Message from our Chief Exec: Optimism and Hope
September 2026 marked the culmination of Echoes of Tomorrow, National Youth Ballet’s recent and most ambitious performance season for participants and audiences to date. Building on re|generation (2022) and Evolving Visions (2023/4) this was a season that glowed with NYB values and created a real buzz showing what can be achieved collectively when you take an organisation on a journey with a shared vision. And what happens when you share that vision with the public.
“I was mesmerized by what was an outstanding performance and am definitely a ballet fan now!”
“It highlighted how diverse ballet can be. … the atmosphere was electric.”
Since we launched the season last November, the year has been a hive of activity, from workshops, auditions and classes, to training and advocacy, a rebrand, a fresh website, a new film and even some BBC spotlights after Timothée Chalamet threw down the gauntlet. We have been inundated with messages across all channels from families, new audience members and dance colleagues expressing their heartfelt congratulations on the performances, with words like uplifting, illuminating, inspiring, exceptional and phenomenal not to mention requests for partnerships. People are talking about the brilliant and important work we are doing, for young people, their health and wellbeing and for ballet. Thank you to anyone who took the time to let us know how you felt – we have been so moved.
But the messages have been about more than just the high standards and the performances. Perceptions of ballet are changing and people are noticing the impact of this change. And whilst ballet is the vehicle for this change at NYB, it goes way beyond the stage.
“Watching NYB is singularly the happiest experience of any dance I watch.”
Some of the most meaningful changes are happening in a small but very powerful way. To see such young dancers openly embrace learning simple finger spelling was joyful. Or to share our stage with the fantastic Birmingham Royal Ballet Dance Track students in August brought new dancers to us, ballet to new audiences, and a new bond between two like-minded organisations doing great work to make ballet more inclusive and accessible. We just want to do more!
“The fact these are young people made it so inspirational… Incredible for all of us, especially my little boy, to see. Goosebumps.”
We pull these performances together over just nine days at Elmhurst Ballet School. And to say this is hard work would be an understatement. And what a joyful time we have in the process, connecting with each other and building the NYB culture, so key to the success of our season. Against a backdrop of music and pointe-work, new friendships are formed and laughter echoes around the building. From birthdays to exam results days and even late at night during unplanned fire drills, the company becomes one thanks to a fantastic core team, a host of dedicated creatives and an army of invaluable house parent volunteers and student interns.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end and the dancers return to their different corners of the UK and we start again. Reflections on lessons learned, evaluation, planning, budgets, training, partnership building, and the list goes on. The behind the scenes work to sustain the organisation is huge and we miss being in studios! But in this month, my own five year anniversary as Chief Executive, knowing what we have achieved since 2021, I am excited to imagine the future: not just the future of NYB, or the future of ballet, but the future generally. Because if our young dancers and young professionals have anything to do with it, it’s going to be absolutely amazing and the world is going to know about it.
“They (NYB) managed to dispel the raft of negativity sometimes attributed to Gen Z and any snowflakes would have instantly melted in the white heat of their passion for dance.”
Seeing Dance 2026
Barbara Palczynski
Chief Executive
Images: ©Copyright Dancers_Eye 2026