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Our 2024 Young Artists! Hand picked by Bloch for their skill, dedication and passion for dance.
"I’m Izzi and I started dancing at the age of 3 at The Bristol School of Dancing. I’m currently in my second year at The School of Ballet Theatre UK. I’ve performed in BTUK’s performances of Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Move It, and our annual showcases including: Jardin de Anime, Awakening of Flora and Rhapsody in Blue.
My training is mostly in ballet, however I also love doing contemporary and jazz. I’ve always aspired to have a career in ballet and I hope to travel the world with a company in the future."
Lexi Lou is a bright and bubbly 10 year old with an undeniable passion for dance. she loves to share this passion with her peers. She hopes to encourage and inspire others and share the joy of movement with all. Lexi is a versatile performer training in all disciplines. Her favourite styles are commercial and contemporary. Lexi has worked across tv in various commercials and short films.
Lexi dreams to become a professional dancer/choreographer and actress.
"Hi I’m Taiya and I’m 13 years old, I dance 6 days a week & love all styles!
I currently train weekly in Hip Hop, Commercial, Ballet, Tap, Jazz & Contemporary, I also enjoy attending different intensives throughout the year & trying new styles whenever I get the opportunity.
Dance is my absolute passion and I can’t imagine a future without it! I hope to be a professional dancer one day traveling the world and living my dance dreams to the fullest."
"I began my ballet training when I was 3 years old and dance has always been a major part of my life.
I moved to Central London when I was 16 to begin my full-time vocational dance training. My training focuses primarily on ballet and contemporary, however I also study many other genres of dance.
Living in London provides me with lots of opportunities to participate in classes and workshops and I have been fortunate to train and work with some incredible artists and companies. I have a passion for choreography and enjoy creating original pieces of performance art and this is an area that I would like to develop in the future."
"My name is Lauren Beharie I am 18 years old and currently in my graduate year at Central School Of Ballet in Central London. My main dance styles are Classical ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. My favourite style of dance is Ballet. I started dancing when I was 5 years old and have been dancing ever since. Bloch has enabled me to wear my brown skin-toned pointe shoes and tights, making me feel complete on stage and in my daily classes. My dance dreams for the future is to join a professional ballet company and continue to promote diversity and inclusion in the ballet and dance world."
"My name is Ava Fullex, I am 14 years old and I train at Art of Dance Academy, Hilton Hall, Sam Stanley Associates and Jag dance schools in Kent. My favourite style of dance is contemporary. I also study many styles of dance including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, commercial, singing, and musical theatre.
My dream is to have a career in dance and musical theatre. I love being on stage, performing, competing, and always trying to progress and improve in my movement."
"Hello, I'm Skylar Blu and I am 9 years old. I train in all styles of dance but my favourites are Ballet, lyrical commercial and Latin!
I train 7 days a week taking classes at pineapple studio's and Oti Mabuse Studio's. I live and breath dance and I feel very strongly about showing more diversity in the more classical styles of dance and Latin."
"My name is Isabella, I am 15yo and I have been training as a ballet dancer for the past 10 years. Currently I am privately trained and I am a senior associate with a Ballet School in London. I am familiar with the RAD style and the Russian method training and although it differs greatly both are beneficial to me. I have experienced a few styles of dance including contemporary, tap dance, modern, character and ballroom. I also attend Performing Arts School for 10 years where I developed my confidence and artistry.
I had the pleasure of being a Bloch Young Artist for the past year and I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Bloch team again for the upcoming year 2024. I believe joining a like-minded community and an environment that encourages continuous improvement, progress and growth is essential and having a positive support network is important."
"Hi, I'm Poppy, I’m 13-years-old, and thrilled to be a Bloch Young Artist again this year. Bloch Dancewear is my go-to for all my dance performances and a crucial part of my training. I’ve danced and trained in all styles at the Jayne A. Coleman Academy of Dance since I was 4, but I particularly love Jazz, Tap and Commercial. Last year, my team and I performed at the Dance World Cup in Portugal, securing 3 Golds, 3 Silvers, and 1 Bronze Medal in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical and Commercial. I also had the incredible opportunity to perform at the historic London Coliseum with my team as part of the All England Dance Centenary Celebrations.
I can't wait for another exciting year of opportunities in dance and sharing the joy!"
"I’ve doing ballet for 9 years, studied at Kyiv State Ballet College, BTB Basel and now studying at the Ballet Academy University of Theatre and Music Münich. At the academy we are studying ballet, contemporary and character dance styles. Competed at YAGP, Tanzolymp Berlin, IBBC, VKIBC and became a prize winner.
My biggest dream and goal is to become a professional ballet company and work in a prestigious ballet company."
"I have been in love with dancing since I was 5. Discipline and regular training has
always been my biggest priority. My never ending desire to become better and better at both movement and technique has been recognized during numerous competitions all over the world.
However, it is the time with music and myself in the training hall that I value the most. Performing Art Improvisation has always been my favourite kind of competition as it gives me the opportunity to release my creativity and show true feelings through dance. I can clearly show my connection with music."
"Hi! I’m Clara Nicolet, a 16-year-old French student with a deep passion for dance. While I mostly train in ballet, I’m also studying other styles such as contemporary and jazz.
As I love learning and embracing new experiences, I’m participating in numerous competitions, such as YAGP, and always like to discover new schools, methods and repertoire through their intensives! I’ve notably taken part in the Rock School for Dance and the John Cranko Schule summer courses.
I’m working hard to follow my dream of becoming a professional dancer, and I’m so grateful to Bloch for supporting me along the way!"
