Ruadhan Milsom
Isle of Man Arts Council funding recipient Ruadhan Milsom is a 11 year old Ballet Student at the Royal Ballet School. Ruadhan was awarded a Travel Grant to attend classes in Manchester at the school. He has been telling us about what has been involved and how his funding has helped him attend these classes.
How did you start your Ballet career?
I started dancing around six years ago with Dancer’s Barre in Laxey. My sister had been going for a few years and I thought it looked like fun so I asked my mum and dad if I could have a go too. I really enjoy it and have danced in several different shows on the Gaiety stage. I have also danced with the Manx Ballet Company’s youth ballet. I love ballet, the music, the costumes, the scenery and most of all the dancing!
How did the Arts Council help you?
In 2020 I auditioned for the Royal Ballet Junior Associate Programme. It was a video audition as it was during lockdown. Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful first time, but I auditioned again in 2021 and was accepted. I was so excited at the opportunity to learn with the Royal Ballet.
The programme consists of 30 ballet classes which are held at weekends in Manchester. Classes include body conditioning, barre work and centre work and last for two and a half hours. This means that I have to travel to Manchester every Saturday morning and, as my class is in the afternoon, I have to stay overnight and travel home to the Isle of Man the next morning.
Obviously this costs a lot of money and the Arts Council have kindly provided a travel grant to assist with these costs, which has made the whole thing possible.
What equipment do you use or need?
There isn’t really any special equipment other than my uniform which includes my leotard, my shorts and my ballet shoes as well as a towel and a water bottle. I also have what is called a “turning board” which helps you to spin when you are learning to pirouette. It often makes me laugh when I see all my classmates spinning around and around!
What advice would you give to other young people wanting to start a career in Ballet?
When I was younger, I saw video clips of people dancing and thought that it looked brilliant and wanted to have a go myself. I love to dance because of how it makes me feel. I would say that if you like to dance you should talk to your parents and try to find a local class and give it a go! It’s fun but it’s also hard work, and who knows where it might end. I’d love to be a professional dancer one day and this experience with the Royal Ballet has been amazing!
