English National Ballet Announces Winners of the Corps de Ballet and People’s Choice Award

English National Ballet is pleased to announce the winner of the Corps de Ballet and People’s Choice Award.

Following the opening night performance of Cinderella in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall, Artistic Director Designate Aaron S. Watkin joined the Company on stage to announce this year’s recipients.

Acknowledging the exceptional work of an Artist of the Company, Breanna Foad was named as the winner of this year’s Corps de Ballet Award, while Paige Bestington was awarded the People’s Choice Award, as voted for by members of the public throughout the season.

Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director Designate, commented: “It is a privilege to recognise the hard work and dedication of the dancers at English National Ballet, following their wonderful performance of Cinderella in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall. I would like to congratulate Breanna for all she has done throughout the year, both on and off stage, and Paige who has been recognised by audiences across the UK this season. I am greatly looking forward to continuing to develop and nurture talent within the Company once I officially start in post next season.”

These awards are a key part of English National Ballet’s commitment to talent development within the Company, alongside the Emerging Dancer competition, which returns to the stage in May 2024.

The Corps de Ballet Award is supported by Sue and Graeme Sloan. The People’s Choice Award is supported by Alexis and Frances Prenn.

Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo CBE, English National Ballet has introduced ground-breaking new works to the Company’s repertoire whilst continuing to honour the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw English National Ballet enter a new chapter in its history when it moved into a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, Mulryan Centre for Dance, bringing a renewed commitment to, and freedom for, creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before. www.ballet.org.uk