"I started dancing at about the age of three in Australia, I did all styles and began serious ballet training around the age of ten when I started at Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy. In the September of 2021 I began my training here at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart Germany, it’s been an absolute dream to move here and continue to do what I love daily. I aspire to dance in a professional ballet company, hopefully next season once I graduate. I’ve been a Bloch Young Artist (Europe) for the past year, so I’m super excited to be continuing with Bloch; I’m always grateful for their support and to share their beautiful dance wear!"
I have big dreams and ambitions such as bringing Jazz dance back to France one day…
I am moving forward in my journey with Bloch who accompanied me in 2023 and I have the chance to continue for the year 2024 which promises to be wonderful."
"My name is Amelia, I am 15 and I started dancing when I was 3. My favorite styles are jazz and ballet, but I dance modern and show dance too. I am 13-times Polish Champion, 3-times European Champion and 2-times World Champion. I am multiple winner of national and international competitions. I was also a Bloch Young Artist 2023 and I am so excited to be Bloch Young Artist for this year. My dream is to become a professional dancer and choreographer, spending all days dancing.”
Since I was 12 I’ve studied at Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts in Amsterdam. I train in all styles of dance, but my favorite styles are commercial, jazz, latin and contemporary.
I have played in musicals, films and tv shows, I really hope that one day the dreams of 8 year old Lilo come true.
This is my second year as a Bloch Young Artist, and I am really happy and grateful to be able to continue representing Bloch! "
"I have always dreamed of being a ballet dancer from a young age, being on stage brings me so much joy and excitement. But my favorite moments are the ones in the studios. Laughing with your friends, falling and getting right back up, seeing them succeed, growing up with them, and making memories that you will remember for the rest of your life. Everyday I go in knowing I have so many supporters and friends. And that will always keep me motivated for the future. You truly never know what’s to come, but that’s the best part."
Chloe Helimets trains at Bayer Ballet Academy in Mountain View, California, under the direction of her coach, Inna Bayer.
Chloe was awarded the Youth Grand Prix at the YAGP Chicago Regional competition in Chloe also participated in the ADC/IBC San Francisco Regional competition in November 2023, where she was awarded first place in both classical and contemporary in the Junior age division.
Chloe particularly loves full length classical ballets and dreams of someday bringing these stories to life for audiences around the world.
"When I was 9 years old, I decided that ballet is what I wanted to do. I’ve attended several academies since that time, working with teachers and coaches from all over the world, being taught the nuances and distinctions of their respective styles and methods, and given the opportunity to perform on stages in the USA, China, and Russia.
I’m currently a member of Houston Ballet II in Houston TX and honored to be a Bloch Young Artist for my second year. I’m looking forward to new experiences in 2024!"
"I’ve been dancing ever since I can remember. I started taking dance more seriously when I was granted the opportunity to join my training company Koin & Co - in NYC. I’m now going into my senior year on the ProTrack. I’ve also worked with Dance Lab NY: next gen as a dancer and choreographer. I was recently in the movie “Theater Camp” by Ben Platt & Molly Gordon that premiered this summer! My goals for the future are to continue working as a Dancer in NYC / LA in the Broadway and Commercial World. I’m so excited to continue with Bloch as Young Artist for another. Here’s to all the amazing opportunities that lie ahead!"
"Hi my name is Amaya! I am 18 years old and I’ve been dancing since I was 3. I am currently a trainee with the Washington School of Ballet, this is my third year with TWSB and my second year as a trainee. I have had the pleasure of performing with the professional company in several ballets such as; Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Theme and Variations.
I train in ballet, contemporary, and character. My goal is to become a professional ballerina and have a fulfilling career. I truly enjoyed being a Bloch young artist last year and I am grateful to have another opportunity to represent this amazing brand again!"
Christian Burse from Austin Texas started her dance journey at age of two. She completed her early dancing at Joyce Willet School Of Dance and RISE Dance Company. She continued her dance training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas and Dance Industry Performing Arts Center. She was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar Finalist, National YoungArts Foundation winner and a Texas Young Master. Now she is a Company Member with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. This is her third season with the company.
"Hi, I am Zyla! I am 12 years old, originally from Boston and I now consider myself a 617Caligirl! This is my second year living in LA and I am so excited to continue my second year as a Bloch Young Artist!! I train in ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, street styles, jazz funk, vogue, runway, acting, voice and hip-hop! Tap is absolutely my favorite! I love that Bloch has a look I can wear for all genres of my training!
I am a member of Sole Talk Youth Company and I also train with the Syncopated Ladies. I most enjoy the youth outreach programs and am inspired by the works of mentors, Chloe and Maud. I am also mentored by Joseph Wiggan who inspires me to explore my voice as I continue to develop and eventually perform with bands on a larger scale. Another dream and goal is to go on tour with different artists fully prepared and trained well enough to perform for hours!
As a versatile artist, I am proud to be a Bloch young artist because I am free to be me in each and every style I wear !“
"I began tap dancing when I was 4 years old and was a competitive tap dancer for 5 years. I then started going to tap festivals all over the country. I attended a tap event in NYC when I was 11, where I met my mentor Jason Samuels Smith.
My dance dreams are to perform on Broadway and in movies too, and I want to tour and entertain audiences all over the world.
It has been a great experience and so much fun being a Bloch Young Artist in 2023, and I’m so excited and feel honored to continue as a Young Artist in 2024!"
Our 2023 Young Artists! Hand picked by Bloch for their skill, dedication and passion for dance.
