Leeds-based bank First Direct is to extend its sponsorship of the internationally acclaimed Northern Ballet, continuing the partnership which started in 2010.
To launch the sponsorship and in honour of midsummer’s day, Northern Ballet dancers Olivia Holland and Mariana Rodrigues paid a visit to the bank’s call centre and crèche in Leeds dressed as fairies from the Company’s forthcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Lisa Wood, head of marketing at First Direct, said: “We recognise the importance of supporting local organisations and charities. Our relationship with Northern Ballet has been very successful and their philosophy to be committed, creative and passionate fits perfectly with First Direct’s.
“As a result of the partnership we’ve been able to invite customers to the company’s captivating performances and the amazing feedback we’ve received confirms we’ve made the right choice.
“Our people also enjoy being part of the relationship; dancers will visit our call centre in Leeds and onsite crèche and our people have access to tickets for local dress rehearsals.”
Northern Ballet creates new full-length ballets and tours these throughout the UK, reaching more people and places than any other major ballet company. Its second national tour of the year will see the Company performing at ten venues around the UK. The tour opens with A Midsummer Night’s Dream at West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds on Friday 6 September.
Mark Skipper DL, chief executive of Northern Ballet, said: “For 2013 we’re creating two new full-length ballets, The Great Gatsby which has been a sell-out success on tour around the UK, and Cinderella which opens in Leeds in December. We have also extended our touring with the introduction of our first ballet for children, Ugly Duckling.
“The support from First Direct is invaluable to Northern Ballet in making sure we are able continue to reach an ever-growing number of people in more towns and cities and to keep moving forward with new productions and new initiatives.”