Melania Ballish Regueiro: A Life in Dance
My name is Melania Ballish Regueiro. When I was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1975, I never thought I would one day grace the stages of London’s Royal Opera House, let alone spend my twenties travelling the world performing the timeless art of ballet.
I was a curious child, full of energy. My parents, a passionate but pragmatic couple, enrolled me in every imaginable activity from swimming to art classes. However, it was ballet that captured my attention from the first pirouette. There was something magical, almost mythical, about the way my small feet flew across the polished floor of the studio, guided by the gentle, yet firm hands of my teacher, Madame de Silva.
As I progressed, I quickly realized that ballet was more than a hobby. It was my passion, my obsession, my life. At fourteen, after years of rigorous training, I was chosen to join the prestigious Bolshoi Academy in Moscow, a coveted opportunity for a young dancer. The thought of leaving my family and country was terrifying, but the thrill of learning from the best in the world fueled my courage.
My years in Moscow were an immersive experience, a complete transformation. The rigour and discipline of the Russian school were a world apart from anything I had encountered before. We practiced for hours every day, mastering the nuances of technique and developing an artistic sensibility that was deeply embedded in the Russian soul. The winters were brutal, but my days were filled with a joyful passion for dance that radiated warmth even in the harshest of climates. I made lifelong friends amongst my fellow students, sharing the camaraderie and sacrifices that come with chasing a dream.
When I was 18, after finishing my studies at the Bolshoi Academy, I returned to Brazil, eager to share my new knowledge. However, it was not long before the allure of international ballet beckoned me once again. The chance to dance on the world stage, to share the artistry I had developed, seemed a natural next step. It wasn’t long before I received invitations to audition with major ballet companies in Europe. After a whirlwind of travels, I accepted a position with the Hamburg Ballet. My first year with the company was a dream come true – I was working alongside world-renowned dancers, performing in stunning productions, and experiencing the vibrant city of Hamburg.
There were difficult moments, however. Competition within the company was fierce, and I struggled to maintain my place as I transitioned from the discipline of the Bolshoi to a new style of ballet. The demands of a rigorous performance schedule, coupled with the constant self-scrutiny that ballet inevitably requires, pushed me to the limits of my resilience. It wasn’t just my body that I was challenging, but my mental strength too.
Stepping Into the Spotlight: London’s Royal Ballet
However, I persisted, and my hard work began to pay off. I soon became a favoured dancer within the company, eventually even starring in productions that attracted the attention of major international ballet institutions. Then, the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself: an audition for the Royal Ballet in London. My nerves were shot, the stage fright almost unbearable, but my years of dedication and passion allowed me to showcase the full spectrum of my artistry. To my absolute shock and delight, I received the coveted offer to join the company. London’s Royal Opera House – a dream since I first learned to pirouette!
My time with the Royal Ballet was truly transformative. I learned from legendary choreographers and collaborated with the greatest dancers in the world. There was a new depth and dynamism in the performances I had never known before. I loved the technical challenges, the intricate choreography, the passion, the dedication, the sheer artistry of it all. The company, though at times demanding, felt like a family, a supportive environment where every dancer's journey and contribution was respected and valued.
However, as the years passed, and the demands of a demanding career took their toll, I realised I could not keep up the relentless pace. While the lure of performing in the world’s most celebrated ballets, alongside incredible dancers and choreographers, was incredibly tempting, my body was telling a different story. Injuries and a nagging sense that my passion needed to express itself in new ways started to manifest. I needed to take a step back from the stage.
A New Path: Exploring Beyond the Stage
There were a few bittersweet tears and long conversations with my mentors and fellow dancers, but I knew in my heart this was a necessary turning point in my life. I still wanted to remain in the world of ballet, but my new path would lead me to explore its beauty from a different perspective. I had always been a voracious reader, immersing myself in the lives and journeys of iconic ballerinas and renowned dancers. The stories of their struggle, their sacrifices, and their passion were what inspired me during my early years. Now, it was my turn to share stories, to translate the raw power and raw beauty of ballet into written words, a new kind of performance.
I enrolled in the creative writing program at Goldsmiths, University of London, driven by the need to capture the soul of ballet, its inherent fragility and beauty, the inner strength of its dancers, their quiet sacrifices and soaring triumphs.
My first book, "A Dancer’s Soul: Confessions of a Ballerina", was a journey through my personal experience, my own anxieties, and exhilarations. It garnered critical acclaim, earning praise for its honesty and poignant depiction of a life dedicated to the demanding world of dance. This success, however, was only the beginning.
Finding My Voice: Stories Beyond Myself
My second book, "Ballet Beyond the Spotlight: Conversations with Legends," explored the diverse perspectives of other dancers – each with a unique journey. It included stories of dancers who challenged conventional perceptions, pushed creative boundaries, and defied the very limits of the art form itself. I discovered a joy in storytelling, in crafting portraits of other dancers, their resilience, and their triumphs. I learned to weave their experiences with my own observations, bringing new voices into the narrative, shedding light on their journeys as they transcended the demanding art form to inspire future generations of dancers.
Since then, I’ve continued to explore new narratives, embracing a growing curiosity to explore other areas within the dance world, such as the influence of classical music, the evolution of dance from the early days to the modern stage, the socio-political themes in choreography, and the history of ballet in different cultures. My passion is finding these intricate stories within dance, stories that weave intricate threads through the history of music and human experiences, and telling them with authenticity, heart, and a sense of humour.
My travels have led me to explore some of the world’s greatest ballet institutions: from the Paris Opera Ballet to the American Ballet Theatre in New York. I’ve immersed myself in diverse cultural contexts, exploring dance styles, historical movements, and global influences on the art form.
As I journey into the future, my ambition is to build bridges across cultures, fostering global connections through the timeless art form of dance, a pursuit that is a deeply personal quest that I am lucky to pursue. My mission is to share the unique voice of the dancer, not just on stage but also on the page, creating dialogues across generations and cultures.
I believe that dance is a universal language that transcends barriers. Its power lies in its ability to inspire, evoke emotion, and tell stories that resonate across time and space. It is my honour and my passion to share these stories, to offer glimpses into the lives and struggles of dancers who devote their hearts and bodies to the beautiful art of ballet. I hope, as I continue to write, that my work can not only document history but also inspire the next generation of dancers, and ultimately, contribute to the timeless legacy of this extraordinary art form.