Steps in Time is a collection of eight films made through the Renaissance Partnership Initiative to create a contemporary filmed history of the story of dance in Leeds. Made in collaboration with Leeds Museums, Mojo Media, and the Yorkshire Film Archive, this project follows the inspiring, heart-felt, true story of dance through the eyes of the people who dance to live and live to dance. This film tells the story of Lori Gilchrist and her dream to become a ballet dancer. Opening titles...

Steps in Time is a collection of eight films made through the Renaissance Partnership Initiative to create a contemporary filmed history of the story of dance in Leeds. Made in collaboration with Leeds Museums, Mojo Media, and the Yorkshire Film Archive, this project follows the inspiring, heart-felt, true story of dance through the eyes of the people who dance to live and live to dance. This film tells the story of Lori Gilchrist and her dream to become a ballet dancer. Opening titles for Steps in Time - Lori Gilchrist 'Ballet' Lori explains it was always her dream to be a ballet dancer. She started dancing at the age of four and dancing two days a week. Eventually she progressed until she was dancing six days a week. Lori trained at Palmer Gibson School where the studios were converted barns. She performed in festivals every year. Eventually at 16, Lori moved away to dance college in Manchester to the Northern Ballet School. In her third year, Lori had the chance to play Swanillder in the production of Apulia, a role which was a solo. Lori's parents Lori's commentary is intercut with archive footage of water on lake, flowers, and a ballet dancer in garden, a swan on river, and ballet dancers in studios. Lori is looking over farm landscape before she is seen walking into barn studios on the farm. There is also footage of her in the dance studio. Archive footage - swans, ballet group in performance, flowers, swans. Lori is dancing in studio before she rehearses with other performers. She is then seen sitting in the costume department. Lori then is part of the ballet performing in the Nutcracker on stage. Lori explains that she is now a professional ballet dancer with the Northern Ballet Theatre, a career which is very hectic and demanding on her time. She says to be a dancer you have to be very dedicated and determined to do well. Physically it also takes a lot of stamina and exercise. But Lori explains that if you love dance, you don't think about the pain. Being part of the ballet company is like being part of a family which is a wonderful feeling. There is an exterior shot of the dance studio and footage of Lori performing on stage with feathers floating down. Lori is rehearsing in the studio with the company, and finally she is performing on stage for the Nutcracker.