History of Newall Ballet School

Newall School of Theatre Dancing was founded in 1961 by the Principle aged 17 years having passed the Associate I.D.M.A. (later became the I.D.T.A.) Ballet Examination a year earlier a year earlier at 16. Initially there were two pupils which through the years has increased to 300 pupils.

Mrs Newbould, founder. Age 11.

Founder Mrs Newbould continued her studies with the renown Jean Pearce (examiner, adjudicator, choreographer and teacher) gaining Associates in tap; stage and modern dance and converting these to memberships (memberships have since become licentiates) and finally ending her studies with Fellowship Ballet.

Continuing to further her knowledge all summer holidays were spent at The Yorkshire Ballet Seminars held at Ilkley. From the very first, David Gayle brought the cream of teachers and very famous Ballerinas & Principle Male Dancers from the past and present, dancers from ballet companies both here and abroad. Puplils who attended Newall School of Theatre Dancing gained immeasurable knowledge taking classes alongside students from full time Ballet Schools and from Japan, Europe and America..

Knowledge was then increased when Philippa, daughter of the Principle became a Ballerina in a Swiss Ballet Company rising to Principle having entered the company as a half soloist. Philippa remained at the Stadttheatre St Gallen for 12 years until she was injured doing a performance and the hospital said she would never dance again. However all the time she was in the Company Mrs Newbould visited at least 4 times a year and became a friend of the Ballet Director, who invited her into all ballet classes, rehearsals (studio and stage) and asked her opinion on numerous occasions. New ways of teaching (European ways) were then introduced Newall School of Theatre Dancing which has developed pupils techniques to yet another level.

On retiring Ballet Director Marianne Fuchs came to Otley to hold a summer school for two consecutive years. Mrs Newbould’s daughter Philippa has now married and living in Australia.

Philippa, daughter of Mrs Newbould

Having moved on from all the regular activities such as shows, Panto Festivals, TV work – all with great success, Newall School of Theatre Dance specialise in Ballet. Mrs Newbould now concentrates on imparting her knowledge to very receptive pupils who wish to either dance for the love of it or to make a career in ballet. Many students of the Otley Ballet School have enjoyed (and still enjoy) being associates with the Northern Ballet Theatre and The Royal Ballet, all have successfully auditioned to full time Ballet Schools, Theatre Schools and Universities.

There have been those who have made a career in dance, those who were successful in gaining Associates to open their own schools and those who have learned the discipline of dance to help in future life. Some ex-pupils can be seen on TV. All have benefited from being a part of the Ballet School in Otley.