Prima Ballerinas 152

Isabella LaFreniere: A Ballerina’s Journey

The stage lights, blinding yet intoxicating, felt like a second skin. The hum of the orchestra, a constant heartbeat in my ears, filled me with a sense of calm anticipation. The air itself thrummed with an energy that was both familiar and exhilarating. As I stood backstage, the whispers of my fellow dancers like a comforting breeze, I knew this was where I belonged – on stage, in the heart of the ballet. I am Isabella LaFreniere, and this is my story, a story that began not with a grand theatrical flourish, but with the gentle, repetitive rhythm of my first dance class.

My earliest memories are filled with the delicate tinkling of a music box, a whimsical tune that danced its way into my heart before I even understood its melody. It was the music box my grandmother had given me, a gift that accompanied her own love for ballet. It was that love, passed down like a precious heirloom, that sparked within me a fascination with the elegance and artistry of dance. At the age of five, I embarked on my first ballet class. It was a world of satin slippers, intricate steps, and the graceful arabesques that made me yearn to fly.

The world of ballet was a magical realm for me. It demanded dedication and discipline, pushing me to reach beyond my comfort zone. There were countless hours spent perfecting the barre work, the tedious repetition of pliés and tendus, building strength and flexibility that were the cornerstones of my craft. I devoured every nuance of technique, every turn and leap, each graceful movement unfolding with meticulous precision. The more I immersed myself in ballet, the more I realized that it wasn't just about physical perfection, it was about expressing emotions through movement. It was about telling stories without words.

My first performances were filled with a mix of butterflies and exhilarating joy. I recall the vibrant red curtain parting, revealing the glittering stage and the sea of faces that seemed to shimmer in the darkness. As the music rose, my anxieties dissipated, replaced by a wave of confidence. It was during those first few performances that I realised I didn't just want to dance, I needed to dance. The stage was my canvas, my movements the colours, and my story, an unspoken symphony that flowed from the soul.

Throughout my formative years, the ballet studio became my second home. I embraced every challenge, every setback, viewing each as an opportunity for growth. I spent countless hours under the watchful eye of my teacher, Mrs. Dubois, a woman who possessed an aura of unwavering support and an incredible understanding of the nuances of dance. She was more than a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide, a mother figure. She believed in my talent and pushed me to unlock my full potential. Under her tutelage, I developed an intrinsic love for ballet, not simply as a profession, but as an art form, a form of self-expression.

As my skills grew, I gravitated towards the classical repertoire, those timeless tales that transcended language and generations. I discovered the poignant beauty of Swan Lake, the passionate drama of Giselle, the ethereal grace of La Bayadère. Each ballet opened new doors within my understanding of dance, unveiling its depth and power, its capacity for profound emotional expression.

It was at the tender age of sixteen that I received an opportunity that would change the course of my life: a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. It was an opportunity I couldn’t let slip away. It was a chance to train amongst the world's finest dancers, to hone my craft in the crucible of the Royal Ballet, and to embark on a journey that could lead me to the pinnacle of the dance world. It was also a journey that would test my resolve, my strength, and my spirit in ways I could not have anticipated. My Time at the Royal Ballet School

Leaving the familiarity of my hometown was like shedding a cocoon, emerging into an unknown but exciting new world. I was filled with equal measures of exhilaration and trepidation. Stepping into the grand halls of the Royal Ballet School was like entering a world of legend and excellence. Here, the corridors echoed with the footsteps of dance giants, the legacy of great ballerinas whose artistry inspired generations.

My initial months at the school were a blur of intense training. The classes were demanding, pushing me beyond my perceived limits. The daily routines, from the morning barre work to the rigorous rehearsal schedule, were demanding. Yet, I thrived on the challenge, pushing myself harder, constantly striving for improvement. There was a tangible energy, a collective pursuit of excellence that radiated from the dancers and the staff, a palpable sense of shared purpose.

However, my journey wasn't without its obstacles. Homesickness tugged at my heartstrings, particularly during those long evenings spent in the dormitory, where the silence amplified the distance from home. I missed the warmth of my family, the familiar scent of my mother’s cooking, the comfort of my own space. But with each challenge, I grew stronger, discovering a resilience within myself that I never knew existed.

Amidst the intense training, I formed a network of friends who became like my family. We were kindred spirits, united by our love for ballet, our shared ambition, and our journey in this new world. We supported each other, celebrating each other’s triumphs and comforting each other during our setbacks, knowing that we were in this together. The friendships forged during those years are some of the most precious I have made, a bond solidified in the shared experiences and the gruelling path we tread together.

Over the course of my years at the Royal Ballet School, I learned more than just technique. I learned about discipline, about perseverance, about the importance of a positive mindset. I discovered the value of teamwork, the power of support, and the joy of shared dreams. The demanding curriculum and the competitive nature of the environment, while challenging, allowed me to hone my artistic voice and discover the depth and complexity of my artistry.

After three years of rigorous training, the time arrived to leave the haven of the Royal Ballet School and embark on a new chapter – a career as a professional ballerina. It was both exciting and daunting. I had worked diligently, I had honed my skills, but there were no guarantees, only the promise of an exciting but challenging path. My ambition was fuelled by the dream of dancing on the world’s greatest stages, performing for discerning audiences, and telling stories that would leave an imprint on hearts and minds.

