The ballet company is to open a new base in Bradford

A ballet company is to open a new base in Bradford and hopes to attract dancers from all communities.

The Resurgence project will be based in the Latitude building – the former HMRC offices on Nelson Street.

She hopes to offer “elite” programs for dancers, along with community activities, with the goal of opening ballet to everyone, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The non-profit community interest group is creating a large studio space on the fourth floor of the building.

LDRS said Project Resurgence will also offer a medium-sized studio, areas for strength and conditioning training, space for personal trainers and a café for parents.

The group is led by Artistic Director Martin Howland – a Brighouse dancer who successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet School aged 11. He toured the world as a dancer before becoming a teacher.

Kay Reardon, director of operations, is another former dancer who has turned to teaching children, especially those from underprivileged areas.

She currently runs classes and training in Leeds, where outreach work has included providing free ballet training to children in the Meanwood area.

The Resurgence Project aims to provide similar opportunities in Bradford.

Mr Howland said: “The space should be ready by mid-August in preparation for the start of the academic year.

“We want to give people the means to access dance and aim to provide training they can afford.”

According to Mr Howland, the move comes at a good time, with the City of Culture just months away and the Brit School preparing to open a Northern Academy in the city center in the coming years.

“We hope we can fuel the City of Culture,” he added.

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