balletLORENT is a contemporary dance company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, founded by Artistic Director, Liv Lorent MBE. The charity aims to create memorable and inspirational dance works that communicate of audiences of all ages, life experiences, cultures and backgrounds.

balletLORENT applied for a grant from the Hays Travel Foundation t fund their Youth Academy that works with children and young people from areas of severe social deprivation around Newcastle. Through the funding from the Hays Travel Foundation, more age groups have been able to be supported through the Youth Academy and have been able to work as a group, as well as independently. The participants have been able to work with guest artists to learn new skills including ballet and tap, costume design and comedy improvisation.

Thanks to the funding from the Hays Travel Foundation, over 50 children have participated in Youth Academy sessions, and 12 members have been able to perform alongside professional dancers at productions at Northern Stage.

balletLORENT have claimed that the support from the Hays Travel Foundation has “enabled their (the participants’) creative talent to shine through.”