Watch Confessions of a Ballet Star

A close up on the feet of a ballet dancer en pointe

Unrivalled talent, magnetic presence and incredible athleticism. What does it mean to be a ballet dancer at the peak of perfection?

In this series of intimate portraits, discover the extreme highs and lows of a career in dance and uncover the secrets of these ballet superstars.

We delve deep into their passions, fears, motivations… and even their performing pet pooches! These are their confessions …

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Alina Cojocaru

Duration: 5 minutes

Romanian-born dancer Alina Cojocaru is one of ballet’s most remarkable talents. Famed for her rapid rise through the ranks of The Royal Ballet; she became a principal of the company after two years, and then a lead principal at English National Ballet.

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Natalia Osipova

Duration: 4 minutes

Renowned for her depth of emotion and dramatic intensity in her performances, Russian-born Natalia Osipova is one of the most acclaimed ballerinas of her generation. A global superstar, she has worked with The Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and The Royal Ballet.

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Carlos Acosta

Duration: 3 minutes

“Just a simple Cuban guy”, Carlos Acosta has journeyed from the streets of Havana to international stardom. As a dancer, choreographer and director, his contribution to the art form of ballet has been enormous.

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Tiler Peck

Duration: 8 minutes

Known for her fast footwork and charismatic stage presence, New York City Ballet Principal Tiler Peck joined the School of American Ballet aged just 14. An entrepreneur, she has worked on various passion projects, overcome a near career-ending injury and found time for romance.

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Credits

Tiler Peck

Featuring – Tiler Peck, Roman Mejia
DOP / Filmmaker – Sarah Vaughan-Jones
Producers – Rosie Mackie, Angharad Mainwaring
With thanks to – The Kennedy Center, English National Ballet and Margaret Selby

Natalia Osipova

Featuring – Natalia Osipova
DOP / Filmmaker – Sarah Vaughan-Jones
Producers – Rosanna Chianta, Rosie Mackie
Assistant Producers – Lani Huens, Angharad Mainwaring
Translation – Language Direct

Carlos Acosta

Featuring – Carlos Acosta
Video production – Lambda Films
Producer – Rosie Mackie
With thanks to – Valid Productions, Norwich Theatre Royal

Alina Cojocaru

Featuring – Alina Cojocaru
DOP / Filmmaker – Sarah Vaughan-Jones
Producers – Rosanna Chianta, Rosie Mackie
With thanks to – English National Ballet