English National Ballet announces 2024 Emerging Dancer Finalists

Celebrating the talent of tomorrow’s stars, English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer returns to a live audience at Sadler’s Wells, London this year, on Friday 24 May.

Emerging Dancer recognises the excellence of English National Ballet’s artists. Selected by their peers, six promising dancers showcase their technical accomplishments and artistry in front of an eminent panel of expert judges, before one is named the winner of the Emerging Dancer Award.

The 2024 finalists are: Anna Ciriano, Breanna Foad, Shunhei Fuchiyama, Jose María Lorca Menchón, Thiago Pereira, and Anna-Babette Winkler. 

Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, said: “I am delighted to see the Company coming together to celebrate some of our most talented colleagues. Emerging Dancer spotlights the future of ballet, and it’s always a privilege to watch the nominees shine on stage. I wish the six finalists the best of luck and I truly hope they enjoy the process of learning and growing.”

This year’s event will be hosted by Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet. The esteemed judging panel comprises: Amanda Britton MA, Chief Executive, Principal and Artistic Director of Rambert School; Monica Zamora, Former Principal Dancer of Birmingham Royal Ballet; Freddie Opoku-Addaie, Artistic Director and CEO of Dance Umbrella; and Edward Watson MBE, Former Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet.

The event also includes the presentation of the People’s Choice Award, a public vote decided by audience members throughout the season, and the Corps de Ballet Award, given by the Artistic team to an Artist of the Company who has gone above and beyond, both on stage and off.

There will be special performances by previous Emerging Dancer winner Eric Snyder and People’s Choice winner Precious Adams.

Emerging Dancer 2024 will be filmed and made available to stream for free on English National Ballet’s YouTube channel in the week following the event, for a limited time only.

To learn more about this year’s Emerging Dancer finalists, click here.

English National Ballet Emerging Dancer Finalists, L to R, Anna Ciriano, Breanna Foad, Shunhei Fuchiyama, Jose Maria Lorca Menchon, Thiago Pereira, and Anna-Babette Winkler, Image credit Lauren Liotardo