Lauren Cuthbertson
Lauren Cuthbertson | |
|---|---|
| File:Lauren Cuthbertson 2006 02.png Lauren Cuthbertson as Fairy of Vitality in Sleeping Beauty (2006) | |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Ballet dancer |
Lauren Cuthbertson (born 11 June 1984) is an English ballerina and a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet in London.
Early life and education
Lauren Cuthbertson was born in Devon in 1984. She began studying dance at a local dance school run by Pamela De Waal (now the Buckingham Dance Studios in Paignton), becoming focused on classical ballet when she was offered a place on the Royal Ballet School's Junior Associate Programme. As a junior associate, she took part in weekly classes based on the Royal Ballet School training system. These are held in major cities throughout the UK, for young dancers who show a particular aptitude for ballet.
Cuthbertson later auditioned successfully for a permanent place at the Royal Ballet School based at White Lodge, Richmond Park. She attended the school from the age of 11-16 and was then offered a place to further her training at the upper school from the age of 16-17.
Career
She joined The Royal Ballet in February 2002, as a member of the corps de ballet. She was promoted to soloist in September 2003, first soloist in September 2006 and then principal in June 2008.[1] The position of principal is the highest rank in the ballet company and identifies her as one of the leading dancers.[2]
In 2011, the Royal Ballet premiered its first new full-length ballet in 16 years; Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Cuthbertson originated the title role of Alice in the ballet, to acclaim from dance critics.[3] In 2014, she originated the role of Queen Hermione in a second full-length ballet; The Winter's Tale.[3]
Awards
Cuthbertson's awards include:[4]
- Arts and Culture Women of the Future Award 2007
- Varna International Ballet Competition (Silver) 2006
- Critics Circle Award, Outstanding Classical Artist Nominated for The Southwark Newcomer Award 2004
- Adeline Genée Award (Silver)
- Young British Dancer of the Year (Gold)
- Dame Ninette de Valois Award 2001–2002
- Phyllis Bedell Prize Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance Young British Dancer of the Year (Silver) 2000
References
- ^ "Lauren Cuthbertson". roh.org.uk. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
- ^ Boxharry CMS. "About Lauren". laurencuthbertson.com. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
- ^ a b Murphy, Siobhan. "Royal Ballet's Lauren Cuthbertson: Nothing is insurmountable". The Metro. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
- ^ Boxharry CMS. "Awards". laurencuthbertson.com. Retrieved 12 November 2015.