Finding home far from home: get to know our American students
As we prepare to host our first intensive course in Los Angeles, California, we want to spotlight our American students who traveled across the world to train at The Royal Ballet School. They shared how they first learned about the School, the challenges of moving to a new country at a young age and what they love about training in London.
Our American students are supported in part by the American Friends of the Royal Ballet School. If you’re interested in becoming a supporter and joining this vibrant community, you’ll help nurture the next generation of world-class dancers while strengthening the School’s ties in the U.S. To learn more or get involved, please get in touch with us today.
Dylan, Pre-professional Year
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Joined the School: 2023
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
I first learned about The Royal Ballet School through watching the movie, Billy Elliot.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
I was drawn to the School’s incredible history and the chance to learn from the very best. The hardest part has been the physical distance from my family and missing that daily support. Still, it’s a challenge that has taught me a great deal about my own strength.
What do you love most about the School?
I love being surrounded by such dedicated students and teachers who constantly push me
to improve. There’s a shared passion here that makes you strive for more every single day. It’s a truly inspiring environment to be a part of.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
I’d strongly suggest applying for a summer Intensive Course to experience the School for yourself. That firsthand exposure was what made my own dream feel truly possible. It’s the best first step to see if this is the right place for you, too.
Julian, Pre-professional Year:
Hometown: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Joined the School: 2023
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
Watching and then later playing Billy Elliot in the musical when I was 13.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
I was very inspired by the level of the dancers at the School and their ability to work with The Royal Ballet and perform company repertoire. After attending the School’s Summer Intensive, I was exposed to and inspired by some of the teachers. I was also thrilled by the idea of living in London. It was challenging at first to go so far away from home, but once I was able to establish myself with a close group of friends, it began to feel like a second home, and leaving home gets easier each time. It felt isolating at some points, but it just takes some getting used to.
What do you love most about the School?
I love the performance opportunities at the School and the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing dancers in the world. I also love the teachers’ dedication to the students.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
Be open to adapting to a new lifestyle with people from all around the world, give yourself a chance and enough time to adjust to the change, and let yourself grow.
Samantha, Pre-professional Year
Hometown: Palos Verdes, California
Joined the School: 2023
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
One of my teachers from home is a graduate of The Royal Ballet School and suggested I audition.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
The Royal Ballet School is one of the best ballet schools worldwide. This opportunity is extremely unique and special to experience at my age and is something I will cherish forever. The greatest challenge for me was adapting to a new lifestyle. From being a 14-year-old living at home, to a newly 15-year-old living across the world, my entire routine and lifestyle had to shift. Maturing and taking accountability for myself at a young age has significantly influenced who I am today.
What do you love most about the School?
My favourite part about the School is the opportunities that come with being a student. Living in London and being able to walk into the Royal Opera House is surreal and incredible to experience.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
Bring your favourite snacks or seasonings from home, as the food in London can be different from your typical home-cooked meals. Bringing anything that reminds you of home can make the changes easier to overcome.
Sophia, Pre-professional Year
Hometown: Irvine, California
Joined the School: 2023
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
Ever since I was 10-years-old, The Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet School were always my dream company and school that I aspired to join one day. That Christmas, my parents gifted me The Royal Ballet DVD Collection that featured Royal Ballet stars at the time, such as Marianela Núñez, Carlos Acosta, Natalia Osipova, Alina Cojocaru, Frederico Bonelli, Sarah Lamb and many more. I remember watching all of the DVDs and being so inspired and in awe of not only the dancers but the whole production and company. From then on, it was my dream to train at the School and be a part of The Royal Ballet organisation.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
Coming to the School was an easy decision for me because I was fortunate to have various opportunities to learn from The Royal Ballet School faculty. Every summer since I was
11, my teacher, Salwa Rizkalla, would invite the teachers to my studio’s summer intensive. I loved taking classes from them every year, and I remember every class was an incredible learning experience.
The summer intensive would also always end with a renowned ‘Gala of the Stars’ performance, where Ms. Salwa would invite professional dancers from all over the world to perform at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. I vividly remember my little 11-year-old self watching Royal Ballet stars such as Sarah Lamb, Melissa Hamilton, Lauren Cuthbertson, Laura Morera, Matthew Golding and Ryoichi Hirano backstage from the wings, feeling so captivated by their dancing. These opportunities helped me become familiar with the Company and the School and eventually helped me make the decision to pursue my dream in London.
I would say the greatest challenge in studying at the school would be having to move away from my family and hometown friends. It was my first time living away from my parents, and the idea of not having them physically by my side to guide and support me sounded really scary and isolating at first. Also, being in a completely new environment, let alone a new country, with new people and friends was something I had to get used to. Although moving to London was one of the biggest changes in my life, it has been the most rewarding experience that opened a door for me to grow and make the most special connections.