"Hi, I am Skylar Blu Copeland and I am 8 years old. I train in all styles of dance, but my favourite styles of dance are Ballet, Lyrical and Commercial.
I train 6 days a week taking all my classes mainly at pineapple studios. I train independently but also enjoy attending many different intensives. I feel very strongly about showing more diversity in the more classical styles of dance."
I am thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a Bloch Young Artist of the year. My hope is to inspire all young dancers out there, to always reach for their dreams - to never give up and always love what they do."
"I fell in love with Ballet on my 3rd birthday when I had my first ballet lesson and it has been my passion ever since.
I danced at The Tanya Pearson Academy in Sydney Australia until my selection at Elmhurst Ballet School in 2022. I was fortunate to have been selected to perform with the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House . I live and breathe Ballet."
"I’m Sofia, I’ve been dancing since I was about 4 and started vocational training at 11 at the Royal Ballet School and now I’m in my final year of training at English National Ballet School.
My favourite style of dance is ballet. I’ve been wearing Bloch pointe shoes for most of my ballet training now and I love them, as well as all of Bloch’s dancewear range."
"I started dancing at the age of 5 in a small studio in Australia and I decided that I wanted to dance professionally when I was 12. I have been in full-time training for over 4 years now, focusing on Ballet and Contemporary.
I moved to England in September of 2021 to train in the 3-year classical course at Elmhurst Ballet School in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet. My training consists of mainly ballet and contemporary but I also do choreography, jazz and flamenco.
"I started ballet when I was 3 years old and have loved it ever since.
I do many styles as well as ballet, including contemporary, jazz and flamenco.
To have a career in ballet has been my dream ever since I can remember! Moving from Australia to the UK to pursue this dream has been such a surreal experience, and I am so excited to be able to work with Bloch this year."
"I am Isabella and I have experienced many styles of dance including contemporary, tap, character, ballroom. However, I fell in love with Ballet.
Ballet is intense, challenging, but highly rewarding. It is very motivating to see yourself improving and when I look back at my journey I am pleased to see how far I have come."
"Hi, my name is Poppy, I’m from Surrey and I’m currently studying at the Jayne A. Coleman Academy of Dance in Wokingham. I study all genres of dance (jazz/modern, commercial, tap, ballet, acro, musical theatre/singing), however my favourite styles are modern/jazz and commercial!
I have competed in All England dance festivals since I was 6 and have represented Team England at The Dance World Cup since I was 8. My passion is performing; I love being on stage. Dancing is my life and my favourite thing!"
"I study dance at Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts in Amsterdam.
I follow classes in the styles: ballet, jazz, Horton, tap, contemporary, Latin, urban, musical theatre, and commercial.
Besides that, I also danced in tv shows and played in the musical Billy Elliot."
"I am a versatile dancer practicing many styles of dance including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, classical - but I specialize in the field of jazz.
I travel between Biarritz, Bordeaux and Paris to train in all styles of dance. To further my experience, I do many photo shoots and video clips for artists. I was Patrick Bruel's soloist dancer and choreographer. I am therefore a dancer accustomed to the stage and live for performing."
"Hi, I am Natalia Augustyniak, currently a ballet dancer with Wrocław Opera Ballet. I was born in Łódź, Poland, and started ballet at age of 3. My professional training started when I got into the State Ballet School in Łódź at age of 9 where I trained for seven years. I joined Miami City Ballet School in 2019 and graduated in 2021, and in the same year, I joined Opera Wrocławska as a corps de ballet dancer.
I’ve taken part in many performances and competitions, such as: YAGP and ballet workshops such as International Ballet Summer Workshop Estonia 2019. Awarded with Minister of Culture and National Heritage's scholarship and Prime Minister's scholarship in Poland."
"I have been practicing classical, jazz and contemporary dance for 12 years.
I was trained at the Conservatoire d'Avignon in France and I got my diploma (Diploma of choreographic studies) in jazz, and my certificate of choreographic studies in classical. This year I am auditioning for the Preljocaj junior ballet."
"I have been dancing since I was three years old. I started with ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and contemporary, but always knew ballet was my real passion.
I began training more seriously at Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy in Australia and moved to full time training when I was 13. I now train at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart and continue to follow my dreams and am grateful to be able to continue representing Bloch."
"Hi, I am Zyla! I am 11 years old, originally from Boston, but last year I moved to LA to pursue my dreams of dance and the arts. I train in ballet, tap, modern, african, afro dance, acting, voice and hip-hop!
I just made my featured film debut in Spirited, Apples #1 film starring Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell and Octavia Spencer, choreographed by Chloe Arnold. I am also featured in the Whitney biopic: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, choreographed by James Alsop. This summer you can see me in the Theater camp movie, choreographed by Maud Arnold. I am a member of Sole Talk Youth Company and train with the Syncopated Ladies. Chloe and Maud are my mentors who I cherish very much."
"When I was 9 years old, I decided that ballet is what I wanted to do. I’ve attended several academies since that time, working with teachers and coaches from all over the world, being taught the nuances and distinctions of their respective styles and methods, and given the opportunity to perform on stages in the USA, China, and Russia.
I hope to continue to grow into a professional ballerina and to make a valuable contribution to the art."
"I am currently a trainee with the Washington School of Ballet, this is my second year with TWSB. I have had the pleasure of performing with the professional company in several ballets such as; Swan Lake, the Nutcracker, and most recently Theme and Variations.
I train in ballet, contemporary, and character."
