Lauren Cuthbertson: A Life in Dance
I’ve always been drawn to stories, those unfolding in the quiet spaces between the lines, in the unspoken silences, in the flicker of an eyelash, the turn of a head. This is how I see dance: a story told without words. My journey, like any dancer’s, has been an accumulation of countless rehearsals, whispered secrets, triumphs and heartbreaks, all woven into the fabric of who I am. It began in the suburbs of London, in a little room above a shop, where the smell of old varnish and the echo of my tiny pointe shoes filled the air.
Born in 1984, I was just a child when my mum, a keen dance enthusiast, introduced me to the world of ballet. There was magic in the way my feet felt on the sprung floor, a rush of adrenaline as I attempted to turn on pointe. I was immediately hooked, captivated by the expressive power of this art form, the way it allowed you to speak volumes without uttering a word. My childhood revolved around ballet classes, fuelled by the dreams of a young girl who wanted nothing more than to become a ballerina.
At the age of 11, I auditioned for the Royal Ballet School. The pressure was immense. There were hundreds of other girls, each with their own dream burning brighter than the studio lights. My hands trembled as I held the barre, and my heart hammered in my chest during each pirouette. When the results came out, I couldn’t believe it: I had been accepted. That moment, stepping into the hallowed halls of the school, felt like the opening scene of a grand ballet, a whole new chapter waiting to be written. It was the start of a rigorous journey, filled with relentless discipline and a passion for the art that pushed me to my absolute limit.
The Royal Ballet School became my second home, the stage my playground. There was something exhilarating about spending countless hours perfecting steps, studying the art of classical ballet from its most celebrated exponents. It wasn’t all glitter and grand jetés. It meant enduring blisters on my feet, aching muscles, and moments of utter exhaustion. But there was joy in the challenge, a sense of satisfaction in knowing I was growing stronger with every step I took, every plié I performed, every graceful arabesque.
My first significant role at the Royal Ballet School was the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. Dressed in a shimmering tutu and surrounded by a magical winter scene, I felt like a character out of a fairy tale. Standing under the bright stage lights, my heart pounding, the world fell away as I lost myself in the magic of the moment. This feeling of enchantment, of transcending the limitations of reality, was the greatest reward of dancing.
As a student, I had the incredible opportunity to dance alongside some of the greatest ballet dancers of our time. Seeing their artistry up close, their breathtaking talent and commitment to the craft, inspired me more than any master class ever could. They instilled in me a profound respect for the heritage of classical ballet, and the importance of passing it on to future generations.
I joined the Royal Ballet in 2002, officially entering the ranks of the professionals. Stepping onto the Covent Garden stage felt like stepping into a dream I’d cherished since childhood. But as I soon discovered, professionalism was about more than just beautiful lines and elegant leaps. It required dedication, self-discipline, and a constant willingness to improve. It was a never-ending journey of learning, pushing your limits, and embracing new challenges.
My time with the Royal Ballet has been an adventure. I’ve played countless roles, each one unique and unforgettable: a vibrant sylph in Symphonic Variations, a tragic Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, a mischievous sprite in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Each performance allowed me to explore different emotions, embodying characters from diverse backgrounds, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and dreams. It’s this kind of emotional depth, this human element in the artistry, that I believe makes dance truly compelling.
Being a ballerina is not just a career, it’s a way of life. It demands a commitment that stretches far beyond the eight hours spent at the theatre or rehearsal studios. A dancer’s body is her instrument. It takes rigorous training, countless hours in the gym, strict attention to diet, and endless physical therapy to stay in peak condition. But for me, this is all part of the creative process, an investment in the artistry that I believe shines on stage.
One of the most impactful performances of my career was dancing the role of Odette-Odile in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. The dual nature of the character, the innocence and purity of the white swan contrasted against the seductive power of the black swan, captivated my imagination. I loved exploring the nuances of each personality, the struggle between purity and darkness that resonated with me both personally and artistically.
My journey has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Injuries are a part of a dancer’s life, unwelcome visitors that often threaten to derail progress. I've suffered my share of foot and knee problems, moments when it felt like my career was teetering on the edge. Yet, with the help of talented doctors and a fierce determination to overcome these challenges, I have always bounced back.
Throughout my time at the Royal Ballet, I’ve learned a lot about the beauty of teamwork. A ballet performance is a collaborative effort, a harmonious tapestry woven together by the individual efforts of the entire company, from the dancers to the costumers, the set designers to the stage managers. Everyone contributes, their collective passion forming a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. And for me, the feeling of shared success, of creating a magical spectacle that transports audiences to another world, is truly satisfying.
It is not always easy being a dancer, and sometimes I feel the pressure to live up to the public’s expectations. I have to constantly push myself to achieve my own standards, to reach for a new level of artistry with every performance. There are days when I question everything, doubt my own ability, but these feelings are soon eclipsed by the sheer joy of dancing, the love for the art that I’ve embraced since childhood. It is that love, the passion that burns in my heart, that sustains me on my journey.