What do you love most about the School?
What I love most about the School is getting to learn from the world-renowned staff every single day. Every member of the artistic team has so much knowledge and experience, and they provide valuable insight into your dancing. Each class is a challenge, but they are there to push and encourage you to be the best dancer you can be. I have grown so much not just as a dancer but also as a person, not only learning from them in class but outside the studio as well. Hearing about their past experiences as professional dancers and listening to their advice has been an educational experience that I can take with me moving forward in my career.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
Have an open mind when adapting to the new culture and environment. Moving to a new country is not easy, but it’s actually such an eye-opening and fascinating experience. You get to explore being in a new area surrounded by different groups of people while trying new foods, activities, transportation etc. While it may be a struggle at first adapting to your new life, look at everything from a positive point of view and embrace all of the opportunities and chances you get. The years go by so fast, so cherish every moment you have both in and out of the studio!
Isabella, 2nd Year
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Joined the School: 2024
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
I first discovered The Royal Ballet School when I started taking ballet more seriously. I loved watching the Principal dancers of The Royal Ballet perform, and when I found out they had a school, it instantly became my dream to attend.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
I decided to travel across the world to study here because of the incredible dancers, teachers, and staff. One of the biggest things that stood out to me was how much they value not only developing us as dancers but also helping us grow into kind and well-rounded people. The hardest part for me was leaving home – although I had moved away before, being on a completely different continent was a whole new challenge.
What do you love most about the School?
The warm, supportive environment. The teachers and staff are always encouraging, and the students are so welcoming and kind.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
For any American students thinking about joining, believe in yourself! If this is your dream, go for it – it’s such an amazing opportunity to grow and become the best dancer you can be.
Juliet, 2nd Year
Hometown: Sunset Beach, California
Joined the School: 2023
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
I learned about The Royal Ballet School as soon as I realised that ballet would be my career. The dancers of The Royal Ballet became my inspiration, and I’d search YouTube for videos to watch, learning from their technique, artistry, and stage presence. Truthfully, I believe everyone in the ballet world looks up to The Royal Ballet School. Dancers would do almost anything to be part of the School.
Every summer at my home ballet studio, Southland Ballet Academy, Mr. Powney (former Artistic Director of the School) would teach classes during our summer intensive. After taking his classes, I realised I wanted to study at the School. I loved how artistry and musicality were the main focus in class. I never believed I’d end up at the School. It seemed like a dream too far to reach.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
After receiving the email that I’d been accepted into 1st Year, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It’s something I never believed would be possible, and when it happened, moving across the world no longer seemed so scary. I think the excitement and shock of getting into the School and seeing my hard work pay off made leaving home easier.
Before coming to The Royal Ballet School, I studied at the School of American Ballet in New York. I moved from California to New York when I was 15-years-old and trained there for a year before coming to London. I think the adjustment of moving to London was easier for me because I’d already had a year away from my family.
One thing that was really different when I moved to London was the time change. California’s time zone is eight hours behind London. The biggest challenge was not having the luxury of being able to talk to my family whenever I wanted. Once I got into the routine of things and figured out when I could speak to my family and friends, I was a lot happier.
What do you love most about the School?
My favorite part about the School is its focus on artistry and musicality. Every class feels like a performance. It’s not about the height of your legs and how many turns you can do but rather the quality that you bring to each movement. I love performing. Performing is my favorite part of dancing, and the School brings out my favorite part of ballet to class every day. I also love it when visitors come to watch, which happens frequently, as it’s another performance opportunity.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
Don’t worry about leaving home or the distance. Every moment at the School makes up for the difficult decision to leave your family. Your friends, teachers and faculty become your second family. The friendships I made at the School have made London feel like my new home. It’s really strange because when I fly home for the holidays, it no longer feels like my real home.
Gia, 1st Year
Hometown: Houston, Texas and Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Joined the School: 2025
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
From a very young age, I admired and dreamed of coming to The Royal Ballet School. Multiple alumni from my home school, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, joined the School, so I got a sense of how amazing the training and overall atmosphere were here, making my desire to come to the School even stronger.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
The more I learned about The Royal Ballet through videos of the Company and exploring its history, the more I wanted to join the School. Now, being guided by incredible teachers and being surrounded by other amazing students, I feel so incredibly lucky to be challenged and supported to the fullest.
Honestly, the hardest part was waiting to arrive at the School!
After I was told that I earned a place, the months of anticipation seemed like an eternity. It is a wonderful feeling to finally be here and have the opportunity to begin this new adventure.
What do you love most about the School?
