Performing Arts Students Virtually Met Principal Soloist at Northern Ballet

Performing Arts students at Craven College met with Ashley Dixon the Principal Soloist at Northern Ballet. Due to local Covid-19 restrictions, Ashley joined us virtually, however, it was still a great opportunity for the students to learn about what it is like working as a professional in the performing arts industry.

Ashley talked about how he started dancing at the age of 7 and his progression and training, including the daunting experience at 16 years old of having to move to London to study at the Central School of Ballet. Ashley talked about the ongoing hard work that as a performer you must do and how the recent lockdown affected and changed the way he and his colleagues worked.

One student asked, “What the highlight of his career was?” Ashley went onto say “Having the role of the Beast in Beauty and the Beast created for him” (see picture). The interview provided students with a huge insight into the role of a performer and the dedication it requires to succeed.

Ashley hopes to come into the college in the future and work with the students in person.