"I began tap dancing when I was four years old and competed for many years, taking numerous titles and top placements at dance competitions and conventions. I have and continue to attend tap dance festivals, trained on a mini tap dance scholarship at Point Park University for two years, assist Sarah Reich at Nuvo Dance Conventions for the last two years, and I also teach tap dancing at a local competitive dance studio.
I have been mentored by Jason Samuels Smith for over four years, and he inspired me to start performing with bands at venues in and around Pittsburgh. I trained in hip hop in my competitive years, and have spent the last four years being fully committed to tap dancing."
"With 9 years of experience in classical ballet, I have developed a versatile skill set and a strong foundation in the art of ballet. I am now pursuing a professional career in dance, leveraging my talent, hard work, and passion to succeed in this competitive field.
I am eager to continue honing my craft, while additionally pushing myself to work on others styles of dance including contemporary and character. Now, I would love to share my passion of dance with audiences around the world."
"Hey there, I'm Katie, a 16-year-old dancer who started my journey at the age of 7. Just like my Bloch Dancewear, dance has become an essential part of my life.
I've been fortunate to appear in music videos for DJ Snake and Kesha, as well as hit shows like Fresh Off The Boat and Insecure. Showstopper magazine even featured me as a dancer to watch!
Dance allows me to express myself and connect with others, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next."
"Hi, I’m Giada! I’m 17 years old and I’ve been dancing ever since I was 16 months old. I used to be a competitive dancer, but now I just train professionally in NYC.
I’m a part of a few dance companies in the city (Koin & Co, Dance Lab: NextGen & SoleTalk) and I’m represented by MSA Talent Agency! I train in all styles of dances, but some of my favorites are Tap, Hip Hop/Jazz Funk & Contemporary."
"I started dance at the age of two, growing up dancing competitively. I love all styles of dance, but was introduced to contemporary ballet during a summer intensive - where I focused more on ballet and my pointe work.
I started my professional career with Complexions Contemporary Ballet at 17 years old. I am currently in my second season with the company."
Now, I am a data science student at George Washington University, but I am continuing to dance extracurricularly.
With my social media, I hope to not only create educational and entertaining content about ballet, but also inspire young dancers to broaden their ideas of what dancing can look like after graduation.
]]>We recently caught up with Soloist, Letícia Dias to discuss all things Ballet, her aspirations for the future and how she came to find her lifelong love for dance.
]]>We recently caught up with Soloist, Letícia Dias to discuss all things Ballet, her aspirations for the future and how she came to find her lifelong love for dance.
Brazilian ballerina Letícia Dias is now a First Soloist at The Royal Ballet having started her journey with the company in 2016.
Letícia's ballet career has seen her perform in world-renowned ballets such as Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet, and she has recently been cast as The Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker which will be performed at The Royal Opera House during Christmas 2022. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak to her about her life as a ballet dancer so far.
Hello, my name is Letícia Dias. I am 25 years old. I come from Rio de Janeiro in Brasil and I have lived in London for 10 years now. I joined the Royal Ballet School in 2013 and I have been in the company for 7 years now.
I first started dancing when I was 4 years old back at home in Brasil. My Mum put me in ballet classes just as a hobby whilst she was working, and I have been dancing ever since. It was only twice a week back then, but when I turned 9 I joined a ballet school where I did ballet every day of the week. It started getting more and more serious from there.
My biggest inspiration to become a Ballet dancer was my Ballet teacher back at home. My Mum also inspired me as she used to be a dancer. She always tried to show me what dance could do and how it could make you feel when you hear that applause. I always had this idea of being on stage and enjoying that moment. As for my ballet teacher, she taught me so much about dance and created this dream for me.
My dream role to play is Juliet in the biggest, most amazing romantic story that is Romeo and Juliet. In my company, we do the Kenneth MacMillan version which is a very inspiring, gorgeous production. I have been dreaming about it since I got to learn it. Hopefully in a couple of years I will be able to perform it. That would be a dream come true.
So, the BLOCH shoe that I wear at the moment is custom-made and it’s a version of the Serenade shoe*. Bob Martin made some alterations to the Serenade style so that they fit me perfectly, and I have been wearing them for about five years now.
I think the main goal for my career would be to one day become a principal ballerina at The Royal Ballet where I am now as it’s an amazing company. Even if I don’t make it to the top, I would just love to be recognised by dancers and inspiring others whilst performing amazing roles. Telling stories through dance and learning from previous principal dancers at the company is what I love. I would just love to be involved in bigger things and telling bigger stories.
]]>Up there with Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty is undoubtedly one of the most iconic ballets every dancer dreams of adding to their repertoire — not to mention one of the most challenging.
For Anna Rose O’Sullivan, one of the Royal Ballet’s most promising young talents, that dream recently became a reality, when she was given the opportunity to star as lead Princess Aurora in the company’s production of the famed story, in December last year.
The dancer cites the much-coveted role — which marked her debut — as one of the highlights of her career so far. “Aurora is the iconic, classical role that I’ve dreamt of performing since I was a little girl, so I was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to take it on,” she revealed.
Since joining the Royal Ballet from its Upper School, as an Artist in December 2012, Anna Rose has proven just how talented she is, being promoted to First Artist in 2016, Soloist in 2017 and First Soloist in 2019. Her shining repertoire offers further proof too, with roles including Swanilda in Coppélia, Dorabella in Enigma Variations, Alice in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Clara in The Nutcracker.
In April last year she added Juliet to that list too, dancing alongside Principal dancer and close friend Marcelino Sambé, impressing fans and critics alike. So much so, that she is nominated for the outstanding female classical performance prize in the upcoming Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards.
