Lauren Cuthbertson | |
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![]() Lauren Cuthbertson - The Two Pigeons | |
Born | Lauren Louise Cuthbertson 11 June 1984 Devon, England |
Education | Royal Ballet School |
Occupation | Ballet dancer |
Lauren Louise Cuthbertson (born 11 June 1984) is an English ballerina and a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet in London.
Lauren Cuthbertson was born in Devon in 1984. She began studying dance at a local dance school run by Pamela De Waal (now the Buckingham Dance Studios in Paignton), becoming focused on classical ballet when she was offered a place on the Royal Ballet School's Junior Associate Programme. As a junior associate, she took part in weekly classes based on the Royal Ballet School training system. These are held in major cities throughout the UK, for young dancers who show a particular aptitude for ballet.
Cuthbertson later auditioned successfully for a permanent place at the Royal Ballet School based at White Lodge, Richmond Park. She attended the school from the age of 11-16 and was then offered a place to further her training at the upper school. Skipping 2nd year, she went straight into the 3rd year and graduated at age 17. [1]
She joined The Royal Ballet in February 2002, as a member of the corps de ballet. She was promoted to soloist in September 2003, first soloist in September 2006 and then principal in June 2008. [2] The position of principal is the highest rank in the ballet company and identifies her as one of the leading dancers. [3]
In 2011, the Royal Ballet premiered its first new full-length ballet in 16 years, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Cuthbertson originated the title role of Alice in the ballet, to acclaim from dance critics. [4] In 2014, she originated the role of Queen Hermione in a second full-length ballet, The Winter's Tale. [4]
Cuthbertson has two daughters, born in 2020 and 2023. [5] [6]
Cuthbertson's awards include: [7]