Our 2024 graduates: where are they now? 

Joseph Birtles Clarke – Dutch National Ballet Junior Company

Joseph joined White Lodge in Year 7 from Manchester. Whilst Joseph was at the School, he was awarded the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers Award for significant progress in classical ballet and the Captain and Mrs John Moore Award for excellence in his degree dissertation. At our Summer Performances, Joseph performed leading roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Goyo Montero’s BOLD, Mikaela Polley’s Fast Blue and Helgi Tómasson’s Concerto Grosso.

‘Since graduating, I’ve had the privilege of joining the Dutch National Ballet Junior Company – a journey that has been both enriching and full of growth. We recently wrapped up a tour across the Netherlands, where I performed in a range of pieces showcasing various styles. I also had the opportunity to dance in New Moves, performing a work choreographed by Wenna Wilkers. Recently, I’ve been rehearsing a small ensemble piece titled Dark Matter, choreographed by Rutkay Ozpinar. Being part of such a versatile company has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’ve loved delving into both classical and contemporary repertoire.’

Ravi Cannonier-Watson – The Royal Ballet

Ravi joined White Lodge in Year 7 from Bermuda and was appointed Head Boy in Year 11. During his time at the School, he was awarded the 2021 The Frank Freeman Summer Scholarship and he was chosen to perform Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody at Paris Opera’s International Dance Schools Gala and Mikhail Fokine’s The Firebird at the Chipping Campden Music Festival. At our annual Summer Performances, he performed leading roles in Don Quixote, Paquita and Concerto Grosso.

‘My first season with The Royal Ballet has been extraordinary. I have learned so much and have had some amazing moments at the beginning of my career. I have performed in a handful of works such as Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Wayne McGregor’s MADDADAM, Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella, John Cranko’s Onegin, Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet and George Balanchine’s Prodigal Son. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for my future. Exciting times ahead!’

Tom Cape – The National Ballet of Canada

Tom joined our Upper School in 1st Year from Yorkshire. Whilst he was at the School, Tom created his own choreography for the 2023 Ursula Moreton Emerging Choreographer performance which was then chosen for the 2023 Summer Performance programme. At our end-of-year performances, he performed leading roles in Mikaela Polley’s Fast Blue, Gemma Bond’s Assemblage and Helgi Tomasson’s Concerto Grosso.

‘Since leaving the School, I have joined The National Ballet of Canada, performing in a range of productions such as Karen Kain’s Swan Lake, James Kudelka’s The Nutcracker and Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle. I have also been involved in the apprentice performance opportunities, showcasing the emerging artists within the company.’

Yasemin Çaynak – Balletto di Milano

Yasemin joined White Lodge in Year 10 from Turkey. Whilst she was at the School, Yasemin was awarded the 2023 Ballet Association Award and represented the School at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. At our Summer Performances, she performed roles in Raymonda, Don Quixote, Paquita and Kenneth MacMillan’s Four Seasons.

‘Since leaving the school, I have been working with Balletto Di Milano as an apprentice. I have been fortunate enough to perform in various productions such as Aria Tango, Bolero, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, La Dolce Vita and Carmen. Since it is a touring company, I have been to many countries including Estonia, Finland, France, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and of course many cities around Italy. In addition, I was very lucky to have performed my first soloist role in The Nutcracker which was an unforgettable experience. Stepping into the professional world has been an amazing journey full of experiences which I am truly grateful for!’

Charlotte Cohen – Birmingham Royal Ballet/BRB2

Charlotte joined our Upper School in 1st Year from Australia. Whilst she was at the School, Charlotte represented us at the Unite for Ukraine Gala and at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. At our Summer Performances, she performed roles in Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Paquita, Kenneth MacMillan’s Four Seasons and Jerome Robbins’ The Mistake Waltz.

‘Since graduating, I joined Birmingham Royal Ballet as a part of BRB2. I have had wonderful opportunities to perform various different repertoire including La Fille mal gardée, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella. I also enjoyed performing in Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration on the BRB2 tour and I’m grateful I had the exciting opportunity to tour Japan at the end of this season with Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty. It’s been a truly rewarding first season, and I’m looking forward to what the upcoming season holds.’

