Welcome to The Ballet Beat, your exclusive window into the world of ballet, brought to you by the team behind YAGP. In every edition, we celebrate the dedication, artistry, and stories that inspire dancers and audiences alike. This issue features an exclusive interview with Royal Ballet principal Joseph Sissens, expert tips on breaking in pointe shoes, and a special spotlight feature showcasing dancers from around the globe. Don’t miss YAGP’s own Morning Inspiration: Ballet Teacher Tips from José Carayol, where the Head of Artistic Programmes at The Royal Ballet School shares insights on the importance of lifelong learning in ballet. Join us as we explore the beauty, resilience, and passion that define the ballet community.

 

Joseph Sissens dances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Photograph: Andrej Uspenski

By Lyndsey Winship

Joseph Sissens, recently promoted to principal at the Royal Ballet, discusses his journey, balancing privilege with personal challenges, and his dedication to advancing diversity in ballet. He shares insights on confronting embedded racism and his new project, Legacy, a gala celebrating Black and Brown excellence. Sissens aspires to inspire change from within ballet’s traditional framework while dreaming of his next role as Romeo.

Lyndsey Winship is a dance critic and journalist dedicated to making dance accessible and engaging. Through her work with The Guardian, she highlights key figures and explores the cultural impact of dance, bridging the gap between the art and its audiences.

by YAGP

In this Instagram Reel, José Carayol, Head of Artistic Programmes at The Royal Ballet School, shares valuable teaching insights, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in ballet. He encourages dancers to remain open to new knowledge and techniques, highlighting that ballet education is an ongoing journey. The video serves as an inspiring reminder for dancers to embrace lifelong learning in their practice.

Meet José Carayol, Head of Artistic Programmes at The Royal Ballet School. With a wealth of experience, he inspires dancers to embrace continuous learning, blending technical precision with artistry to shape the next generation of ballet talent.

The cover of the October 1974 issue of Dance Magazine featured a portrait of Mikhail Baryshnikov shot by Kenn Duncan in the photographer’s studio that August. From the DM Archives.

By Courtney Escoyne

The October 1974 Dance Magazine cover story marked Mikhail Baryshnikov's first appearance after defecting to the West. At 26, he quickly captivated audiences with his performances at American Ballet Theatre and a commitment to exploring new choreography and partnerships. Baryshnikov expressed a desire to take on roles with emotional depth, hoping Western choreographers would create pieces for him, marking the start of his legendary journey in ballet.

Courtney Escoyne is a dance writer and editor at Dance Magazine, known for her in-depth industry insights and performance reviews. Her work highlights the changing landscape of dance, supporting artistic growth and transparency within the field.

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We hope you've enjoyed The Ballet Beat, where we showcase inspiring stories from the ballet community.

Stay tuned for next week's edition of The Ballet Beat!