The National Youth Ballet involves talented young dancers from all over the country in every aspect of creating a ballet, from the conception of an idea through to performance on stage at a professional level. The Company also encourages children from all walks of life to become involved with NYB through schools and community workshops. NYB utilises the skills of students in associated arts and encourages the talents of young designers, costumiers, musicians and student teachers in the preparation and production of all their work.

NYB often commissions new scores for specially devised works. The main cast of ninety dancers have the opportunity to work at their own particular level and enjoy the stimulating experience and privilege of working with eminent composers, designers and choreographers.

Jill Tookey founded NYB in 1988 and has since then built it into a highly successful Company. The demand for places in the Company is borne out by the hundreds of young dancers who audition annually. Jill’s successful career as Fashion Editor of two national magazines followed an earlier love of ballet and all-round vocational dance and design training at the Arts Educational School. Jill is totally committed to the NYB, working on a full-time voluntary basis. Her exacting role as Executive and Artistic Director could not be fulfilled without her enormous energy, drive, enthusiasm and unique creative flair. Jill has four grown-up children, four grandsons and a new baby granddaughter. In addition to the direction of the Company Jill takes particular pleasure in designing most of NYB’s outstanding costumes.

The talented young NYB members are encouraged by Jill to strive for the highest goals and many go on to full-time vocational training having gained enormous confidence, invaluable performing experience and great pleasure from their involvement with NYB. Jill’s ambition is to see the NYB achieve a firm financial footing, ensuring its continued growth and development.

Jill was awarded an MBE in the HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours 2004.

Jill would particularly like to thank generous sponsors, Robin and Jayne Cadbury for their invaluable ongoing support.

National Youth Ballet is a Registered Charity No1000932 and a company registered in England No2557811 whose registered office is at: Kingston Smith, Surrey House, Redhill, Surrey  RH1 1RH.