Skip to main content
A headshot of a male dancer in a red striped shirt

Joseph Taylor

Dancers

Premier Dancer

Joseph is from Skegness, Lincolnshire. He trained at the Janice Sutton Theatre School and Elmhurst School for Dance (Upper School). He joined Northern Ballet in 2012 and was promoted to Soloist in 2016.

Joseph is sponsored by Patricia Swallow.

Learn more about Joseph

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Skegness, a small town on the east coast of Lincolnshire, which really was a great place to grow up.

At what age did you start dancing?

I started dancing at age 7 but it was very on and off. I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not, I was very shy and it took me time to get used to the studio.

Where did you train?

I started training locally at the Janice Sutton Theatre School and later began my profesional training aged 16 at Elmhurst School for Dance.

Joseph Taylor as Valmont in Dangerous Liaisons. Photo Emma Kauldhar
Abigail Prudames and Joseph Taylor holding on to each other while pulling away
Wearing a leather kilt, Prince Adair leaps high on his ship
Abigail Prudames and Joseph Taylor in Concerto
Prince Adair dances arabesque
Dancer holding two other dancers off the ground, them leaning back balanced on his hips
Prince Adair, wearing only a kilt, dances in front of Marilla, the little mermaid
Dr Seward tries to calm the manic Renfield in his asylum
Joseph Taylor as Tom in The Great Gatsby. Photo Emma Kauldar.

Awards, nominations and prizes

Elmhurst School for Dance - Most Versatile Man 2012.

Favourite Northern Ballet roles

My favourite role would have to be Anthony from Swan Lake. It's a role that I have done recently and feel I learnt a lot from doing. Also there was a lot of room for my own interpretation.

What do you like most about being a dancer?

I like the constant strive for perfection and that each day there is something new to learn and improve upon.

If you could adapt one work into a ballet what would it be?

If it was possible then Star Wars would be great but I don't think in reality it would work.

What is your favourite post-show meal?

Some sort of protein to help with the recovery, so maybe chicken but also something sweet as a treat.

How do you like to relax?

Hanging out with friends and laughing non-stop.

If you weren't a dancer what would you be?

Mmmm... I honestly have no idea! Something to do with animals.

Production photos taken by Emma Kauldhar, Bill Cooper, and Caroline Holden.