Dancing Aurora understandably took many hours of rehearsal and hard work behind the curtain, to prepare not just her body, but her mind too — but how else did she prepare? And just how demanding was her schedule? Eager to discover more, we spoke exclusively to the BLOCH influencer to find out!
I have always loved to dance. As a small child I would use the fireplace hearth at home [in Harrow, Greater London] as a stage to put on song and dance shows for my family. I started ballet locally around the age of four and joined The Royal Ballet School [White Lodge in Richmond Park] at 11 years old. That was when I truly dedicated myself to pursuing a career in ballet.
It felt like I had stepped into some pretty big shoes! There have been many incredible ballerinas before me that have interpreted this role and it is famously known to test your nerve and stamina. The role holds a certain classical acclaim, so I felt incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to portray Princess Aurora.
I prepared for the role of Aurora with my wonderful coach [Former Principal and Répétiteur of The Royal Ballet] Lesley Collier. My process to perform this ballet was built up over weeks of hard work and polishing details of the pure technicalities. There's always something more you can add and sometimes the simplest of nuances in the choreography required the most detailed focus and analysing to make it exact. I also researched the ballet and watched historic performances so I could soak up the magic. Once I had all the information, then it was up to me to find my own interpretation.
I try hard to treat the day of a big performance the same as I would any other. I’ll take a class to warm up my body, but I’ll be extra conscious to conserve my energy so that it has plenty of reserve for a three-act ballet later that night. I’ll eat a balanced meal around 3:00 p.m. and I like to close my eyes and visualise the performance beforehand. The day of a show is mainly about charging my batteries as all the physical preparation is done. The moment I get on stage is the moment when I feel free!
For me, there is no typical work day as no day is ever entirely the same, but I always start with class and then I’ll go on to rehearse until 5:30 p.m. on a show day and 6:30 p.m. on a day with a performance. I can rehearse for up to four or five different ballets in the same day.
I've had so many wonderful highlights! Another recent one was performing Juliet in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. I enjoyed every moment of performing that role!
My exercise regime is mainly built up within the studio with my coach. There is no better way to rehearse ballet than to find the muscle memory within the steps themselves. Repetition is key to preparing for Aurora! If there’s a particular muscle group I’d like to target, then I will ask the wonderful Pilates and strength training specialists for guidance. I also listen to my body to become more in tune with it.
By eating well and sleeping well. I think it’s very important to have a healthy approach to your work — work hard but cleverly!
It would have to be my pointe shoes*! BLOCH pointe shoes were the first shoes I wore when I was a student and they continue to support me in my professional dancing career today.
I wear a custom-made BLOCH shoe with innovation by Bob Martin. It’s a wonderful style because they fit my foot like a glove!
My advice would be to stay true to yourself in everything, treat others how you would like to be treated, and work hard, but above all enjoy your dancing!
I enjoy spending time with my family and close friends. My working schedule is so busy, that going for a meal to catch up and laugh with the people I love helps keep reality in check and makes me feel incredibly happy.
I would like to continue expanding my principal repertoire. The Royal Ballet is full of beautiful stories and abstract works, and that inspires me to want to explore my own capabilities. I enjoy getting lost in a narrative and there are still many characters I would like the opportunity to pour my heart into. Giselle is one I would particularly like to take on — it requires so much strength and vulnerability!
*We recommend you get fitted by our professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitters every time you purchase a new pair of pointe shoes to make sure they fit perfectly. An appointment must be booked in advance of every fitting.
Shop Anna Rose’s must-haves as well as the full BLOCH footwear and apparel ranges now!
]]>Born into a family of four classical ballet dancers, American dancer Julian Mackay unsurprisingly caught the performance bug early on. He began his dance journey across the pond where he grew up, in the state of Montana, training with Christine Austin, before studying at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. As a student, he performed roles including Siegfried in Swan Lake with Russian State Ballet and in Esmeralda, Coppélia and The Sleeping Beauty with the Bolshoi.
His ambition and talent have taken him to incredible locations across the globe, something he cites as one of the best parts about his position as global guest artist. “By the age of 20 I’d danced as an International Guest Star around the world. It’s been a very exciting time!” he reveals. “I’ve travelled all over to dance in cities like Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Moscow, London, St. Petersburg and soon Paris too. It’s a joy to share my passion!”
Julian has also appeared as a soloist in galas including ‘Stars of the 21st Century’, ‘Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow’ (Youth America Grand Prix) and the Marika Besobrasova gala. He was Prix de Lausanne apprentice with The Royal Ballet during the 2015/16 Season, before joining the renowned Mikhailovsky Ballet Company in 2016 as the youngest-ever soloist. During his graduation year in 2015, he scooped medals for both contemporary and classical performance in five international competitions and was awarded the En Avant Foundation’s Kelvin Coe Scholarship.
As if that wasn’t enough, he boasts a shining repertory too, dancing in pas de deux and variations from La Fille mal gardée, Marguerite and Armand, Giselle, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Esmeralda and L’amoroso. The future is certainly bright for this young ballet star!
We caught up exclusively with Julian to find out how he spends a typical day preparing for a big ballet role, his top tips for aspiring young dancers and his personal career highlights.
The moment I realised was when I started seeing results from my hard work and all those hours spent in the studio at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. After that, I began to realise how performing and giving all my energy to the audience inspired not just me, but them too, bringing them to a better place. From that point on, I became entirely committed to a career in performance.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know my catchphrase is ‘always working’! I enjoy the entire process from studio to stage. My days are filled with work from about 8.00 A.M. until 10.00 P.M. in the theatre, with multiple rehearsals with different ballerinas and many different ballets.