Liberty Fergus – Ballett Dortmund Junior Company

Liberty joined White Lodge in Year 7 from Australia. Whilst she was at the School, Liberty was awarded a commendation at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance, she created the piece Existing for the 2023 Ursula Moreton Emerging Choreographer, joined The Royal Ballet’s tour of Romeo & Juliet in Japan and performed Giselle and The Nutcracker with English National Ballet. At our Summer Performances, she performed roles in Swan Lake, Goyo Montero’s BOLD, La Valse and Jerome Robbins’ The Mistake Waltz.

‘I’m so grateful to have commenced my professional journey with Ballett Dortmund’s Junior Company. It’s been an exciting year of artistic and technical growth, with wonderful performance opportunities. Highlights have been debuting as a Big Swan in Xin Peng Wang’s Swan Lake, dancing Pas d’action, and performing the 3rd shade variation in Xin Peng Wang’s La Bayadère. It was liberating to perform Marco Goecke’s Blushing and Xin Peng Wang’s Saturn for our triple bill Dips which allowed me to further explore abstract and neoclassical styles.

Creating the role of Valentina in Nadav Zelner’s new work Drama Class was a defining experience. Navigating spoken word on stage was a powerful challenge that pushed me to inhabit a complex character and immerse myself in the creative process. I continue to be inspired by the creativity and generosity of the artists around me and am looking forward to the future.’

Emile Gooding – The Royal Ballet

Emile joined White Lodge in Year 9 from Reading. Whilst he was at the School, Emile received the Valerie Adams Award for exceptional musicality, the Gailene Stock award for exceptional progress, The London Ballet Circle Dame Ninette Award for most outstanding male graduate and he was awarded 3rd prize at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance. Emile represented the School at Paris Opera’s International Dance Schools Gala and at John Neumeier’s 50th anniversary season with Hamburg Ballet. At our end-of-year performances, he performed leading roles in Mikaela Polley’s Fast Blue, Marius Petipa’s Paquita, Goyo Montero’s BOLD and Helgi Tomasson’s Concerto Grosso.

‘I’m near the end of my first season as an Aud Jebsen Young Dancer with The Royal Ballet. I’ve had the opportunity to perform in many of the Company’s iconic works, including Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Onegin, Light of Passage, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Wayne McGregor’s MADDADDAM. I’ve also taken part in shorter productions, including Legacy, which was “a dedication to Black and Brown ballet talent.” I look forward to the upcoming season and growing alongside such an inspiring company.’

Tianie-Finn Grainger – Ballett Dortmund Junior Company

Tianie joined White Lodge in Year 7 from Stockport. Throughout her time at the School, Tianie created several original choreographies. Her piece, Classified, was developed for our Summer Performances and her piece, Red Serendipity, received a commendation. Tianie was also awarded 1st prize at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance. She performed at the Borne Gala and the Empower in Motion Gala as well as lead roles in Rhapsody and La Valse at our Summer Performances.

‘Since graduating and joining Ballett Dortmund’s Junior Company, I have performed in our international ballet gala, Swan Lake, Midsummer by Alexander Ekman, Blushing by Marco Goecke and a new creation by Nadav Zelner. I’ve taken on a variety of roles in La Bayadère including pas d’action, the scarf duet and I’m looking forward to debuting my first soloist role dancing the second shade variation. I’ve really enjoyed professional life and living in a new country, and I’m grateful my training at The Royal Ballet School prepared me for this exciting journey.’

Lucy Hind – Royal Swedish Ballet

Lucy joined Upper School in 1st Year from Bath. Whilst she was at the School, Lucy created her own choreography Après Ça for the 2023 Frederick Ashton Emerging Choreographer and was awarded the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers Award for progress in classical ballet. At our Summer Performances, she performed roles in Raymonda, Don Quixote, Kenneth MacMillan’s Four Seasons, Goyo Montero’s BOLD and Jerome Robbins’ The Mistake Waltz.