The Royal Ballet School is so incredibly special, as you learn so much about yourself, not only as a dancer but as a person. The School’s support system will aid you in any way you can think of, making you never feel alone. The positive atmosphere and incredible teachers here give us the tools to improve and become the best versions of ourselves. Additionally, the School gives us numerous tools to take care of our bodies, which is immensely important to know how to do in one’s career.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
Don’t be afraid to aspire to great things! Of course, there is a lot of work that goes into making those aspirations and dreams come true, but first, you must allow yourself to reach for the stars. Don’t limit yourself before you’ve even begun. One might think they could never achieve a place in such a prestigious school, but I’d say, ‘Why not you?’
Ryleigh, Year 9
Hometown: New York City, New York
Joined the School: 2020 (three years as an Associate and two years in full–time training)
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
I first heard about The Royal Ballet School from my mum. She spoke about its intense training and the long history of producing some of the greatest dancers. Watching videos of performances and reading about students’ journeys on social media and various websites made me so intrigued. I really wanted to be part of it and experience that level of training firsthand.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
I wanted to study somewhere that comes with exceptional ballet training and strong academics, and The Royal Ballet School is really special as it offers the two. My family and I
moved to the UK together, which actually eased the transition, especially since life in London and New York City are quite similar. On top of that, coming from the School of American Ballet, I had to adjust from Balanchine style to the English style of ballet. With Balanchine style technique, the focus is on fast and sharp movements with complex musical timing, so learning the refinement, épaulement, and musical phrasing of The Royal Ballet School’s style took time. There were moments of confusion, but slowly I started to blend both approaches, which has made me a stronger, cleverer and more expressive dancer.
What do you love most about the School?
I really do love the sense of community – everyone is so supportive, from artistic teachers to classmates, from the pastoral team to the academic team. Also, being surrounded by people who share the same passion for ballet is incredibly inspiring and motivational. Although every day brings a new challenge, I see it as a new opportunity to learn, and, more importantly, a chance to improve. It’s a place where I feel both pushed and encouraged, which makes everything feel better.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
I would say to be brave and open-minded. Moving to another country and adapting to a new style can feel intimidating at first. Coming from an American training background, it may feel different or even frustrating at the start, but be patient with yourself. Even the culture and academic syllabus is quite different, but nevertheless, the helpful team around you at the School makes it easier to overcome the challenges you are to face. So, embrace the challenges, stay continuously strong and resilient, and remember why you started ballet in the first place. If you do, the experience will literally change you, both as a dancer and as a person.
Anjali, Year 11
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Joined the School: 2025
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
I first learned about the School during the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) finals in 2022. It was always a dream of mine since I was 11 to go to a professional school in Europe, and after YAGP finals in 2025, I received an offer to come!
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
It was hard leaving home, especially with the time difference in communication, but joining The Royal Ballet School was a big dream of mine that my family wholeheartedly supports.
What do you love most about the School?
What do you love most about the School?
My favourite parts about the School are boarding with all of my friends, the academic lessons and rehearsing our variations for the upcoming Solos Evening.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
Getting used to a new environment is hard, but always being open to learning and trying new things makes it so much easier.
Jolie, Year 11
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
Joined the School: 2024
How did you first learn about The Royal Ballet School?
I first learned about The Royal Ballet School naturally through conversations with my dance teachers and peers. Later, as I discovered more about the ballet world, including the ballet dancers in The Royal Ballet, I realised that many of the Company members are alumni of the School.
What made you decide to travel across the world to study here? What were the greatest challenges in doing so?
During the YAGP Finals in New York City in 2024, I was honoured with the incredible offer to join The Royal Ballet School and enter Year 10 at White Lodge. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was impossible to decline. The most significant challenges I faced in relocating to the UK were leaving behind my friends and my biggest supporter and ballet teacher,
Ms. Daniela. However, I am grateful that my mother and my dog were able to join me on this exciting new adventure.
What do you love most about the School?
Honestly, I love everything about the School, but what I cherish most is knowing that many of the greatest ballet dancers once studied and trained in the very same buildings and studios where I now dedicate myself to learning and growing. My highlight from last year was performing at The Royal Opera House during the Summer Performance. It was truly a dream come true to be part of the Grand Défilé, a school tradition. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for the School’s history but also further fuelled my passion and commitment in my own training.
What advice would you give to fellow American students interested in training with The Royal Ballet School?
Go for it! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself during the process. The Royal Ballet School emphasises that ballet is more than what you see on social media. Students are taught about the value of technique, artistry of movement and expression of life. If you keep these in mind, you will find the School to be a place that nurtures both your technical abilities and artistic soul.
Learn more about our international intensive courses here.
