Ballerina Lauren Cuthbertson: ‘There’s a saying that dancers die twice, the first time when they stop dancing’

Daftar Isi

She has recently been appointed principal guest artist at the Royal Ballet and is currently studying for a teaching diploma. She resides in west London with her partner and their two daughters, aged four and two years old.

It's quite amusing to make such a major entrance so late in my career: it left me feeling quite exposed, but also very exhilarating, to be honest. It's been a lovely experience, though I was surprised by how physically demanding it's been. I had my first run-through on stage at an 11 o'clock rehearsal and when I went to rip up Onegin's letter at the end [as Tatiana sends him away], I found I had no strength in my arms. I hadn't counted on that. Mind you, having an early wake-up call is always strange – it's not easy to get a proper meal in. You might have a bit of breakfast, but suddenly you finish the rehearsal, and it's 2 o'clock. You can't eat a sandwich in the middle of a three-act ballet.

I've become absolutely fascinated with it. I purchased a first edition of Pushkin's work and also bought another copy from Waterstones, worried that the first one might get damaged by being carried around in my handbag, Tatiana is an incredibly compelling character.

You can't map out your life because you never know what chances and opportunities will present themselves.

This season, not because I don’t adore it, but because I believe it might be someone else’s turn now. I feel genuinely fulfilled, a sense of contentment.

When I was younger, coming back to it, being the Queen was a bit of a coin toss. I thoroughly enjoyed all eight shows, except for the performance when I went to collect the plate of pastries - and there was none to be found! I wanted the stage to swing open. I had to get on with it, though. I was as cross as could be, just like the Red Queen.

You can't chart your life because there may be unknown opportunities waiting for you. My daughter Peggy is keen for me to carry on dancing. I don't view gradually reducing performances as a negative thing, perhaps because I'm continuing to dance. There's a saying that dancers experience two deaths, the first when they stop dancing. But if you have a positive outlook, it suggests dancers have two lives.

I felt like I needed to establish a foundation. I might not be a teacher for the entire duration of my life, but I believe I could be a coach in some capacity. I didn't want to miss out on that phase in terms of the coursework and the methods of teaching. As dancers, we never really get to learn for learning's sake. We don't attend university. I was contracted to the Royal Ballet at the age of 17. So now, I wanted to simply gain knowledge.

When I first met Matt, my partner, I fell pregnant quite rapidly. It has completely altered my life – my children are wonderful. I have a Norland nursery nurse [trained at the esteemed Norland College], and I have gained from that sense of security. But occasionally at the weekends I'll take a child with me to work. I enjoy the fact that my daughters will grow up appreciating the theatre. And I always endeavour to make sure they comprehend every aspect of what goes on behind the scenes as opposed to simply focusing on the ballet.

If they wish to do so, that's perfectly all right, but if they should decide to cease dancing at the age of seven, that's even more wonderful. They do thoroughly enjoy performing ballet, although possibly that's due to the fact that they've observed me participating in it. Both of them possess a degree of artistic flair, but perhaps I'm only attributing that to them as well.

I was sent to ballet school because I was naturally cheerful, and my lovely Liverpudlian mum took me to a quite strict ballet teacher who taught me discipline and proper posture. Apparently, the very first lesson was like watching a duck take to water. I just never gave it a second thought. It was never a question of, “do you still want to do it?” It was always just, what’s next? It felt like my fate was sealed. I've been performing on stage since I was four years old.

There's a definite focus on the whole individual now, rather than just the physical capabilities. There's also a lot of support available for any issues that may come up, and people are on hand to notice potential problems as they emerge. It feels like a secure environment. Furthermore, individuality and uniqueness are given prominence. The more this is encouraged, the wider ballet will become.

When I was at school, we were asked to list what we'd be if we weren't dancers, and I wrote in: interior designer, tennis player, detective. Matt and I share a passion for interior design, and we've worked on a couple of projects together. Do I think I'd do it full-time? To be honest, I'm not sure.

At the Royal Opera House, London on 10th, 15th and 25th February