But dance is not merely about elegant movements and beautiful costumes. It is about telling stories that resonate with the human experience. As a dancer, I see myself as a storyteller, sharing stories of joy, sorrow, triumph, and loss. Through the expressive language of the body, I strive to communicate emotions that transcend cultural barriers, uniting people through the power of art. This is what truly fascinates me, the potential of dance to reach deep within the human spirit, stirring emotions and leaving an imprint that lasts long after the final curtain has fallen.
Beyond the Stage: A Look at Lauren Cuthbertson’s Influences
The world of ballet is rich with inspirational figures, pioneers who paved the way for future generations. Looking back, it is their artistry that has fueled my passion for this art form, inspiring me to strive for excellence and embrace the challenges inherent in the dancer’s journey.
My ballet idols
- Margot Fonteyn: Her elegance, her lyrical quality of movement, and her deep emotional depth profoundly impacted my early training. Her legacy continues to inspire me with its enduring power.
- Rudolf Nureyev: A rebellious, revolutionary figure who brought a breathtaking combination of virtuosity and artistic expression to the stage. He was a master storyteller, conveying raw emotion through every step.
- Mikhail Baryshnikov: He embodied the ideals of athleticism and grace. Watching him on stage was like witnessing an almost supernatural mastery of the human form.
- Sylvie Guillem: A phenomenal artist whose virtuosity, emotional range, and innovative approach to dance challenged the very definition of classical ballet.
- Darcey Bussell: A captivating dancer who possesses a unique stage presence, drawing audiences into the stories she tells through dance.
Beyond the Dance Studio: My Artistic Inspirations
Art is a multi-faceted language, a canvas upon which human emotions are expressed in diverse forms. I’ve always found inspiration beyond the realm of dance, drawn to works of literature, visual arts, and music that ignite my imagination and enrich my artistic sensibility.
The Written Word
- Jane Austen: Her keen observations of human nature, the wit and wisdom embedded in her characters, offer timeless insights into the complexities of human interaction.
- Fyodor Dostoevsky: He delves into the depths of human psychology, exposing the darkness and light that coexist within the soul, challenging the very fabric of human experience.
- Virginia Woolf: A master of lyrical prose and stream-of-consciousness narration, she weaves tales that capture the fluid nature of thought, the ever-shifting kaleidoscope of human perception.
Art on Canvas and Stage
- Leonardo Da Vinci: The brilliance of his artistry, the mathematical precision blended with expressive detail, transcends centuries, influencing generations of artists.
- Vincent Van Gogh: He channeled emotions onto the canvas with breathtaking honesty. His use of colour and brushstroke evokes raw emotional depth.
- The Royal Opera: Experiencing the majesty of opera has been a formative experience. The power of song and stage design, the collective energy of the ensemble, leaves me in awe.
My Relationship with the World Beyond Dance
Dance has been the core of my world for as long as I can remember. It has defined me, shaped my values, and fuelled my creative spirit. But as I’ve grown, I’ve also become fascinated by the world beyond the dance studio and the stage. I’m interested in learning about new cultures, embracing new experiences, and venturing outside my comfort zone. Travel is a great way for me to do this, exploring different cities and landscapes, soaking up the atmosphere, immersing myself in a new context, and understanding the diversity of human experiences.
I’ve always loved learning. It’s a pursuit that I find enriching, opening my mind to new ideas, new ways of looking at the world. I’m interested in everything from literature and art history to philosophy and psychology. For me, learning is a journey, a continual process of expanding horizons, of growing beyond the confines of my initial perceptions.
I’m particularly interested in the history and philosophy of ballet. I find it fascinating to explore the roots of this art form, to understand how it has evolved through time, and how it has reflected and shaped social values. Ballet has played a crucial role in defining our perceptions of beauty, movement, and artistic expression. It’s an intricate language, with a rich history that deserves to be studied and preserved for future generations.
My Hopes and Dreams
Dance has gifted me with so much. It’s given me a passion, a way of life, and an outlet for my creative spirit. As I navigate the next chapter of my career, I’m driven by a desire to continue growing and evolving as an artist, pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. I also want to give back to the art form that has given me so much. This is why I’m committed to inspiring young dancers, sharing my experience and guiding them on their journey. I want to foster a passion for dance within future generations, preserving the rich heritage of ballet and ensuring its future brilliance.
My dream is to leave a legacy behind, not merely as a dancer, but as someone who made a contribution to the art form. I want to inspire others to embrace the magic of ballet, to recognize its power to unite us through storytelling and emotion, and to celebrate its unique beauty.
The Final Curtain
Every dancer’s journey reaches its finale eventually. When that day comes, I want to leave the stage with grace, filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences I’ve had and the memories I’ve created. But even as I move on from my professional career, the language of ballet will always be part of me. It is the art form that has shaped me, the language that allowed me to speak volumes without uttering a word, the art that gave me the gift of a lifetime. I will forever be a dancer, not only in spirit but also in the way I move through life, with the rhythm and grace of an art form I cherish beyond measure.