I try to fully immerse myself into the role and into the character, whoever I’m portraying, particularly for dramatic roles. What helps me do this is, is visualization of the performance, from each step and breath down to each movement of my body. On the day of the show, from the moment I wake up to the moment my final makeup is applied, I’m thinking about all these nuances and weaving a storyline to help me bring this ballet to life in my own way.
That’s a difficult question, there are so many! There are many favourites I have yet to dance that I look forward to dancing in the future too. My favourite is probably the one I’m working on at that moment — I immerse myself totally into the role, and it takes all my focus emotionally, mentally and physically to bring it alive onstage.
I loved opening the tour of the Mikhailovsky Theatre in Japan, on the opening night of The Flames of Paris. It was my first time in Tokyo and such an amazing experience — the Japanese audience were great! Recently I also had the opportunity to work on Marguerite and Armand with [Mariinsky Theatre Coach and Repetiteur] Grant Coyle in London at English National Ballet. Soon I will be rehearsing with Johan Kobborg in Moscow for Les Lutins which is another exciting role for me.
I attended American Ballet Theatre in New York City by age 9, training during the summers at The Royal Ballet School and Academy Princess Grace Dance Academy in Monaco. I became the first full American graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, having trained at both the lower and upper academies for six years from age 11-17. While I was a student, I danced Swan Lake on tour in Germany and Switzerland. At the Prix de Lausanne, I won a contract to the Royal Ballet in London, where I worked from age 17-18. In that same year, I was awarded five consecutive medals at international ballet competitions. At the age of 18 I moved on to Second Soloist at The Mikhailovsky Theatre and was promoted to First Soloist at the age of 19, dancing all the main principle roles.
The first time I danced on the Bolshoi stage aged 12, while training at the Bolshoi Academy in Esmerelda with Natalia Osipova and a live goat! It was magical being on that stage surrounded by such big stars.
I always show up early for class. I’m usually the first one there as I have to do all my exercises beforehand, including stretching out my back and legs and sit ups to strengthen my core. That way as soon as class starts, I’m ready to go!
I try to sweat as much as possible — whether that be through saunas or high intensity workouts — as this helps to remove toxins from my body. It’s also important for me to stay hydrated, especially with all the travelling I do, so I always drink lots of water. I have regular massages and use acupuncture and alternative health care too, as well as eating organic food when I can.
Right now I’m wearing the ones with a stretchy instep that makes them so comfortable and easy to work in, because after a flight my feet are usually a little swollen.
My advice is to get the best possible training, because the foundation you set will carry you through any style of classical and contemporary.
I love swimming, wakeboarding, skiing, relaxing at Hot Springs and skateboarding. When I’m at home in Montana, I love giving back through masterclasses. I’ve also been helping to organise and dance in the Yellowstone International Arts Festival [a dance festival in Paradise Valley, Montana]. This year it features myself, my three siblings and dance friends from around the world, opera singers and musicians, as well as traditional Montana culture such as Native American Fancy Dancers.
Shop Julian’s favourites from our footwear and apparel range, as well as our NEW menswear collection now!
]]>Coming from a long line of athletes – her father was a gymnast and her mother a dancer – it’s no surprise that ballerina Christine Shevchenko would too inherit the athleticism, talent and drive required to carve a dance career. But while the Ukrainian-American dancer started out as an aspiring rhythmic gymnast, she admits she had her heart set on ballet from an early age.
“I think I really knew [I wanted to pursue a career in ballet] around the age of 10 when I would get so excited to go to ballet class,” the star recalls. “All I could think about was ballet! When people started realising I had a talent for it, that was when I gave it all I’d got.”
Joining American Ballet Theatre as an apprentice in 2006, Shevchenko steadily rose through the ranks becoming soloist in 2014, before being promoted to Principal dancer in 2017, as (along with fellow ballerina Devon Teuscher) the company’s youngest female Principal dancer.
After three years as a soloist, her debut leading role with the company was Kitri in Don Quixote and she's since garnered an impressive repertoire, with roles including: Polyhymnia in Apollo, Gamzatti and a Shade in La Bayadère, Milkmaid in The Bright Stream, the Fairy Summer in Cinderella, Lead Mazurka/Czardas in Coppéliaa and Italian Princess in Swan Lake.
So as no stranger to big performances, just how demanding is her schedule? And what rituals must she complete to remain at the top of her game? We caught up with the Principal dancer and BLOCH influencer to find out! Here she shares an insight into her prep, her top tips for aspiring dancers and of course her BLOCH must-haves!
The first clue was when my mum brought me backstage to a performance of Sleeping Beauty in Ukraine. I stood in the wing and watched for three hours straight — I was hypnotised by the beauty of dance and music.
My day begins at 8 a.m. I love coffee so that’s the first thing I’ll have when I get out of bed. We have warm up class at the American Ballet Theatre studios from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 am, then at noon our rehearsals begin and go on until 7 p.m. During weeks with no performance, we work Tuesday through to Saturday, but when we’re in season we work six days a week. Before I go to bed I always take an Epsom Salt bath, it helps me unwind and relax my muscles.
I’ll have an hour or two of rehearsals earlier in the day, then I love to go home and rest, maybe take a nap. I drink lots of water and electrolytes the day before and the day off to prevent muscle cramping. I also eat lots of bananas! I come in about two and a half hours before the performance begins to warm up and get my hair and makeup done. A good playlist is a must! In the weeks leading up to the performance, I like to lock down the technical aspects of the role so that I can focus on the character and the artistic qualities — it's so important when carrying a full-length ballet.
