In 2024, 24 graduates of The Royal Ballet School will join leading ballet companies all around the world. They’ve worked and trained hard during their time at the School and have flourished as artists. These graduates took their final bow as students on the Royal Opera House stage this past summer, and now they embark on their professional career.
“Our 2024 graduates were not only hard-working and focused artists, but also wonderful human beings destined to achieve amazing things,” says Jessica Clarke, Artistic Manager of the Vocational and Pre-professional Programmes at The Royal Ballet School. “Each dancer brought drive, determination and passion to the studio, and I know that with these attributes, they will be an asset to each and every company they join.”
She adds, “Beyond their world-class training, I hope these graduates take with them the self-motivation and drive they’ve applied to their artistic and academic education. These qualities will serve them well as they enter the profession. I know they will continue to embody The Royal Ballet School’s ethos not just as well-rounded artists, but also as resilient and compassionate human beings.”
Let’s get to know four of these talented 2024 graduates – Jules Chastre, Charlotte Cohen, Katie Robertson and Jackson Smith-Leishman – and hear about their experience at the School as well as what they’re up to next in this next stage.
What brought you to The Royal Ballet School?
Jackson Smith-Leishman (Paris Opera Junior Ballet)
“I’m originally from Australia, and I’ve always had a strong desire to dance in Europe, and experience this part of the world. The Royal Ballet School was the perfect choice for me because of its prestige, the exceptional quality of training and the fact that English is the language of instruction, which made the transition easier. I wanted to graduate from one of the top ballet schools and surround myself with the best dancers, so that’s what drew me to The Royal Ballet School over other options.”
Katie Robertson (The Royal Ballet)
“I trained as a Junior Associate with The Royal Ballet School for three years, from the age of eight. As a JA, I was very fortunate to see many Royal Ballet productions, and these really inspired me and made me want to be a part of these wonderful performances. I decided to audition for the school and luckily, I received a place!”
Jules Chastre (Norwegian National Ballet 2)
“I was offered a place at The Royal Ballet School through the Spring Intensive in Hong Kong, in April of 2019. It was there I did intensive classes with teachers of The Royal Ballet School and Mr Christopher Powney for a week before he offered me a place to join Year 10 in White Lodge in the coming September.”
Charlotte Cohen (Birmingham Royal Ballet 2)
“It was always a dream of mine to train at The Royal Ballet School, and I was fortunate enough to have been offered a place at RBS from the Prix de Lausanne in 2021, where I was a finalist.”
What are some of your most fond memories training at the School?
Robertson
“During my time at the School, I’ve had some amazing opportunities, including performing, watching productions, and taking trips abroad to participate in galas and events. Some highlights for me were dancing the roles of Amour in Don Quixote, the first female solo in Paquita and lead couples in La Valse, on the Royal Opera House stage. These were unforgettable experiences, and I felt so lucky to be dancing on that stage. As well as this, I went to Canada to take part in Assemblée Internationale 2023 to represent the school and participate in collaborated group dances with other students from around the world. I had so much fun and found the experience very insightful, especially in our group sessions where we discussed the ballet industry and how we as young members can change certain aspects for the future.”
Smith-Leishman
“The relationships fostered at the School are some of my most cherished memories. When you’re surrounded by the same people 24/7, you develop incredibly close bonds. We spent every moment together, from early morning classes to late-night talks, constantly inspiring each other, both in and out of the studio. We supported one another through every challenge, and the friendships we built were a key part of what made the experience truly unforgettable.”
How do you think your training at The Royal Ballet School has, and will, set you up for a successful professional career?
Cohen
“My training at RBS set me up with a clear foundation. It also gave me valuable stage experience which has made the transition into company life less daunting. During our third year, we get to perform with both The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet and this experience helped me to see what happens in a company life. I also learnt a lot about myself and how I best work during my time at the school. It has set me up to be able to self-correct and work on myself without always needing a teacher’s approval which you don’t always get in a company.”
Chastre
“The Royal Ballet School did a really great job at setting me up for a professional career. Through the degree program, I have learnt a lot about health and how to look after my body in and out of ballet, from nutrition to strength and conditioning – which I have come to realise is really applicable day to day.”
