Dominquie Larose Chats About Her Role As Jane Eyre In Northern Ballet's Forthcoming Production

Concluding our three short interviews we hear from Dominquie Larose as Jane Eyre on how she is preparing for the performances of Jane Eyre and what she most enjoys about performing in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds.

As one of literature’s most iconic heroines who goes on a journey of resilience, romance and redemption, Northern Ballet’s critically acclaimed Jane Eyre heads to Leeds Grand Theatre this spring from 14 – 22 March. Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, Northern Ballet will bring this beautiful love story to life with heart-stirring choreography and live music that captures the essence of her timeless tale.

Jane Eyre is such an iconic literary character. What were your first thoughts when you found out you would be portraying her in Northern Ballet’s production?

I was truly thrilled to learn that I would have the opportunity to play Jane this time around, for several meaningful reasons. First, I had the privilege of being part of the creation of this ballet in 2016, which was an incredibly exciting experience, as it marked my introduction to Cathy Marston's brilliant work. Second, I am deeply drawn to Jane as a character. While she is often described as 'plain,' she is anything but. Her quiet strength, resilience, and generosity shine vividly through the choreography, making her an inspiring and multifaceted role to embody.

How did you prepare to embody Jane Eyre, both as a character and as a dancer?

To prepare for the role, I am currently reading the book, which has been an incredibly enriching experience. While I’ve watched the movie each time we’ve performed the ballet, this is the first time I’m immersing myself in the original text. I also plan to revisit the film adaptation and review videos of the original cast, as well as the various interpretations by other casts, both at Northern Ballet and at companies who have performed the ballet around the world. This allows me to study different nuances and perspectives, helping me discover how best to portray Jane’s story in a way that feels authentic to me. It’s also been invaluable to have been part of the ballet’s creation and to have listened to Cathy Marston articulate her vision so deeply during that process—it’s a foundation I continually draw upon

Were there any particular scenes or moments in the ballet that you found especially challenging or rewarding to perform?

We are still in the early stages of learning the choreography, so it’s a bit too soon to pinpoint which sections will be particularly challenging. However, I can already tell there are some truly beautiful pas de deux that I’m excited to explore. One moment I’m especially looking forward to is dancing the final pas de deux, where Rochester is blind. The music in this section is incredibly powerful and deeply moving, which adds an extra layer of emotion to the choreography. It’s such a poignant conclusion to their story, and I can’t wait to bring that depth and intensity to life through both movement and music.

The story of Jane Eyre involves themes like resilience, independence, and love. How do these themes influence your performance?

Themes like resilience, independence, and love profoundly influence my performance because they are at the core of who Jane is—both as a character and as a woman. One of the great challenges of portraying characters who feel so 'real' is that they are far more complex than mystical or fantastical figures. Jane, for instance, is deeply in love, but her journey to fully accept her feelings is fraught with internal and external struggles. From a young age, we see her independence and strong will, qualities that were not always celebrated in her time. Yet it’s precisely this resilience and quiet defiance of societal expectations that make her such a rewarding character to embody. Her strength, her vulnerability, and her humanity all combine to create someone who feels incredibly authentic and inspiring.

If you could speak to Charlotte Brontë, what would you ask her about Jane Eyre or her vision for the character?

I think I would ask Charlotte Brontë how much of herself she saw in Jane when creating the character. Given that Charlotte had to publish Jane Eyre under a male pseudonym, it’s fascinating that she crafted such a strong-willed and independent female protagonist. It makes me wonder if Jane is, in some ways, the person Charlotte wished she could be—a reflection of her own aspirations, courage, and resilience in the face of societal constraints. It would be incredible to know how much of Jane’s journey is rooted in Charlotte’s own experiences.

What do you hope audiences will take away from this production of Jane Eyre?

I hope audiences leave the theatre feeling deeply moved and perhaps even inspired to push past the boundaries they may face in their own lives. At its core, this story speaks to the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit, and I hope it reminds people of the profound power of love—how it can help us endure, overcome, and transform. My greatest wish is for the audience to walk away with a sense of hope, and something deeply felt in their hearts.

What are you most looking forward to about performing Jane Eyre in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds?

I’m so excited to dance Jane Eyre in Leeds because it’s such an iconic Northern story, and there’s something so special about performing it in the North. You can feel how much the audiences connect with it—it’s truly a beloved classic of Northern English literature. Bringing this character to life on home soil feels particularly meaningful, and I hope to do Jane justice and honour the deep connection audiences have to her story.

Northern Ballet have been performing in Nottingham for years. What do you most enjoy about the iconic city?

I absolutely love Nottingham—the bustling energy of the city centre is so vibrant, and its beautiful heritage sites are always a joy to visit. Of course, no trip to Nottingham would be complete without a stop at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem—it’s such a charming and iconic spot that perfectly captures the city’s rich history.

How do you feel about performing an iconic Yorkshire originated role in Sheffield?

I am truly excited to perform such an iconic Yorkshire tale in Sheffield, especially given the opportunity to engage with the city's authentic northern audiences. It feels particularly meaningful to portray a character whose story resonates so deeply with the people of this region. The connection between the character and the audience enriches the experience, making it even more special to bring this narrative to life here.

Hannah Bateman as Jane in Jane Eyre. Photo Emma Kauldhar (2018)

Jane Eyre will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on Friday 14 March before touring to Nottingham Theatre Royal,Sheffield Lyceum Theatre and London’s Sadler’s Wells, finishing with a five-day run at Norwich Theatre Royal from the 20 May. All venues will offer an audio-described performance to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments.

Visit northernballet.com to find out more and book tickets.

Jane Eyre was originally premièred by Northern Ballet in May 2016 and nominated for a South Bank Sky Arts Award in 2017. Jane Eyre is choreographed by internationally acclaimed British dance maker Cathy Marston whose recent credits include Snowblind for Atlanta Ballet and The Cellist for Ballet Zürich in 2023.
It is set to a score of original compositions and existing work compiled and arranged by composer Philip Feeney. Sets and costumes are designed by Patrick Kinmonth and lighting is designed by Alastair West, whose recent credits include Northern Ballet’s Casanova

Jane Eyre national tour dates 2025

Leeds Grand Theatre14 – 22 March

Nottingham Theatre Royal 8 - 12 April

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre 22 – 26 April

London Sadler’s Wells 13 – 17 May