Four students from The Royal Ballet School’s pre-professional year traveled to Tokyo in October 2025 to perform at the Youth Grand Prix Japan gala. Alecsia, Nanoha, Fabrizzio and Wendel danced at Bunkamura Orchard Hall on 12 October alongside students from partner institutions worldwide and professional dancers including May Nagahisa, a First Soloist with the Mariinsky Ballet.
Youth America Grand Prix, which typically hosts its annual gala at Lincoln Center during New York competition finals, selected the Tokyo venue for this event. José Carayol, Head of Artistic Programmes and Production, accompanied the quartet on the international trip.
Two Distinct Works Featured
Alecsia and Fabrizzio danced Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody pas de deux to Rachmaninoff’s score, authorised by The Frederick Ashton Foundation. Nanoha and Wendel performed Anima Mea, created by their classmate Millán De Benito.
“Performing this alongside my partner, Fabrizzio, on Bunkamura’s stage felt so rewarding, and I felt so much pride representing the School with this gorgeous pas de deux enriched with Ashton style and heritage,” Alecsia said.
Fabrizzio described his role: “Bringing this masterpiece to life was a true privilege, especially alongside Alecsia, an incredible partner whose artistry and trust made the experience even more special.”
Nanoha addressed her performance: “I was truly happy to bring Millán’s beautiful work to Japan and share it with a Japanese audience. Representing the School on such a prestigious stage was a great honour and an unforgettable experience.”
Wendel reflected on the piece’s jazz-influenced interpretation of Solfeggietto: “It felt so gratifying to represent a school that strives for excellence. Being in a country that I haven’t been to before made the experience even more meaningful and memorable.”
Preparation Involved Multiple Coaches
Before departing for Japan, Alecsia and Fabrizzio worked with class teachers Jessica Clarke, Kevin Emerton and Ricardo Cervera. Carayol provided final coaching once the group arrived in Tokyo.
“The rehearsal and coaching process before we departed was almost as fulfilling and rewarding as performing,” Alecsia said. “Working on this piece with our teachers was extremely fulfilling as they generously shared knowledge, took time every day to help us achieve the highest quality and supported us through moments of doubt, nerves and anxiety before performing.”
Fabrizzio described the preparation: “The rehearsal process before travelling to Japan was vigorous yet incredibly rewarding – and so much fun. Under the guidance of Jessica and Ricardo, we worked tirelessly to perfect every detail, refining not only our technique but also our artistry and emotional connection to the piece.”
Nanoha and Wendel received coaching from Clarke and Emerton, working closely with choreographer De Benito. Wendel noted his relationship with the choreographer: “I got to work with Millán, who is my closest friend. The piece has lots of nuances with unique meanings, so he would explain what he wants to see.”
International Student Community Gathered
Students from San Francisco Ballet School, John Cranko School, Princess Grace Academy and American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School participated in the gala. All students took class together and attended technical rehearsals.
“It was such an incredible experience performing alongside other students from YAGP partner schools,” Alecsia said. “It was so inspiring getting to know most of them, observing their different styles and learning about their lives in other cities.”
Nanoha, performing in her first gala, addressed the international environment: “Meeting young dancers from across the world was very inspiring. It was special not only watching them perform but also taking class with them. Watching professional dancers so closely and talking to Japanese dancers studying abroad was a meaningful experience.”
Fabrizzio emphasised the community aspect: “Beyond the performance itself, my favourite part of the gala was the atmosphere – the energy, the people and the sense of community among dancers from all over the world. Meeting so many talented artists, exchanging cultures and feeling the shared passion for dance was truly inspiring.”
Five Days in Tokyo Combined Work and Exploration
During their stay from 9 to 13 October, students maintained a full schedule of classes and rehearsals while exploring Shibuya, where their hotel was located. Daily routines began with breakfast followed by walks through the neighborhood before classes or rehearsals, often running from 9:00 to 18:00. Evenings concluded with dinners at traditional Japanese restaurants.
Nanoha described specific activities: “We arrived on the morning of October 9th and explored Shibuya that afternoon, eating delicious ramen. The next day, we took classes with students from other schools, such as San Francisco Ballet School, John Cranko School, Princess Grace Academy and ABT JKO. We also had tech rehearsals at Bunkamura Orchard Hall – the stage was huge!”
Wendel contrasted the trip schedule with regular school routines: “For me, the schedule wasn’t as intense as it is at school. We’d have a good breakfast followed by class and rehearsal, then depending on the day, we would have some time to go out and explore a bit of Tokyo.”
Audience Response Resonated With Performers
Reception from the Japanese audience affected all four dancers. Alecsia noted: “Something that I’ll keep with me forever is how welcoming the Japanese audience was. It was so rewarding hearing them cheer for us at the end of our performance.”
Wendel recalled interactions after the performance: “Definitely people coming up to me saying they were touched by my way of dancing. They were blown away by Nanoha and me, and this made my heart swell with gratitude.”
Nanoha addressed performing in her home country: “Coming back to my home country, Japan, and having the chance to dance in front of a Japanese audience was such a joy! I loved every single moment on stage.”
Fabrizzio reflected on the moment: “Walking off stage to the sound of applause and cheers was a moment I will never forget – it reminded me of art’s incredible power to connect people from all around the world.”
Each student expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Fabrizzio thanked Artistic Director Iain Mackay: “Representing The Royal Ballet School in Japan has been one of the most inspiring and transformative experiences of my life. It has taught me so much about resilience, collaboration and the universal language of dance.”
American Students Prepare for Los Angeles Intensive
Ahead of its first intensive course in Los Angeles, California, The Royal Ballet School featured 12 American students who relocated across continents to pursue ballet training in London. Students from California, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York discussed their pathways to the institution, obstacles they faced during relocation, and aspects of training that drew them to remain.
Among them, Dylan from Los Angeles discovered The Royal Ballet School through the film Billy Elliot. “I was drawn to the School’s incredible history and the chance to learn from the very best,” he said. “The hardest part has been the physical distance from my family and missing that daily support. Still, it’s a challenge that has taught me a great deal about my own strength.”
Addison from Leesburg, Virginia, first encountered the School at ages 10-11 through her teachers but experienced direct interaction in 2021 through the Spring Intensive. “After attending the intensive, I left feeling incredibly inspired by every facet of training and life at the School,” she said. “I remember when I returned to Virginia, I immediately made earning a place in the full-time training program my biggest, seemingly far-fetched, goal.”
American Friends of the Royal Ballet School provides support for these students. Those interested in contributing to the next generation of dancers while strengthening the School’s connections in the United States can contact the institution directly.
