Northern Ballet has appointed Royal Ballet principal dancer Federico Bonelli as its new artistic director from May 1.
Federico has enjoyed a dancing career at the highest level in the company’s leading roles. He will replace David Nixon OBE, who has led the Leeds-based company to major achievements in dance theatre for the past 21 years.
Frederico trained at the Turin Dance Academy and danced with Zürich Ballet and Dutch National Ballet before joining the Royal Ballet in 2003. He has performed as a guest dancer with many leading companies around the world and has received several awards.
Federico said, "I am thrilled to be joining Northern Ballet and can’t wait to begin working with this exceptional group of dancers and creatives.
"We are at an exciting moment for the company. I have been very impressed by the team’s vision and I am excited to bring my ideas and contribution to propel it to future successes."
Chairman of Northern Ballet Sir David Wootton said, "The board of Northern Ballet is delighted that Federico Bonelli is joining us. Finding a successor to David Nixon has required and received a prolonged, thorough, wide-ranging and diverse search, supported by the best advice, which has resulted in an appointment of the highest quality.
"Federico joins us at the height of his career as a dancer and he will bring us the benefit of his experience."
Nixon (62) announced his intention to step down from the role last May, and stayed longer than originally intended to handle the company's progress through the pandemic.