Dance school has winning formula for finding talent

FOUNDED by Liv Lorent over 30 years ago, contemporary dance school balletLORENT offers a diverse range of performances appealing to audiences of all ages where everyone is welcome to enjoy.

- EMILY GRAY on a North East success story in the world of dance

The balletLORENT Youth Academy - initially launched as a one-year pilot in 2021 - has proved a resounding success for youngsters within the North East and beyond.

The free program, created to provide children with the opportunity to develop dance, theatre and technical skills has fostered confidence and creativity in the next generation of performers.

The female-led dance school has been based in the John Marley Centre, Benwell, Newcastle, for the last three years. Speaking to The Journal, Liv Lorent said: “It took us 30 years to find a permanent home and we completely love the community feel here in Benwell.

“It’s absolutely full of diverse community who watch our shows, are part of our youth academy and join our classes. We offer contemporary, ballet, the Youth Academy, a knitters class who make props and work with designers and a baby class - so it is a beautiful hub full of lots of different ages and people who all work together.”