Liv Lorent, who created BalletLorent 25 years ago: “Being in the north suited me very well. There was a small clutch of very sincere artists working across disciplines, whereas in London the dance bubble was big enough that I didn’t explore outside it. I liked the light and the weather in Newcastle. … People in the north are less precious generally. There’s much more self-censorship and affectation in London, worrying about what’s the most current thing.”