He Learned the Rules. Now He’s Breaking Them.
Martin is originally from Brighouse, West Yorkshire. He trained for seven years at the Royal Ballet School before building a career as a principal dancer across Europe, Japan, and South Africa, and has spent the last eighteen years working as a classical ballet teacher, specialist, and consultant.
HowlyBallet is built on one belief: ballet isn’t reserved for the naturally gifted or the already advanced. It’s for everyone — any age, any ability, any starting point. We live in a world obsessed with Instagram-perfect highlight reels, but that isn’t real life, and it isn’t dance either.
His teaching is about building the confidence to let movement become an expression of who you are — breaking technique down until it makes sense in your own body, and folding it into your everyday life rather than treating it as something separate. This isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about giving people the building blocks to move, express themselves, and grow. Because dance can change a life, and Martin wants more people to feel that for themselves.
★★★★★
"My daughter has been taught by Mr Howland for the past year, and has come on absolute leaps and bounds! His teaching technique is accessible and friendly, with a focus on strong technique which not only improves ballet but every dance genre."
Sarah Field
Google review
★★★★★
"My daughter is about to begin her third year at Project Resurgence, and it has become such a special part of her life. She genuinely looks forward to every session and always comes home happy, inspired and full of confidence."
lyndsey
Google review
★★★★★
"Martin is the most amazing, dedicated, talented and professional teacher. The facilities at Howly Ballet are amazing — my granddaughter has been attending the Project Resurgence programme for two years now and loves every minute of it."
Susan Irving
Google review
★★★★★
"My daughter Holly has absolutely thrived at Project Resurgence. She started as a Junior Associate and is now proudly an Inter Associate, and the progress she's made has been incredible."
Count Family
Google review
★★★★★
"We cannot recommend Martin at Howly Ballet highly enough! He is such an inspirational ballet teacher and has helped our daughter come on leaps and bounds over the last 12 months."
Nicola Lancaster
Google review
★★★★★
"Martin is such an inspirational teacher. My daughter absolutely loves taking ballet classes with him. His attention to detail and ability to provide personal feedback to each child is second to none. I would highly recommend Martin to other people."
Victoria Harrop
Google review
