We had an exclusive chat with Chloe Keneally, the first artist of the English National Ballet. Chloe originally performed My First Ballet as a student and had the opportunity to return to this production, this time as a Company dancer. As an advocate for ballet and accessibility, Chloe hopes this show continues to inspire younger generations to appreciate theatre and dance.
What was the most exciting or challenging part of performing in My First Ballet: Swan Lake?
I was lucky enough to have had the role of Odette in this production created on me when I was at ENBS as a second year student. I was really excited and grateful to have been asked to perform this same production last year with a few of my colleagues and the dancers at ENBS. It was one of my favourite experiences when I was a student, so to be able to do it again as a professional was really special for me.
How does it feel to bring such an iconic ballet to life in a way that’s tailored for young audiences and families?
It was such a rewarding and fulfilling experience to perform for a younger audience who mostly were experiencing their first ballet performance. You experience their reactions as you’re dancing and telling the story on stage. Their excitement and energy fill you and it becomes a collective experience. After the show, hearing the impact it had on them is such a fulfilling and rewarding moment as a dancer.
How did you prepare for the physical and mental demands of this production?
The rehearsal process is always really special to me as I love the safety the studio provides when trying new things and experimenting in order to grow. I also rehearsed with Fernanda Oliviera and Erina Takahashi throughout the rehearsal period which I will always be grateful for. They both have performed the full-length version many times and have been coached by some of the greatest and most influential people in this industry, so to have their knowledge and experience passed down to me was one of my favourite parts of this whole process.
Can you share a favourite moment from rehearsals or performances that has made this experience special for you?
One of the things that I love most about performing is that every show is so different, you are able to find and share little moments with people on stage that are always unique and happen organically. It was also really special sharing the stage with the beautiful second year students and having that full circle moment from the last time I performed this as a student and the journey I’ve been on (and am still on!) since then as a professional.
How do you hope My First Ballet: Swan Lake will inspire the children and families who come to watch it?
I hope that these performances will inspire another generation with a love of ballet and the art form of dance, but ultimately the impact theatre and live performances has on us.
ENB My First Ballet: Swan Lake will be playing at the Peacock Theatre from the 16th – 27th of April 2025.
Visit http://www.ballet.org.uk for tickets