BALLET Under the Stars is back to delight audiences again this summer with four fabulous nights of world-class ballet and dance in Wiltshire.
This year, Beatrice Parma, who was recently promoted to Principal with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, will be joining Ballet Under the Stars from July 25th-28th at the 17th-century walled Dutch garden of the privately owned Hatch House in Wiltshire.
We caught up with her to find out a little more about her career, her surprise and delight at being appointed Principal – announced on stage by Carlos Acosta earlier this year – and what she’s looking forward to about coming to Hatch.
When did you first start ballet classes?
“I first started ballet when I was four. I stopped for a while, then started again when I was five. From that moment on, I was hooked and it became my passion.
“When I was 10, I decided I wanted to pursue it in a more professional way and that’s when I auditioned for the Teatro alla Scala ballet school (Milan), where I started at the age of 11.
“After five years there, I studied for two years at the English National Ballet School until graduation.
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What inspired you and what made you decide to pursue dance as a career?
“I think what I love most about ballet is how much you can express without words, especially when combined with music. A performance can bring out so many emotions not only for who’s dancing but for whoever is watching too.
“When I was younger and even now, I’ve always been uncomfortable speaking in front of a lot of people and I think in ballet I found that freedom that I maybe wouldn’t have found in a different profession.
“I love story-telling ballets; I find the process of learning and exploring a role like that so interesting. I’ve also always loved the challenge of ballet. No matter what age or stage of your career, there’s always something to learn from yourself and others and ways to improve yourself which I think is beautiful as, in a way, it keeps this job always alive.
Beatrice performing The Nutcracker at Birmingham Royal Ballet
Is there a dancer who you feel great admiration for?
“A dancer that has always inspired me and still does is Alessandra Ferri. I watched her perform numerous times and I even got to be on stage with her when I studied in La Scala, then, as a professional, a few years ago for a performance with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
“Her performances were always so much more than just technique; her artistry was so touching and everything she did on stage was always so real.
“She really is the perfect example of someone who isn’t just a dancer but a true artist. Watching her dance made me love this art form even more.
Is there a role you would love to perform, what is it and why this work?
“A dream role of mine has always been Marguerite in “Lady of the Camellias” by John Neumeier. The choreography and music are both absolutely stunning and I would love the challenge of performing such a complex and dramatic role.
You’ve never danced at Hatch before, what are you looking forward to?
“I’m really excited to perform this summer at Hatch. I think it’s going to be a beautiful experience in such a gorgeous location.
“I always find galas a great opportunity to meet new people and dancers and to get inspired by their performances.
A scene from Interlinked by Juliano Nunes. Picture: Tristram Kenton
When you were made Principal recently, was it a huge surprise?
“My recent promotion to Principal was definitely a surprise. You can obviously hope for it, but you never know if it’s actually going to happen.
“I never thought in my career I would get to the top, so it really was a very special and emotional moment when I saw Carlos Acosta (who wowed audiences at Hatch in 2015) walking on stage and announcing my promotion.
“It’s a moment I will always cherish. I feel so lucky to have got to where I am and I’m very honoured to start next season with Birmingham Royal Ballet in my new position.
Catch Beatrice performing at Ballet Under the Stars this July
What are your plans for the future?
“I think for now I just want to enjoy the promotion and the start of what feels like a new chapter in my career. I want to focus on continuing to grow as an artist, tick off as many ballets as I can and just enjoy as much as I can doing what I love!”
Ballet Under the Stars takes place from July 25th-28th at Hatch House, Wiltshire.
For more information and to book tickets go to the Covent Garden Dance website, www.coventgardendance.com, phone 01749 813313 or email events@coventgardendance.com
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