Smith-Leishman
“My training at The Royal Ballet School has been instrumental in setting me up for a professional career. The rigorous curriculum and high standards provided me with a solid technical foundation and the discipline necessary for a career in ballet. Learning from world-class instructors and performing alongside exceptionally talented peers has been invaluable in developing my skills and artistic expression. Now that I’ve moved from London to Paris and started working professionally, I’m finding that the tools and skills I developed at the School are crucial in my new environment.”
Can you tell us some of your favourite teachers and classes you had while attending the School?
Cohen
“Each year at school, we had a different main teacher which meant we received a different range of knowledge and inspiration each year. I thoroughly enjoyed each of my teachers during my time at upper school. My first year teacher, Nicola Tranah, helped me learn the English style and worked with me to refine my foundations and technique. In second year, I had Daria Klimentova, who helped me find more confidence in my dancing and stage presence. Finally, my graduate teacher, Jessica Clarke, concluded my training by preparing me for my auditions and making sure I was ready to start a career in this industry. I am very thankful and grateful to all of my teachers and all they have done for me. Each year was very valuable, and without them I don’t think I would be where I am today.”
Smith-Leishman
“One of my favorite teachers while I was at the School was Mr. Zhan Atymtayev, who was my first teacher there. He played an integral role in my development and training, and I felt I made the most progress under his teaching and guidance. His approach and insights significantly shaped my skills and understanding in ballet.
Another favorite teacher of mine was Mr. Denzil Bailey, who I had the pleasure of learning from throughout my years at the School. His energy and passion for teaching were exceptional, and I always looked forward to his classes. His enthusiasm was compelling, and his classes were not only highly instructive but also incredibly enjoyable.”
Where are you headed next? What are you most excited about for this next stage?
Chastre
“I am currently in The Norwegian National Ballet’s Youth Company. We have just finished performing Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella and now preparing to open Balanchine’s Jewels next week. In the coming years, I am most excited to performing every week, and new ballets every couple months while building a list of repertoire and progressing well through the company.”
Smith-Leishman
“I’ve just moved to the Paris Opera Ballet to join their Junior Ballet, which is an incredible opportunity. This season is particularly exciting because it marks the first time the Paris Opera Ballet has established a junior company. As the oldest company in the world, being part of this historic moment feels amazing.”
Robertson
“I have joined The Royal Ballet Company as an Aud Jebsen Young Dancer for the 2024/25 season. This has been a dream of mine since starting at the school, and I am so grateful to have been offered this incredible opportunity. I am so excited to be a part of this special company. I will be working hard every day, learning and being inspired by the amazing artists around me. I hope in the next few years, I can take all that I have and will continue to learn to improve as an artist and performer. Most of all, I will enjoy and embrace every moment on stage at the Royal Opera House.”
Cohen
“Since graduating, I have joined Birmingham Royal Ballet as a member of BRB2. I am very excited about beginning my career at such a classical-based company and performing in the ‘24/’25 season. We are starting with La Fille Mal Gardée, which I am excited to be a part of before starting The Nutcracker, which I was lucky enough to perform in last year. I am also looking forward to the BRB2 tour in May next year, where I get to perform exerts from different ballets. It will be a fun experience to tour around the UK while performing with the company.”
Where do you see yourself – or hope to be – in the next 10 years?
Smith-Leishman
“In the next 10 years, I hope to be dancing professionally and enjoying every moment of it. I have a love for both ballet and contemporary dance, so I’d like to perform a variety of roles and repertoire in both styles. I’m also passionate about choreography, and it would be amazing to explore that aspect as well. Ultimately, I just want to keep growing as an artist, stay passionate about my work, and find joy in every performance and project I take on.”
Robertson
“In the next 10 years, I hope to have performed many ballets on the Royal Opera House stage, and I would love to have the opportunity to move up in the company and progress to dance different roles. A dream of mine is to one day dance the role of Juliet from the ballet Romeo and Juliet.”
Chastre
“In the next 10 years, I hope to continue my progress in my ballet training and performance, making the most out of my career while getting as far and high in this industry as I can.”
For more information on The Royal Ballet School, visit www.royalballetschool.org.uk.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