‘I left school in February 2024 to start my professional career earlier than expected with The Royal Swedish Ballet to perform in Nureyev’s Swan Lake and Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. I was very grateful to return to the School for graduation and be a part of my final Grand Défilé. In the 24/25 season with The Royal Swedish Ballet, I have loved dancing in many incredible productions including the world premieres of Pär Isberg’s Gustavia and Mats Ek’s En Kopp Kaffe. Both pieces were created on the Company which was such an inspirational process to be a part of. At Christmas we performed Tamara Rojo’s Cinderella, and we recently performed Natalia Makarova’s Giselle. Each production has been demanding yet fulfilling, and I’m so lucky to learn from them. I also had the chance to create a piece for the 2025 Young Choreographers’ programme. It has since been performed in Rotundan and at Stockholm’s culture night.’

Yeju Jang – National Ballet of Canada

Yeju joined Upper School in 1st Year from South Korea. Whilst Yeju was at the School, she performed Marius Petipa’s La Bayadère at the Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance and joined The Royal Ballet on tour in Japan to perform Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet. At our end-of-year performances, she performed roles in Paquita and Jerome Robbins’ The Mistake Waltz.

‘After graduating, I joined the National Ballet of Canada as an apprentice. I had the opportunity to perform in The Nutcracker, Giselle and Swan Lake, as well as dance in the apprentice programme. This year has been full of amazing experiences, and I’m really looking forward to the next season.’

Francesca Lloyd – The Royal Ballet

Francesca was in our Senior Associate Programme before joining Upper School in 1st Year from Bedfordshire. Whilst she was at the School, Francesca was awarded third prize at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance and represented the School in a special performance of The Firebird with Monica Mason at the Chipping Campden Music Festival. At our Summer Performances, she performed roles in Don Quixote, Paquita, Kenneth MacMillan’s Four Seasons, Goyo Montero’s BOLD and Jerome Robbins’ The Mistake Waltz.

‘Since joining The Royal Ballet as an Aud Jebsen Young Dancer, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to take part in some truly unforgettable productions including Onegin, Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet. A particular highlight this season was performing in Symphony in C as part of the Balanchine Triple Bill. The piece was both technically and artistically demanding, and it was such a rewarding experience to be part of something so dynamic, fast-paced, and full of energy. The weekly Aud Jebsen Young Dancer’s class has been invaluable in helping me transition from the School to company life, and watching the talented dancers in the Company class has been a constant source of inspiration and has truly fueled my growth.’

Alejandro Muñoz – The Royal Ballet

Alejandro joined White Lodge in Year 10 from Spain. Whilst he was at the School, Alejandro was awarded the Progress and Endeavour Award, The Ballet Association Award and a commendation at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance. He represented the School at John Neumeier’s 50th anniversary season with Hamburg Ballet and the Borne to Dance Gala. At our Summer Performances, Alejandro performed roles in Paquita, Mikaela Polley’s Fast Blue, August Bournonville’s Konservatoriet and Goyo Montero’s BOLD.

‘My first season at The Royal Ballet has been incredibly nourishing both professionally and personally. I am so grateful to have been involved in a variety of productions throughout this season and to have shared the stage with such incredible dancers. I’m excited to keep developing as an artist.’ 

John Murch – Dutch National Ballet Junior Company 

John joined our Upper School in 1st Year from the United States. Whilst he was at the School, John performed in Manon and The Nutcracker with The Royal Ballet and joined their tour of Romeo and Juliet in Japan. At our Summer Performances, he performed roles in Kenneth MacMillan’s Four Seasons, Frederick Ashton’s La Valse, Helgi Tómasson’s Concerto Grosso and Jerome Robbins’ The Mistake Waltz.

I was fortunate to be selected to join the Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company. Life in the Junior Company is fast-paced, with performances alongside the main company and touring with the Junior Company throughout the Netherlands and abroad. Some highlights include dancing a corps de ballet role in The Nutcracker’s Waltz of the Flowers (by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling), as well as performing in Swan Lake, the pas de six, with the Junior Company (by Rudi Van Dantzig). Other memorable performances include: Don Quixote by Alexei Ratmansky, Scurry Night by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Vision Fugitives by Hans Van Manen, Sonder by Zoë Greten, Embers by Ernst Meisner and We Are All Hybrid by Kalpana Raghuraman. This year, I’m excited to be dancing in my favourite ballet, Romeo and Juliet by Rudi Van Dantzig, with the main company. I will also be on tour with the Junior Company, where I will have the opportunity to dance new and old works, which will both inspire me and contribute to my growth as an artist.’