The biggest highlight was being promoted to Principal ballerina with ABT. I also really enjoyed getting to perform Odette/Odile in Swan Lake.
My journey began at three years old with Rythmic gymnastics training at an Olympic reserved school in Ukraine; ballet classes were required and that was my first introduction into ballet. My family moved to America when I was seven, and at the age of eight I decided to do ballet full time, so my mum enrolled me into the Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet. I trained there for eight years, completing trained in both The Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet and Balanchine. At 14, I was the youngest recipient of the Princess Grace Award recipient, and also won the Gold Medal at Moscow International Ballet Competition. I won Bronze at Jackson, Mississippi International Competition and won the George Zoritch Talent recognition award. At 17 I joined ABT’s Studio company, then more than a year later joined the main company. I worked my way through corps roles, soloist roles and was finally promoted to Principal dancer in 2017.
I’ll usually ice my feet at the end of the day if they become swollen, along with regular Epsom Salt soaks.
I do Gyrotonic exercises once or twice a week as I love what it does for my body. If I have a role that requires a lot of stamina, then I’ll also do some cross training.
My body is my tool and without it functioning properly I can’t do my job, so I eat lots of organic foods. I take vitamins too, turmeric is a must. I have massages on a regular basis and I'm a big fan of cryotherapy. I'm also now an ambassador for Rapid Reboot, a compression pant company — I swear by them. They help with circulation, inflammation and muscle recovery so I’ll usually put them on in the evening.
The Warm Up Booties!
I love anything with mesh! The Ligia leotard from the new Holiday Collection is a current favourite of mine.
I wear Balance European Pointe Shoes custom-made to my preferences. I love how they mould to my feet and how consistent they are.
Anything is possible, as long as you put the work in. Follow your heart — if you love something then go for it and give it all you’ve got.
I love to bake and cook as I find it meditative, it relaxes me and clears my mind. I also love getting outside and surrounding myself with nature.
My next aspiration is to guest worldwide. I dream of performing in Paris, London and Russia.
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]]>Think back to that moment you first discovered your passion for dance. Can you recall it clearly? For Russian ballet dancer Maria Khoreva, it was on completion of her performance in a school production at Vaganova Ballet Academy. The young dancer cites this as the turning point when she realised dance was her “meaning in life” and that she wanted to follow it as a career, no matter what.
"When I was in 5th grade I was dancing a variation in our school concert, and after I’d performed, I felt like I’d achieved something so valuable and important to me — I was ecstatic!" she reveals. "That was the moment I knew I wanted to pursue a career in ballet, no matter what. It became my meaning in life."
It’s this raw passion — together with her unwavering drive and talent — that has set her up for sterling success in the industry since, with a repertoire boasting roles in La Bayadère (as Nikia), Swan Lake (as Pas de trois), Le Corsaire (as Medora, Trio of Odalisques) and The Nutcracker (as Masha). Having now graduated from the Vaganova Ball Academy, 19-year-old Khoreva has gone on to become the first soloist of the Mariinsky Ballet since 2018. It’s little wonder then, that she is capturing attention as one of the most notable young talents to join the prestigious company in recent years.
So, with further demanding roles in the pipeline, how does Khoreva spend a typical day? Here she shares an insight into her active schedule as well as her BLOCH must-haves!
I have my breakfast then head to the Mariinsky Theatre for ballet class at 11 a.m. I start warming up about 50 minutes before class starts, as it’s important to activate my body and brain properly. During class we’ll warm up but also ‘channel’ ourselves by practising all movements correctly — this makes sure the day of rehearsals goes smoothly. Afterwards, I’ll usually have a few rehearsals for upcoming performances, but this depends on the availability of my coach and the studio.
I don’t usually rehearse on the days I perform bigger roles, but if the role is short, I might have a rehearsal for an hour or so. If I don’t perform, I’ll come home, write some notes in my planner, have dinner, post on Instagram then check my emails. If there’s time, I’ll watch a TV show or read before going to bed. On the days I perform, I usually stay up late as our shows don’t finish until 10.00 or 11.00 p.m.
It’s always been important for me to immerse myself in the story of the ballet I’m performing, to understand why my character behaves, dances or shows emotion a certain way. I read the literature that laid the foundation of the ballet, watch videos on its history and other dancers performing it, then try to discover my own expression during rehearsals. I also love the visualisation technique, it helps to close my eyes and imagine doing the moves exactly how I want them to look. I believe this builds the right connections between neurons in my brain — I always find it much easier to rehearse the next day!
I began dancing roles in ballets performed by the students of Vaganova Ballet Academy on stage of the Mariinsky when I was 10 — my first important role was a Doll in The Nutcracker during 5th grade. I then continued performing in Vaganova’s graduation performances during my 7th and 8th years, dancing in The Fairy Doll, Classical Symphony by Lavrovsky, variations from Paquita, Suite en blanc by Lifar, and Dance of the Hours from the opera Gioconda. I then joined Mariinsky Ballet where my first role as a member of the company was Terpsichore from George Balanchine’s Apollo, which will forever remain one of my favourites. I also performed Trio of Odalisques in Le Corsaire and Friends of the Prince from Swan Lake. My next big role was the lead in Paquita and I had a blast! The process of creating the character and bringing it to the audience was fascinating.
Dancing La Bayadère in the Mariinsky Theatre.
