Full-time training: The National Ballet School, Melbourne
Presently: English National Ballet GAP Trainee Programme, from July 2026
What is the main lesson you learnt?
During my full-time studies, I learnt that growth in dance is not just about pushing harder. It is also about learning when to listen. Understanding my body, knowing when to challenge it and when to respect its limits, has been essential. Trusting the process, even when progress feels slow or uncertain, has taught me patience and resilience, allowing me to develop sustainably as a dancer.
I have also come to realise that ballet extends far beyond technique or personal achievement. While training often turns your focus inward, the true purpose of what we do reveals itself in performance. Stepping on stage and sharing our work with a live audience is where dance becomes something bigger: a connection, a shared experience that reaches beyond the studio.
What advice would you give to someone considering full-time dance studies at the school you attended?
To anyone considering full-time studies at The National Ballet School, my biggest advice is to place genuine trust in your teachers. You are surrounded by incredibly experienced mentors who not only understand the art form, but truly care about your development. Trust that they see your potential and know how best to guide you towards achieving your goals.
Be prepared to be pushed beyond what feels comfortable. The training demands discipline, resilience and a willingness to embrace discomfort, but that is where meaningful growth happens. If you are open to feedback and willing to listen, you will gain much more than technical ability. You will grow as both a dancer and a person.
Above all, know that The National Ballet School is more than a place of training. It is a family, an environment built on support and a community that wants to see you succeed.
Dancer Instagram: Imogen Chapman