Ballerino William Bracewell is a male soloist for the world-renowned Royal Ballet company in London. “We normally start with around six weeks of rehearsals for eight different productions, which range from traditional classics to modern works,” he tells us. “To be part of something so well-regarded and loved feels very special.” But as poised as Bracewell is today, ballet came to the young athlete as a form of discipline. “As a young boy I was pretty badly behaved, so when a friend suggested I go to a ballet class I was not keen. I think my mum thought it would tire me out, so she made me go. And after my first lesson I was hooked.”

Now, Bracewell is excited to see his ancient athletic artform embracing the future. “As a dancer in a silent art form it can sometimes be easy to lose your sense of voice,” he says, “but over the last year I have seen my colleagues speak up more than ever. I feel so much hope for the future of dance because of the people who are working to make change happen!”

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Get to know Bracewell in an exclusive interview below:

V Magazine: How did you first get into ballet?

William Bracewell: As a young boy I was pretty badly behaved, so when a friend suggested I go to a ballet class I was not keen. I think my mum thought it would tire me out, so she made me go. And after my first lesson I was hooked.

V: What is a training season like for you?

WB: We normally start with around six weeks of rehearsals for eight different productions, which range from traditional classics to modern works. I have to keep my body and mind prepared; this starts with a good gym plan by our brilliant in-house strength and conditioning coaches, and then of course we normally dance around six hours a day, five days a week, for most of the year, with a short break over the summer to recharge.

V: How does dance carry over into your everyday life?

WB: There’s an intensity to the training that stays with you throughout the rest of your life. It’s also exposed me to so many different forms of art and to have that world opened up to me as a young person is amazing. I was never a particularly academic student but really connected to the arts, so feel hugely privileged I can pursue it as a career.

V: Who did you look up to in dancing when you were small?

WB: So many dancers: Marianela Núñez, Carlos Acosta, Federico Bonelli, Sylvie Guillem, Edward Watson… and it blows my mind that I’ve been able to perform with some of these dancers! 

V: What’s it feel like to dance for the Royal Ballet company?

WB: To be part of something so well-regarded and loved feels very special. It attracts some of the most talented people which culminate in a huge range of work. I think that keeps it interesting for both the dancers and audiences.

V: What’s been inspiring you for the last year?

WB: Seeing people stand up and talk about what they believe in. As a dancer in a silent art form it can sometimes be easy to lose your sense of voice, but over the last year I have seen my colleagues speak up more than ever. I feel so much hope for the future of dance because of the people who are working to make change happen!

V: What are your goals for 2022?

WB: To appreciate the smaller things in life. I think all that time to sit still and reflect (something I’m not particularly good at) made me appreciate all the little moments that make up our lives. Maybe it’s the cup of tea you enjoyed this morning, or the little chats you have with your friends, or seeing the first tulip bulbs pop up in the garden. Whatever it is.

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