Laverne Meyer Posters
Take a look at Northern Ballet's poster designs throughout its 50 year history, starting with productions under Laverne Meyer's artistic direction from 1969 - 1976
By Northern Ballet
Northern Ballet
Northern Dance Theatre performs ballet for the whole family at Barrow Civic Hall by Northern Dance Theatre and Renaissance Theatre TrustNorthern Ballet
Northern Ballet was originally called Northern Dance Theatre.
Northern Dance Theatre performs at Forum Theatre Wythenshawe by Northern Dance TheatreNorthern Ballet
Artistic director Laverne Meyer formed the Company in 1969.
Northern Dance Theatre perform Hoops!, Quartet and Peter and the Wolf at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon (1971-03) by Northern Dance Theatre and Laverne MeyerNorthern Ballet
Tickets only cost between 25p and £1!
Northern Dance Theatre at University Theatre, Manchester (1971-06-08) by Northern Dance TheatreNorthern Ballet
Meyer brought together 11 dancers, with a plan to add two dancers each year.
Northern Dance Theatre performs a programme of ballets at Oxford Playhouse (1971-09) by Northern Dance Theatre, Laverne Meyer, and BrahmsNorthern Ballet
Meyer founded Northern Dance Theatre in order to provide the North West with more opportunities to see ballets.
Northern Dance Theatre (1969) by Northern Dance Theatre and Laverne MeyerNorthern Ballet
The Company was originally based in Manchester at The Zion Institute.
Northern Dance Theatre performs multiple ballets at Gateway Theatre, Chester (1971-11) by Northern Dance TheatreNorthern Ballet
Meyer planned to perform in Manchester for four months a year and tour for the rest.
Northern Dance Theatre performs two programmes at Opera Theatre, Manchester (1970-09-11) by Northern Dance Theatre and Laverne MeyerNorthern Ballet
Although now known for their full-length narrative ballets, the Company started off performing mixed programmes.
Northern Dance Theatre (1973-05) by Northern Dance Theatre, Laverne Meyer, Michel Fokine, and Kurt JoossNorthern Ballet
They showcased work from numerous choreographers, including Kurt Jooss, Michel Fokine, Charles Czarny and Jonathan Thorpe.
Northern Dance Theatre performs Aladdin (1974-02) by Northern Dance Theatre and Laverne MeyerNorthern Ballet
Aladdin was choreographed by Meyer himself and was his second full-length work, running at nearly three hours long.
Northern Dance Theatre's programme at Buxton Playhouse (1975-08-24) by Northern Dance Theatre, Jonathan Thorpe, John Haynes, and BeethovenNorthern Ballet
Meyer was also keen to establish a ballet school attached to the Company.
Northern Dance Theatre perform at Opera Theatre, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester (1976-04) by Northern Dance TheatreNorthern Ballet
Northern Ballet is now home to the Academy of Northern Ballet, teaching anyone who wants to dance, from professionals, to graduates, to beginners.
Northern Dance Theatre performs at Opera Theatre, Royal Northern College of Music (1976-06) by Northern Dance Theatre and North West Arts AssociationNorthern Ballet
Meyer continued as Artistic Director until 1976.
Northern Dance Theatre perform at the Opera Theatre, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester by Northern Dance TheatreNorthern Ballet
Meyer felt that the success of Northern Dance Theatre rested on four factors:
- The building of a suitable theatre base in Manchester and suitable theatres around the region
- More financial support
- Development of larger audiences
- Continued attention from regional television, radio and the press.
Northern Dance Theatre performs at the Grand Theatre, Swansea (1976-10) by Northern Dance TheatreNorthern Ballet
Now, 50 years later, Northern Ballet has a purpose-built home in Leeds and continues to tour across the country.
Northern Dance theatre presents their Christmas season at Royal Northern College of Music by Northern Dance Theatre and Northern Dance EnsembleNorthern Ballet
Meyer died on 25 April 2008, aged 73.
David Nixon OBE, the Company's current Artistic Director, said:
'Laverne was instrumental in forming this small company which over its [many] years of existence has risen to one of the four largest ballet companies in England with a loyal audience. We are extremely grateful to his pioneering spirit and passion for dance.'
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