Pre-professional students perform at Dance Education Biennale in Berlin

Pre-professional students Julian and Sophia performed Grand Pas Classique at the 10th Dance Education Biennale on 3 February 2026. State Ballet School Berlin, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, hosted the Biennale, bringing together graduating students and faculty from various dance institutions to spend a week exchanging ideas about dance, choreography, training and work cultures. Other institutions represented included Inter-University Centre for Dance (Berlin), Palucca University of Dance (Dresden), Royal Danish Ballet School (Copenhagen), Rambert School (London), Centre for Contemporary Dance (Cologne), Princess Grace Dance Academy (Monaco), Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts and University of Music and Performing Arts (Munich). 

Julian and Sophia travelled to Berlin for three days to perform and observe their fellow students, accompanied by Artistic Manager Jessica Clarke. When they returned to London, they reflected on their experience performing internationally. 

What was your schedule in Berlin? 

Sophia: After we arrived on the first afternoon, we got to watch the first performance of the Biennale featuring the first six schools. Our performance was the next evening, so we had a warm-up and on-stage rehearsal in the morning. On our last day, Julian and I took class at the State Ballet School of Berlin and attended a workshop in the afternoon before our flight back to London. 

How did it feel to perform alongside other leading dance organisations at the Biennale? 

Julian: It was amazing to perform alongside so many talented dancers from different backgrounds. It was very interesting to see the repertoire that each school performed because it was very diverse, beautiful work.   

Sophia: It was such an honour to perform in the Biennale alongside other leading schools. I was very grateful to have been chosen to represent the School and perform with one of my best friends. At the Biennale, all the performances were so different and unique, so it felt very inspiring and special to participate. 

Right: Sophia, Ms Clarke and Julian on stage; centre: Julian and Sophia take a selfie backstage; right: Sophia and Julian pose during the performance 

How did it feel to perform Grand Pas Classique? 

Julian: Grand Pas Classique is a very exciting pas de deux, but also very technical and nuanced. It is an amazing feeling when Sophia and I are dancing and perfectly coordinated. After dancing together a lot over the past few years, we are very comfortable together and able to relax and enjoy performing without worrying so much about the technical aspects.  

The most challenging moment is the diagonal in the pas de deux with the balances and double tours. This is the most iconic part of the pas de deux, so the audience’s expectations are usually high, and it is important to do it well. 

Sophia: Although Grand Pas Classique is such a challenging pas de deux, it feels very rewarding and powerful to dance it. My favourite part about performing it is the musicality,  especially the notorious diagonal with the fishes and passé balances. Although it is so difficult to execute, the dynamic music makes it more fun.  

I would say the most challenging part is the strength you need to make it through the whole thing. For the girl, all the pirouettes and balances are on the left leg, so it’s a killer once you’re done. 

What were your favourite parts about exploring Berlin? 

Sophia: Although we didn’t have much time, we had a very kind friend show us a bit around the city. He took us to see the heart of Berlin, so we saw the Berlin Cathedral, the frozen Spee River, and the Altes Museum. It was one of the most beautiful and serene areas I have ever been to!  

As someone who’s originally from California, Berlin was probably the coldest city I’ve ever visited. So, although it was a freezing -10°, being outside and seeing the architecture was a definite highlight of the trip for me. 

Julian: The city was very beautiful and active, and the whole city was covered in a sheet of ice which made walking around very different.  The most beautiful area was along the river, where there was an old cathedral and beautiful architecture.   

What did you learn from the Biennale’s community of artists? 

Sophia: We met so many other students and educators at the Biennale who were all so kind, warm and welcoming to us. They were such friendly people, and their dancing and commitment to their art were amazing to see. From the students to the teachers to the event organisers, every single person who was a part of the Biennale community made us feel at home. Although there were many new people, the community felt very strong and compassionate. 

Julian: Everyone was really nice and supportive, which made watching each other very enjoyable. I liked hearing about other students’ journeys and their aspirations after graduation. It was a great experience to be surrounded by so many other dancers in their graduating years of school. 

Performance photography by Carlos Quezada.