It was through the Royal Ballet’s graduate programme that I secured my first professional engagement, a coveted position within the renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet. The stage lights at the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre, while different from those of the rehearsal studio, held the same magic. It was during my first professional performance in the Nutcracker, a ballet that captivated me from my very first introduction to it, that the weight of my decision sunk in – the sacrifices, the constant discipline, the relentless pursuit of perfection. It was all worth it, each ounce of dedication, every tear and triumph, every moment of doubt and every leap of faith. It was a confirmation of the path I had chosen, a resounding yes to the life I envisioned, a world where I could tell stories with my body, expressing the inexpressible with every movement.

Birmingham Royal Ballet provided me with the perfect launchpad into the world of professional ballet. The company had a wide repertoire, a supportive environment, and a wealth of experienced dancers, all of whom I admired and learned from. In this company, I worked under the guidance of the legendary choreographer, Sir David Bintley. It was through working with David that I truly discovered the beauty and complexity of character driven roles. There are countless lessons I learned through working with David Bintley, all of which shaped my growth as an artist. The greatest of these lessons was a simple yet powerful message, “be truthful.” It was in the quest for truth, in the pursuit of capturing the essence of each character I portrayed that I found my own artistic voice. It was also in this period that I developed my love of story-telling in dance, realizing that ballet was more than just beautiful movements, it was a form of theatrical art.

The opportunity to perform on stage in my own right, alongside a talented ensemble of dancers, was everything I had dreamed of. I never thought for a moment that I would ever have the courage or the confidence to choreograph a ballet but a few years into my professional career, a series of events led me to believe that I may actually have something to offer the world of dance beyond simply dancing.

My interest in choreography was initially ignited by a sudden illness that put me on the sidelines for several weeks. This was my first experience of “forced rest,” the first time I wasn’t training or performing and had nothing to do with my body other than recover from illness. It was during those lonely weeks, forced to observe rather than dance, that the seeds of creativity began to grow. The studio was a familiar sanctuary but the experience of not being on the stage, not physically present on the dance floor made me realize that I wanted to express myself differently, and that “choreographing” might be the way. I began to watch, to observe the dances that surrounded me with a keen eye, looking beyond the steps and trying to dissect what truly inspired a choreographer. One afternoon I noticed two fellow dancers working on a new piece of choreography, their ideas being shaped by music they’d chosen, by their experience, and by their dreams. It wasn’t perfect, in fact, some of it looked downright clumsy, but I was struck by the incredible raw creative energy. What was being born on that stage in front of my eyes was unique, expressive, personal and I felt a strong, intuitive sense of respect and even awe for these artists.

It was then that the possibility of a future for me, not just as a performer but as a creative director and choreographer began to crystallize. I returned to my regular training and performed in Birmingham Royal Ballet with renewed fervor. I was more focused, more present, and more thoughtful. There was a different awareness now that came with recognizing that I had a potential creative outlet that had nothing to do with the beautiful lines and flawless technique I so carefully cultivated as a ballerina. A few months later when I was approached by an organization with whom I was involved, to assist on a new piece of choreography I took the leap. I dove into the world of creating. We had a young and energetic team, and the piece we developed ended up being performed to critical acclaim at an arts festival in London.

There’s something exhilarating about the creative process in choreographing dance. It's about capturing a moment in time, crafting a story that resonates with the audience, and using movement to express emotions. I learned that choreographing wasn’t merely a form of storytelling but it was an entirely new way of seeing, experiencing, and feeling. Every aspect, the movement, the music, the lighting, and the sets all needed to work in unison.

It wasn’t long before my work was noticed. I began receiving inquiries for guest choreography assignments. This was the opportunity I was waiting for, the chance to create in new environments with new dancers and explore fresh concepts and collaborations. After four fulfilling years with Birmingham Royal Ballet I felt drawn to a new challenge, and an opportunity to grow beyond simply dancing in one specific repertoire. I knew it was time to venture out and seek a different experience.

With a heavy heart, I bade farewell to the warmth and familiarity of Birmingham and ventured into a new chapter. This time, I wasn’t simply dancing, but crafting a life for myself as an artist, embracing my twin roles of performer and choreographer. Life as an Artist

Embarking on an independent career as a dancer, with ambitions for my choreographic work is challenging, exciting, and rewarding. It was, and continues to be, a test of self-reliance, organization and the ability to market myself as an artist. These are all challenging facets of becoming your own boss. However, it allows me to explore an eclectic mix of choreographic and performance work. The creative process is a dynamic, unpredictable and wonderful process.

The stage is where I truly come alive, but there is a profound joy in guiding young dancers through their choreographic journey, sharing with them the insights I have gained from my years of dancing. I take great pride in mentoring young dancers and seeing their eyes light up as they discover the boundless creative possibilities that lie within.

My current work involves a series of short choreographic pieces. The pieces, created and performed with different partners have each challenged me in new and exciting ways. My own journey as a choreographer, I hope, is just beginning.