I like taking an ice-cold bath, but sometimes I prefer a hot one with salt and herbs. At the end of the day I will always have my feet massaged and apply some soothing cream to aid healing.
During work season I start with class at 11:00 a.m. and I would normally have one to three rehearsals with a break in between. I finish the day either performing or going home to rest. When I’m on holiday, I normally go to the gym once or twice a day, as well as running or cardio. I also swim a lot too.
For me, staying fit and healthy is about getting the balance right between exercising and resting. Eating healthy is very important too.
I love everything about BLOCH, but the shoes are my favourite! I also love the black BLOCH Dance Bag to hold all my ballet essentials.
I love wearing a very simple, basic style with camisole straps during rehearsals.
I’ve been wearing Serenade Strong Pointe Shoes* for more than five years now, and I love how I can feel the floor in them. I also love how they go through a kind of life cycle, starting off as brand new, then breaking in as I dance, before finally coming to the end of their life and I have to replace them.
Make the most of your time while you are studying, noting all the teacher’s corrections, because you won’t always have as much time to learn. Finally, everything should be prepared well in advance.
I read a lot of fiction and books about ballet, including biographies. I like to watch movies and cook desserts too. When I’m travelling, I enjoy walking for hours exploring new places and cultural peculiarities.
John Neumeier and Wayne McGregor.
I’m looking forward to presenting my version of Paquita, Nikiya and Diamonds to the American audience in October [2019], it will be demanding but also extremely supportive. I will also be working on upcoming roles such as Raymonda and Princess Aurora from The Sleeping Beauty.
*We recommend you get fitted by our professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitters every time you purchase a new pair of pointe shoes to make sure they fit perfectly. An appointment must be booked in advance of every fitting.
Shop Maria’s BLOCH must-haves as well as the rest of the BLOCH footwear and apparel now!
]]>As the daughter of ballet legends Irek Mukhamedov (Bolshoi and Royal Ballet alumnus) and Masha Mukhamedov (former Bolshoi Principal and soloist), it’s little wonder dancer Sasha Mukhamedov was inspired to follow in their famed footsteps.
“I grew up within a ballet family, so I have always been surrounded by it,” she reveals. “I always used to dance around the house when I was little, but it was when I had my first real stage experience at 13-years-old that I thought ‘this is it, I want to become a ballerina.’”
Beginning her ballet journey being privately taught by her famous mother, Mukhamedov has since successfully carved her own star within the industry. Notably becoming Principal with The Dutch National Ballet in 2016, and most recently joining the San Francisco Ballet in July 2019 as Soloist, the professional has also garnered several dance prizes — including ‘most promising dancer’ at the ballet competition in Varna in 2008 and a bronze medal at the Youth America Grand Prix 2007.
We sat down with the BLOCH Ambassador to find out how she gets her mind and body ready for a sterling dance role, her personal career highlights and of course, her favourite BLOCH products she simply couldn’t dance without!
I wake up at 8 a.m. and I like to take my time in the morning and eat a good breakfast before ballet class starts at 10 a.m. From then, it all depends on which performance I’ve got coming up. I will usually be in and out of rehearsals during the day and end up finishing around 6 p.m., although sometimes I get lucky and finish early so I can enjoy my evening a little more.
A lot of rehearsal time goes into preparing for a big role — I just did my debut of Swan Lake in April which I started rehearsing for in January. I also like to go on YouTube to watch how other ballerinas perform the role and see what I like and what I can change to make it my own. On the day of the show I don’t like to rehearse much, just enough so that I can feel my muscles, and then I relax at home for a few hours before returning to the theatre and getting myself into the dancer role.
After long days dancing from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. I often do a foot soak. I fill a bucket with warm water and add about 1/2 cup or a cup of Apple cider vinegar and it works like magic! If you add Epsom Salt it works even better. I soak for 15 to 20 minutes before going to bed and it really refreshes my feet for the next day.
For me it really is all about ballet class — as ballet dancers, it’s our natural way of training — so I think it’s really important to do your best, starting at the barre. Even when you’re tired, a good barre session goes a long way. I also love yoga, so usually if we have two days off, I like to go to a yoga class on one of those days to keep the body feeling like I made a difference that day.
Definitely my BLOCH Warm Up Booties! They are the very best boots to keep your feet warm.
At the moment it's a Mirella leotard, with cap sleeves and flower mesh. I love the shape and it’s super feminine.
I am currently wearing the Eurostretch Stretch Split Sole Pointe Shoe. I discovered this style when I was being fitted for a new pointe shoe* by a professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitter. The minute I tried them on they felt comfortable and fitted the shape of my foot perfectly!
When you get to the stage, perform every show like it's your last, because that's when you really give exactly what you are meant to give, and when the love of what you do really comes through.
I will never forget my debut of Nikiya, a temple dancer from La Bayadère. This was a ballet I have always loved and always dreamed of doing, so when I finally got the chance to dance the role it really was a dream come true.
Joining San Francisco Ballet is an exciting new challenge for me because they work a lot differently in America to how we do in Europe. I want to see what I can learn from them and how I can bring the American style into my dancing.
*We recommend you get fitted by our professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitters every time you purchase a new pair of pointe shoes to make sure they fit perfectly. An appointment must be booked in advance of every fitting.
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“We took the time to not just double stitch it, but triple stitch it, and we also shaped the back, so it literally cups your Achilles. This plush, soft material makes the shoe really nice to wear even without socks. The patent leather jumps; it screams — it’s amazing! I love these new patent leathers and I’m really looking forward to them being released. They look beautiful. Get ready!”