Andrea Riolo – Birmingham Royal Ballet/BRB2

Andrea joined our Upper School in 1st Year from Malta. Whilst Andrea was at the School, she was awarded the Progress and Endeavour Prize in her Pre-professional Year and was chosen to perform at the Unite for Ukraine gala. At our end-of-year performances, Andrea performed leading roles in Raymonda, Swan Lake, Mistake Waltz and La Valse.

‘Since leaving the School I have been busy working with Birmingham Royal Ballet and performed in ballets such as La Fille mal gardée, The Nutcracker and Cinderella. On our BRB2 tour, I performed Les Sylphides, Scheherazade and the Hostess solo from Les Biches, which have all been really interesting to dive into as they’re challenging technically and artistically. Touring has been my highlight because it brings us all together; now my colleagues feel like my second family and we’ve made unforgettable memories. I feel grateful to be part of this company and to be dancing so many amazing classics already. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next season!’

Maia Rose Roberts – Ballett Zürich Junior Company

Maia joined our Upper School in 1st Year from Barcelona. During her time at the School, she was awarded second place at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance and the E. John Busser Scholarship. She also created her own choreography Ode to a Love Lost for the 2023 Ursula Moreton Emerging Choreographer performance which was chosen for the 2023 Summer Performances and the Empower in Motion event at Sadler’s Wells. Maia performed leading roles at the School in Swan Lake and Paquita.

‘Since graduating, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to join Ballet Zürich, and what a journey it’s already been! The repertoire here is so rich and versatile, and I’ve loved being part of it all. We began the season with Clara by Cathy Marston, followed by a tour with her beautiful work The Cellist. From December to March, I had the chance to perform in Giselle by Patrice Bart, which was such a special experience. I also danced in the Junior Ballet programme, featuring three brand new creations – an exciting and inspiring process. Currently, we’re performing Autographs, a triple bill including Emergence by Crystal Pite, Infra by Wayne McGregor, and In the Middle by William Forsythe. I feel so happy and at home in Zürich, and I can already see myself growing, both technically and artistically, as I continue to explore my presence on stage.’

Katie Robertson – The Royal Ballet

Katie attended our Junior Associate Programme before joining White Lodge in Year 7 from Bristol. Whilst at the School Katie received a number of awards including The April Olrich Award, The Ashton Award and 1st place at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance. During our annual Summer Performances, Katie performed leading roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Paquita, La Valse and Rhapsody.

‘Since joining The Royal Ballet as an Aud Jebsen Young Dancer, I have been lucky enough to perform alongside such inspiring dancers. A highlight of my journey so far was dancing in Onegin. I loved the elegance, beauty and drama of the whole ballet and being able to wear the costumes felt very special. I also had lots of fun on stage while performing in Romeo and Juliet, and I loved playing a flamingo in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’

Edoardo Savini – Ballett Zürich Junior Company 

Edoardo was one of our International Scholars before joining White Lodge in Year 10 from Italy. Whilst he was at the School, Edoardo represented the School at the Unite for Ukraine Gala and at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. At our Summer Performances, Edoardo performed roles in Swan Lake, Goyo Montero’s BOLD, Mikaela Polley’s Fast Blue, Frederick Ashton’s La Valse and Helgi Tómasson’s Concerto.

‘Since graduating from The Royal Ballet School, I have been dancing with Ballet Zürich’s Junior Company. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with inspiring choreographers, expand my repertoire, and perform in a variety of productions on the main stage from classical ballets such us Giselle by Patrice Bart and Concerto by Kenneth MacMillan, to more contemporary works such as Emergence by Crystal Pite and three pieces from the Junior programme, as well as narrative ballets by our director Cathy Marston: The Cellist and Clara. It’s been an incredible period of growth both artistically and personally, and I’m excited to continue developing my career here in Zurich.’

