his eclectic knowledge of dance and movement.
Katie Bagshaw
Ballet Assistant
Mason Gain
Managing DirectorTHE MTB PATRONS
Robert Parker
Patron
Denise Winmill
Patron
Julie Bowers
Patron