It's long had a reputation for bringing the best of the contemporary dance world to Huddersfield.

Now audiences are about to get a bonus with a chance not just to see some of our most exciting dance companies but to hear at first hand just what goes into the shows and learn about performance from the other side of the stage.

It’s all part of the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s drive to add yet more value to its dance programme.

This autumn’s schedule offers two major dates with big dance companies – both appearances are exclusive in Yorkshire to Huddersfield and the LBT.

Get ready to greet National Dance Company Wales, celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Wayne McGregor/ Random Dance.

They will be bringing in new dance programmes this autumn plus free preshow and post-show discussions and a watch dance class for attendees to get involved with.

So if you are a dance fan, there’s no better place to be than at the LBT.

National Dance Company Wales is first in on October 15 with choreographer Wayne McGregor’s dancers due in just a month later on November 19.

For the first company this autumn, there’s a celebration in store. Founded in 1983 as Diversions, the company moved nine years ago to new, purpose-built premises at the Dance House in Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

In 2008, the company was recognised with a Beacon Company award for excellence by the Arts Council of Wales and a year later changed its name to National Dance Company Wales.

Active internationally, NDC Wales has productions from Ohad Naharin, Stephen Petronio, Itzik Galili, and Eleesha Drennan, and has recently toured to India, China, Switzerland, Italy and Germany.

For this anniversary tour, expect a company of 12 dancers with a triple bill from award-winning choreographers, including a new commission from New York virtuoso choreographer Stephen Petronio.

The name Wayne McGregor is enough to raise the pulse of any dance fan.

He’s world class, so is his company and 10 dancers brings his highly individual style to Huddersfield in November.

Wayne remains one of our most applauded choreographers. He’s a cutting-edge contemporary choreographer and Royal Ballet resident choreographer.

A new, full-length piece from him is an occasion. It’s called Atomos and promises to showcase all the attributes we’ve come to associate with him.

Dance that’s sculptural, rigorous, jarring and hauntingly beautiful.

The choreography of Atomos grows from the form of the atom with this remarkable choreographer atomising movement, film, sound and light.

Wayne McGregor has always been known for his radical approach to dance not least for the way in which he incorporates so many other art forms into his work.

Box office is on 01484 430528. More on both shows later.