Interview: 'I Look For Proactive, Engaged And Curious Artists': ENB Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin, on EMERGING DANCER 2026
'For me, it’s about encouraging dancers to actively contribute to the creative process'
Ahead of English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer 2026, Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin discusses the evolution of the programme, supporting developing artists, and why creating space for individuality, mentorship and collaboration is so important at the beginning of a dancer’s career.
This year’s Emerging Dancer has evolved in format. Can you talk us through these changes?
We wanted to place the focus much more on artistic development and the dancers’ journey through the process. Of course, the final performance is important, but we wanted the entire experience in the lead up to feel supportive, dynamic and inspiring.
Another important shift this year was moving away from a traditional competition. Rather than focusing on one overall winner, we’re recognising different standout qualities through awards for artistry, technical excellence and versatility. It’s more about celebrating the breadth of talent within the company and acknowledging different strengths in developing artists.
Photo Credit: Isabella Turolla
What does a platform like Emerging Dancer give dancers that regular company performance opportunities sometimes can’t?
Emerging Dancer is specifically focused on our rising talent; Artists and First Artists who are at the beginning of their careers. Dancers at that stage would mainly be performing corps de ballet roles, gradually building experience. This platform gives them the opportunity to perform leading classical and contemporary roles and really demonstrate their versatility.
What also makes the programme unique is the support surrounding each dancer. Alongside coaching from the artistic team and repetiteurs, each participant chooses a mentor from within the company to support them through the process.
How do you encourage dancers to develop a personal artistic voice within the structure of a ballet company?
For me, it’s about encouraging dancers to actively contribute to the creative process. As dancers gain experience, I want them to bring their own ideas, instincts and individuality into the studio. Of course, discipline and technique are fundamental, but I also want thoughtful, collaborative and proactive artists who fully engage in the rehearsal process.
How important is mentorship within a company environment, especially for younger dancers?
I think that mental and physical support is essential. Early-career dancers are often transitioning from a highly structured school environment into the intensity and pressures of professional company life, where suddenly a great deal of responsibility is placed on them.
When I was growing up as a dancer, wellbeing and mentorship were not viewed in the same way they are today. Now we understand much more clearly that artists can only thrive when they feel supported both mentally and physically.
Beyond artistic coaching, having someone there to support them personally, someone they can trust and turn to, can make an enormous difference.
What do you look for in young artists and Emerging Dancer participants?
I look for proactive, engaged and curious artists, who are hungry to grow and fully immerse themselves in their careers. Versatility is also extremely important to me. My vision for the company requires dancers who can move confidently across a broad spectrum of dance styles, from classical to contemporary.
In terms of Emerging Dancer specifically, these are the dancers that the artistic team believes represent exciting talent for the future of the company.
Emerging Dancer also includes new choreographic work through Studio Sessions. Why is it important for dancers to have creative opportunities beyond performance?
Emerging talent doesn’t only exist in performance, it also exists in choreography and artistic creation. Studio Sessions was created to give dancers an opportunity to discover and develop their choreographic voices. This year, as part of Emerging Dancer, we’re giving those works a larger platform with costumes, lighting and digital presentation, reaching audiences worldwide.
Another exciting first this year is that the contemporary solos are choreographed in-house by company dancers themselves. I really wanted the whole company to feel involved in the event and invested in supporting these artists.
An additional example of our dedication to development is demonstrated through our emerging conductor, Kingsley Lin, who has been mentored by our Musical Director Maria Seletskaja, and is now embarking on an international career.
What do you hope the dancers take away from this experience?
I hope they look back on it as a truly positive and formative experience.
More than anything, I want them to feel they gained confidence, personal coaching and valuable experience that will help shape them as artists moving forward, learning how to handle pressure, prepare themselves and continue developing creatively.
Ultimately, whether they receive an award or not, I hope every participant comes away feeling inspired by the experience.
The event will be available for audiences around the world to watch from the 4 June – why should audiences tune in?
We have an incredibly exciting line-up of dancers, and audiences will have the opportunity to see the future generation of English National Ballet.
What makes this year particularly exciting is the collaborative spirit behind the event. For the first time, two company dancers will host the evening, and the audiences will see solos choreographed in-house, alongside works developed through Studio Sessions.
It’s an opportunity to witness not only the exceptional dancing, but also the future creative voices of the company.
Emerging Dancer 2026 will stream free online at 6pm BST on Thursday 4 June
For more information about Emerging Dancer 2026, click here
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