Lauren Louise Cuthbertson (born 11 June 1984) is an English ballerina and a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet in London.

Lauren Cuthbertson
Lauren Cuthbertson - The Two Pigeons
Born
Lauren Louise Cuthbertson

(1984-06-11) 11 June 1984 (age 40)
Devon, England
EducationRoyal Ballet School
OccupationBallet dancer

Portrait of a Dancer - Lauren Cuthbertson from Nowness

Early life and education

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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. Skipping 2nd year, she went straight into the 3rd year and graduated at age 17.[1]

Career

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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.[2] The position of principal is the highest rank in the ballet company and identifies her as one of the leading dancers.[3]

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.[4] In 2014, she originated the role of Queen Hermione in a second full-length ballet, The Winter's Tale.[4]

Personal life

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Cuthbertson has two daughters, born in 2020 and 2023.[5][6]

Awards

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Cuthbertson's awards include:[7]

  • 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) 2001
  • Young British Dancer of the Year 2001
  • Dame Ninette de Valois Award 2001–2002
  • Phyllis Bedell's Bursary Award 2000
  • Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance 2000
  • Young British Dancer of the Year (Silver) 2000

References

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  1. ^ Bain, David (23 March 2005). "Lauren Cuthbertson" (PDF). the ballet association.
  2. ^ "Lauren Cuthbertson". roh.org.uk. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  3. ^ Boxharry CMS. "About Lauren". laurencuthbertson.com. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  4. ^ a b Murphy, Siobhan. "Royal Ballet's Lauren Cuthbertson: Nothing is insurmountable". The Metro. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  5. ^ "Lauren Cuthbertson on Instagram: "Welcome to the world darling Peggy..." Instagram. Archived from the original on 25 December 2021.
  6. ^ "Lauren Cuthbertson on Instagram: "'There's no place like home'. Welcoming Dorothy… Peggy's favourite new 'Dolly' ❤️🏡❤️ #twodaysold#newborn#homesweethome#sureal"". Instagram. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  7. ^ Boxharry CMS. "Awards". laurencuthbertson.com. Archived from the original on 15 December 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
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