Student insights on performing in The Royal Ballet’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and Onegin

Throughout the School year, students have a unique opportunity to take their training from the studio to the stage by performing alongside world-renowned artists of The Royal Ballet. These performances not only provide invaluable professional experience but also mark a significant milestone in the students’ artistic development. Sharing the stage with company dancers and working under the guidance of internationally acclaimed choreographers and directors, the students contribute to major productions at the Royal Opera House, gaining insight into the demands of a professional ballet career. This collaboration underscores the close ties between the School and the Company, and their collective commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. 

We caught up with Pre-professional Year students LilySophia Dashwood and Alberto Gil Vicente who shared their highlights, challenges and learnings from performing with The Royal Ballet in their recent productions of Onegin and Romeo and Juliet. 

LilySophia

What roles have you been playing in Romeo and Juliet?  

I have been dancing various roles, from a townsperson in act one and two, to a guest in the ballroom scene in act one, and the bride in act two.  

How have you found getting to know Romeo and Juliet more closely? What do you like and appreciate about this ballet? 

Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet is such a beautiful ballet that is very well-known across the world. It has been such a privilege to work closely with members of staff and dancers at The Royal Ballet who are incredibly familiar with MacMillan’s style and gave us such insight into the details of the ballet and its choreography. The music from the ballet is one of Prokofiev’s most iconic scores in ballet – hearing it played by the orchestra every show, and learning about how the music influences MacMillan’s choreography has been really special. It has also been great to understand the importance of filling the stage and keeping the story alive with acting, even in corps de ballet roles.  

What have you learned from this experience and performing Romeo and Juliet with the Company? 

Performing with the company is always such a whirlwind experience. There have been a few times that I have had to step into new spots the day of a rehearsal or show which always proves to be quite stressful. I’ve learned how to act quickly and be ready for anything – you just never know what can happen and it’s really important to be there and ready for any circumstance. Being able to watch and learn from the dancers in rehearsals and on the stage has also been amazing. They are so easily able to portray such complex emotions through movement and it’s really inspiring to watch.  

What has been a highlight? 

Working with the company on any production is always a lot of fun, but because Romeo and Juliet is such a quintessential ballet for the company it is super special to be a part of. It really feels like we are a part of the legacy of the company and it’s very exciting to see the work that goes on behind the scenes to put on such a big ballet.  

What has been the hardest part or something you have found challenging about this experience? 

Balancing the school timetable as well as company rehearsals and shows is always a bit of a challenge. We usually have a regular, full day of school, and then go into the show in the evening so it’s a great learning curve of how to manage our workload and bodies to ensure peak performance every day and every show. 

Alberto

What roles have you been playing in Onegin and Romeo and Juliet? 

In Onegin, I’ve been playing the Footman in the third act, and in Romeo and Juliet I’ve been dancing in the ballroom scene as a Capulet. 

How have you found getting to know these ballets more closely? 

Being part of these ballets is such an incredible experience. The music, the costumes, the choreography and the story of both ballets are wonderful, and being in productions of this magnitude is a gift. Since I started ballet, both Onegin and Romeo and Juliet have always been two of my favourite ballets. 

What have you learned from this experience and performing these ballets with the Company? 

I’ve learnt so many things. Seeing my idols perform in ballets like these is breathtaking and a dream come true. It’s very inspiring to see how the company works as a team to make this production a reality on stage. 

What has been a highlight of performing in these ballets with the Company? 

I would highlight the professionalism, experience and confidence that the entire company transmits, and feeling all of these qualities live on stage. I am so grateful to share the stage with the biggest stars in the world of dance. The moment the curtain first went up before the ballroom scene in Romeo and Juliet, I got goosebumps, it was so emotional. I felt so lucky to be dancing The Dance of The Knights on the Opera House Stage. 

What has been your biggest takeaway from being a part of these productions? 

I have learned that every single character on stage matters and contributes to the story. Especially in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s ballets, what goes on in the side of the stage, is what makes the ballet and the storyline come to life. He is a genius and being in the rehearsal process of Romeo and Juliet gave me so much experience for the future.