Royal Ballet School visits Belfast with Melissa Hamilton for Insight Weekend

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February 2020, The Royal Ballet School returned to Belfast for the annual Insight Weekend.

The weekend was designed to offer aspiring young dancers aged 7 to 18 years old an insight into The Royal Ballet School’s System of Training and to enhance their learning with their current teachers.

The weekend consisted of solos coaching with Royal Ballet First Soloist, Melissa Hamilton, for students aged 15 to 18 years old, masterclasses with Anita Young MBE for students aged 11 to 18 years old, and Junior Associate Insight sessions for students aged 8 to 10 years old with Royal Ballet School Associate staff.

Royal Ballet First Soloist Melissa Hamilton said: ‘It was a pleasure to be a part of The Royal Ballet School’s Insight Weekend in Belfast. To see the students and teachers leave visibly inspired was incredibly uplifting. It meant so much to me to be able to pass on expertise and knowledge that I have gained throughout my career so far with the Royal Ballet. It was a very special opportunity for ballet students in my home country and a wonderful weekend to be involved in.’

Mark Annear, Head of Training and Access, said: ‘It was wonderful for our teachers and pianist to return to Belfast to deliver our Insight Weekend. We were particularly thrilled that Royal Ballet First Soloist Melissa Hamilton was able to join us to observe the masterclasses and to coach the older students in a solo from Raymonda. Her contribution was invaluable in helping us to reach young dancers in Northern Ireland.’