Creative Artist Talk: Gareth Haw and Anna Rose O’Sullivan

We recently had the privilege of welcoming alumni Gareth Haw and Anna Rose O’Sullivan to White Lodge, where they shared their journeys and insights with our students as part of the School’s Creative Artist Talk series.

Both Gareth and Anna Rose trained at the School and have since risen to prominence in the ballet world. Gareth joined the Semperoper Ballett in Dresden in 2015 and is now a Principal at English National Ballet, while Anna Rose joined The Royal Ballet in 2012 and was promoted to Principal in 2021.

Gareth and Anna Rose sat down with our White Lodge students to discuss everything from role preparation and auditioning to their cherished memories of the School.

Preparing for a role

With their impressive repertoires, it was no surprise that our students were eager to hear how Gareth and Anna Rose approach role preparation.

Anna Rose explained: ‘I always begin by delving into the text. Understanding the character I’m portraying is essential; I like to explore the layers and nuances of who they are before stepping onto the stage. This groundwork is crucial for me.’

Gareth highlighted the importance of adaptability: ‘Preparing for a new role involves absorbing a lot – from mastering the choreography to interpreting the narrative and artistic demands. Revisiting a role is different, though – your body has a muscle memory of sorts, which helps. Watching colleagues at work also plays a key role; learning from others within the company is a powerful way to develop as a dancer.’

Memories of the School

Both alumni fondly reminisced about their time at White Lodge.

Gareth reflected: ‘While the pressure inevitably increases as your career progresses, the facilities at White Lodge allowed us to thrive and enjoy the process. The camaraderie among students, coupled with access to such world-class resources, created an environment that was truly unique.’

Anna Rose shared her own nostalgic memories: ‘Some of my fondest recollections are from White Lodge – especially the barbecues on the lawn, with the Caribbean barbecue nights being a particular highlight. The school discos and performing with the Company, particularly at the Royal Opera House, were also incredibly special moments. The friendships I made there felt like family, and growing up together through those milestones remains a treasured experience. Many of those friendships endure to this day.’

Life beyond ballet

Given the intense nature of their careers, our students were curious to learn what Gareth and Anna Rose enjoyed outside of the studio.

Anna Rose revealed: ‘I love immersing myself in theatre – whether it’s musicals, plays, or cinema. Spending time with people outside the world of dance broadens my perspective and helps me bring fresh ideas to my roles. Live music and theatre are a constant source of inspiration for me.’

Gareth shared how he balances his life: ‘We don’t have much free time, but I find that activities like playing football or hitting golf balls provide a welcome contrast to the intensity of ballet. It’s important to engage in other interests to feel human and maintain balance. Having a life outside of ballet helps preserve mental well-being.’

Staying grounded

When asked about advice for aspiring dancers, both Gareth and Anna Rose offered words of wisdom.

Gareth stressed the importance of individuality: ‘A dancer’s personality is one of the most valuable assets today. It’s about pushing the boundaries of ballet and bringing something fresh to every role you perform.’

Anna Rose added: ‘Staying true to yourself is crucial. While hard work and dedication are essential, it’s equally important to find inspiration outside the dance world. It’s what helps you bring more of yourself to your performance.’

Overcoming injury

Anna Rose also shared valuable advice on coping with injuries: ‘Injuries can feel devastating at the time, but they often bring valuable lessons. Early in my career, I was sidelined for several months, and that experience taught me how to pace myself and understand my body better. Staying positive, surrounding yourself with a good support network, and recognising that success comes in many forms are all key.’

Audition tips

Anna Rose encouraged students to see auditions as opportunities to showcase their uniqueness: ‘Dance is subjective, and everyone brings something different to the stage. Treat auditions as a chance to shine in your own way.’

Gareth echoed this, reassuring students: ‘At the end of the day, an audition is just another ballet class. Remember, there’s more than one path to success, and not every opportunity will be the perfect fit. Trust the process.’

We are grateful to Anna Rose and Gareth for coming back to the School and speaking with our students.