Jackson Smith-Leishman – Paris Opera Junior Ballet

Jackson joined Upper School in 1st Year from Australia. Whilst he was at the School, Jackson created his own choreography Angels for the 2023 Frederick Ashton Emerging Choreographer. He represented the School in Swan Lake at the Unite for Ukraine Gala and he performed with The Royal Ballet in Woolf Works and Don Quixote. At our Summer Performances, Jackson performed roles in Kenneth MacMillan’s Four Seasons, Mikaela Polley’s Fast Blue, Frederick Ashton’s La Valse and Gemma Bond’s Assemblage.

‘Since graduating, I’ve had the privilege of joining the Junior Ballet of the Opéra National de Paris, and the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible choreographers and stagers, learning repertoire from Balanchine, Béjart, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, as well as heritage works from the Paris Opera Ballet’s rich history. In December, I had the unforgettable experience of performing Passage by Noé Soulier in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. I’ve also worked alongside the main company in the Nureyev version of La Belle au Bois Dormant, which has been an amazing learning opportunity. This season has been such a rewarding period of growth and development. I’m truly so happy in Paris and feel I’m in the perfect place to continue evolving as a dancer and artist.’

Rebecca Myles Stewart – The Royal Ballet

Rebecca joined Upper School in 1st Year from the United States. Whilst she was at the School, Rebecca was awarded 2nd place at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance and The London Ballet Circle Dame Ninette Award for most outstanding female graduate. Rebecca created the piece How It Ends for the 2023 Ursula Moreton Emerging Choreographer which was chosen to be developed for our Summer Performances, and she represented the School at Paris Opera’s International Dance Schools Gala. At our Summer Performances, she performed roles in Swan Lake, Goyo Montero’s BOLD, Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody and Paquita.

Rebecca said: ‘Since graduating from the School, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to join The Royal Ballet as an Aud Jebsen Young Dancer. I have really enjoyed getting to be a part of much-loved ballets such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet. Some of my favourite moments have included performing in the Legacy and International Draft Works performances, as well as being involved in the creation of Joseph Toonga’s Dusk in the New Encounters programme. It has been so inspiring to be involved in these productions and to learn from all of the incredible artists around me. I look forward to joining the Company next season as an Artist!’

Jana Faye Teruel – Ballett Zürich Junior Company 

Jana joined our Upper School in 1st Year from the United States. Whilst Jana was at the School, she choreographed her own work, Go with the Flow, for the 2023 Ursula Moreton Emerging Choreographer performance, and she was awarded 3rd prize at the 2022 Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance and the 2024 David Norman Award for exceptional leadership qualities. At our Summer Performances, Jana performed roles in Swan Lake, The Four Seasons, Don Quixote, Paquita and Jerome Robbins’ Mistake Waltz.

‘‘From learning the diverse existing repertoire to being a part of new choreographic processes, the work I’ve done with Ballett Zürich has been incredibly rewarding so far. I’ve performed in the triple bill Countertime, featuring Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto, Cathy Marston’s Mrs Robinson, and a new creation by Brian Arias. Getting to work with different choreographers and répétiteurs in the studio, and seeing it come to life on stage, is an experience that continually fuels my artistic passion. I can’t believe I’ve nearly completed my first season as a professional dancer. Beginning this exciting journey has brought a new set of challenges but many enriching opportunities. It’s a privilege to be working in such a creative environment.’

Javier Wong – Czech National Ballet

Javier joined our Upper School from Canada in 1st Year. Whilst at the School, Javier performed in Kristen McNally’s original choreography for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace. At our Summer Performances he performed leading roles in Frederick Ashton’s Swan Lake, Helgi Tomasson’s Concerto Grosso and Gemma Bond’s Assemblage.

After graduating I joined Czech National Ballet in Prague. So far, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to perform in nine different ballets including John Cranko’s Romeo & Juliet and the Czech premiere of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s L’Histoire de Manon. It was also incredible to be part of a new contemporary creation by Andrey Kaydanovskiy titled And How is Your Life? Through the course of this season, I’ve learned so much and I’m grateful for all the stage time I have been given. I’m so excited to continue growing as an artist in this amazing company.’