Yoko shares classical experience as Northern Ballet presents Giselle

Dressing room eight at the Leeds Grand Theatre is occupied by a remarkable couple this week.

Yoko Ichino is the ballet mistress of Northern Ballet, the company of which her husband David Nixon is artistic director.

Integral to the Leeds-based internationally touring company, before they took a role behind the scenes the pair travelled the world as dancers.

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Folding her legs underneath herself on her chair, Ichino sits in the dressing room she is sharing with her husband, following a morning of rehearsals for Giselle, the latest Northern Ballet production of which she is in charge.

Given that her husband is the man usually the front and centre of the company and its productions, is it a nice change for Ichino to take her moment in the spotlight?

She looks genuinely baffled by the question and answers it with a straight forward: “No.”

Despite being recognised as one of the great prima ballerinas of her generation, and having partnered Rudolf Nureyev, Ichino appears to be entirely devoid of ego.

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“I’m not too worried about the spotlight, I know that my strengths are in rehearsal, in helping the dancers understand their bodies, understand anatomy and how it affects them as dancers,” she says.

This is a woman who knows her mind. Which is a help this week as she stages her production of Giselle. Ichino danced the role of Giselle alongside her husband as Albrecht, with four companies over a period of more than 10 years.

It is a step change for the ballet company which normally avoids the technically demanding classics in favour of interesting dance pieces which push its dancers to bring a total performance to the stage.

“It is something different for them, but it is something that will add to their personal repertoire as well as the company’s,” says Ichino.And even though she’s not one for the limelight, Ichino is enjoying the process of working with the dancers on such a classic piece.

“It’s a chance for me to pass on some of the things I’ve learned in my career and give that to the dancers coming up through the company.”

Giselle, Leeds Grand, to May 28. Tickets 0844 848 2705.

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