draw the ballet - LIVE!

Join Emily at the home of the Northern Ballet.
 Watch dancers in a LIVE rehearsal as we learn to sketch them together. 

Based in Leeds. 

Friday 6th November 2026
9:30am - 3:00pm
Lunch and refreshments included
Accommodation not included. 
Only 2 PLACES Available. 

Combine human figure drawing, gestural and motion drawing as well as quick drawing skills.

Participate as an observer as dancers warm up ready for their rehearsals;
  • Develop observational accuracy through drawing the dynamic movements of live ballet dancers.
  • Improve confidence in capturing proportion, posture, and poise in fleeting poses
  • Explore rhythm and fluidity in mark-making to reflect the expressive motion of dance.
  • Enhance your ability to interpret gesture and emotion in the human form.
  • Learn to curate and sequence drawings into a visual narrative or study series.

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Who is this LIVE Sketch Session for?

You’re someone who’s passionate about drawing and have always wanted to master the art of sketching the human figure in motion especially in a LIVE, expressive setting. Perhaps you've dreamed of capturing the elegance of ballet but never quite known where to begin. Maybe you're a complete beginner, or you’ve sketched before but lacked the confidence to:
a) know how to approach a moving subject,
b) capture the essence of motion in real time,
c) stay focused and inspired in a fast-paced session,

But above all, what you really want is to create beautiful, expressive memories in your sketchbook, drawn from life, filled with the grace and drama of ballet dancers in full flow.

Whether you're someone who:

 Loves dance and wants to learn to draw the body in motion.
 Has never drawn from life and wants to begin with a supportive, inspiring subject.
 Has tried figure drawing but feels stuck or overwhelmed when working quickly or with live movement.
 Wants to develop observational and gestural drawing skills that capture fluidity and form.
 Is keen to find your own drawing style and voice through guided practice.
 Loves the idea of building a meaningful, expressive sketchbook full of artistic snapshots of human movement.
 Would enjoy learning in a warm, welcoming group with others who share your creative interests.

Then this LIVE ballet drawing session is for you!

I’ll guide you through what’s possible when you observe and sketch dancers in action—helping you discover the joy of drawing the human form with rhythm, elegance, and energy.

Take a look at what’s included in the session below!

Agenda for the Day!

 9:30am. Coffee. Meet at the ballet HQ. Briefing. 
  10:00am. Morning warm up with the dancers.  
  11:15 - 11:30am. Coffee
   11:30 - 1:15pm. Full company performance rehearsal.  
  1:15pm Lunch
  1:45/2pm - 3pm. Throw-down, feedback and study.  

PLUS Bonus Pre Drawing Online Session!  


Learning to draw LIVE is one thing.

Learning to draw moving figures is quite another.

In the lead up to this session Emily will be hosting a masterclass session on how to capture moving figures in our sketchbooks.

We will be working from video footage to learn how to draw quickly together and putting into practice some of the techniques Emily will be sharing on the day.

Gain access to a lesson structure and start to scope your learning approach in relation to working in LIVE environments on the day.   
Hi, I'm Emily!

I love to draw. 

I especially love to draw wherever I go. 

....But here's the thing!

Knowing how to draw is different to knowing what to draw, when to draw it, or how to refine and gather the ideas you need to fill your unique sketchbook! 

We face unpredictable, as well as different distractions and environments when we move through different environments. Drawing is the least of our challenges!

I've refined a teaching approach that supports you map out the "how" of drawing LIVE across a guided day of drawing activities. From the moment we get started to the moment you leave you'll be gathering clear ideas, guided lessons and formats of your own that you can use in the future!

I'm looking forward to helping you unpack your ideas and guide you through a weekend of packed drawing activities inside the pages of your sketchbook. 

draw the ballet - LIVE!

Join Emily at the home of the Northern Ballet.
 Watch dancers in a LIVE rehearsal as we learn to sketch them together. 

Based in Leeds. 

Friday 6th November 2026
9:30am - 3:00pm
Lunch and refreshments included
Accommodation not included.