Tamara Rojo CBE

Artistic Director

Tamara Rojo was appointed Artistic Director of English National Ballet in 2012. She combines this role with her dancing career, performing as Lead Principal with the Company.

Trained in Madrid at the Victor Ullate School.

She won a Gold Medal at the Paris International Dance Competition and a Special Jury Award unanimously given by a judging panel led by Natalia Makarova, Vladimir Vasiliev and Galina Samsova, who asked her to join Scottish Ballet.

Within six months of joining English National Ballet, Tamara was promoted to Principal, and went on to dance the full range of the Company’s principal roles. Derek Deane created the roles of Juliet (Romeo & Juliet) and Clara (The Nutcracker) for her. Her performances as Clara broke all box office records at the London Coliseum and The Times named her “Dance Revelation of the Year.”

Tamara joined The Royal Ballet as a Principal at the invitation of Sir Anthony Dowell shortly after her highly acclaimed Guest Artist debut with the Company in Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle, and danced there for 12 years.

Tamara has been repeatedly recognised for her artistic excellence. Her awards include: the 2010 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production; Spain’s three highest Honours, The Prince of Asturias Award, the Gold Medal of Fine Arts and Encomienda de Número de Isabel la Católica; the Benois de la Danse Award; Critics’ Circle National Dance Award; Barclay’s Outstanding Achievement in Dance Award; Positano Dance Award; Leonide Massine Premio al Valore; the Italian Critic’s Award; and from the City of Madrid, both the International Medal of the Arts and the Interpretation Award.

She is on the Board of One Dance UK, the Anglo-Spanish Society, a Patron of the Ipswich-based DanceEast Academy, Patron of the Flamingo Chicks and Adviser to Spain’s Superior Council of Artistic Studies.

In January 2016 Tamara Rojo became D.A. Magna Cum Laude, presenting her thesis ‘Psychological Profile of the Elite Dancer – Vocational Characteristics of the Professional Dancer’ at Rey Juan Carlos University, and was awarded a CBE for her services to ballet in the Queen’s 2016 New Year’s Honours.

Sue is currently the Chair of One Dance UK. Until 2015 Sue was also Trustee and Vice-Chair of the Council for Dance Education and Training, is former Chief Executive of Rambert Dance Company, and past Manager of The Cholmondeleys & Featherstonehaughs, Sue Wyatt has over thirty years’ experience in the arts. She was Head of Combined Arts and Strategy at East Midlands Arts Board, a Council Member for Arts Council London, Chair of artsdepot Barnet, and a Trustee for both Phoenix Dance Theatre and Hampstead Theatre.

Samira Saidi

Director of Dance

Samira Saidi joined English National Ballet School as its Director of Dance in August 2012.

Trained by The Royal Ballet School, at age sixteen, Sir Frederick Ashton chose her to dance the Margot Fonteyn role in his ballet; Birthday Offering. At eighteen, she graduated into Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet.

 During an illustrious, twenty year career with Sadler’s Wells and Birmingham Royal Ballet, under the directorships of Sir Peter Wright and David Bintley, Samira worked with legendary choreographers such as Sir Frederick Ashton, Sir Kenneth MacMillan and Dame  Ninette de Valois. She danced in all the Classics, in particular noted for her interpretation of Giselle, in Peter Wright’s own production.  In David Bintley’s three act ballet; The Snow Queen, Samira was chosen to create the title role, winning critical acclaim.  

In 1999, after retirement from dancing to concentrate on teaching and choreography, Samira was invited to teach and to help develop Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Dance Track Programme.  This led to her being in much demand as a teacher both nationally and internationally. She has choreographed for Birmingham Royal Ballet, National Youth Ballet and Elmhurst Ballet School.

As Director of Dance at English National Ballet School, Samira is often invited to be a judge at various international ballet competitions in Europe, America and Japan and also as a guest teacher at schools and summer schools world wide. 

English National Ballet School is the official school of English National Ballet.

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No bio

No Bio

No bio

No Bio

Elizabeth Marshall

Head of Studies

Elizabeth Marshall trained at London College of Dance and Drama; she was awarded a First Class BA Honours in Dance in Society from the University of Surrey and Distinction in the Master of Teaching from the Institute of Education. 

Elizabeth has worked at English National Ballet School since 1996 and is currently employed as Head of Studies.  She has been a Principal A Level Dance examiner for NEAB/AQA and Chief Examiner for the ISTD History of Western Dance examination.

Elizabeth has written education resources and articles for BBC Education, the Royal Opera House and University of Surrey, The Royal Ballet, the Royal Ballet School, the National Resource Centre for Dance, Adventures in Motion Pictures, Dance Matters and The Dancing Times.  Elizabeth has also transcribed conference sessions from Following Sir Fred’s Steps, Ashton’s Legacy; Siobhan Davies in Residence Seminar Programme and Ninette de Valois: Adventurous Traditionalist.

Nathalia Barbara

1st Year Women’s Tutor / Ballet

Brazilian-born Nathalia Barbara has taught dance for more than 25 years, a profession she believes is founded on love, commitment and dedication. Her classical training was based on the Vaganova system and Cecchetti method, infused with Cuban methodology. Before becoming a teacher, she toured with Ballet Metropolitano de Sao Paulo and Grupo Uirapuru, performing in many classical, neo-classical and contemporary ballets.

The education and artistic development of young dancers has been her lifelong endeavour. She has held positions as Head of Teachers Training Program (1994-98) and Artistic Director of the Ballet Program (1991-98) in Sao Paulo, In Canada she was co-director of the DIWC Ballet Company (1998-03) and Assistant of Director to the Jeunesse Ballet Company (2003-04). In 2004 she received an invitation to work in London where she now teaches with English National Ballet School.

Nathalia has coached several students for international ballet competitions including the Alicia Alonso International Ballet Competition (Cuba); YBDY, Phyllis Bedells Competition, Adeline Genée Ballet Competition (England); Prix of Lausanne (France), International Ballet Competition Beijing (China); and Brasilia International Dance Competition, Grand Prix Brazil, International Festival of Dance Joinville (Brazil). She has also been on the jury panel for ballet competitions in both England and Brazil, and teaches regularly on summer programs in Brazil, Canada and Italy.

Nathalia has helped nurture and inspire numerous students, many of whom now work for major ballet companies worldwide.

Juan Eymar

1st Year Men’s Tutor / Ballet

Juan Eymar was born in Madrid where he trained as a dancer with Lola De Ávila and Carmen Roche who took him in her company as a principal  dancer at the age of 14. After three years gathering experience on the Spanish stage Mr Eymar continued his professional career  in leading European companies like Zurich Ballet, The Bavarian State Ballet and the Dutch National Ballet where he performed group, soloist and principal roles in most classical ballets and works by renoun choreographers such as  Balanchine, Cranko, MacMillan, Van Manen, Ek, Forsythe and Kylian amongst many others . In 2012, Mr Eymar ventured into other areas of dance including choreography and injury recovery. He became a certified GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® instructor in 2012 and was awarded the equivalence to a High Education in Dance by the Government of Spain. Before joining English National Ballet School, Mr Eymar worked for 2 years  as a teacher and choreographer at the High Conservatory of Dance in Madrid and was an international guest teacher in various international companies and schools like the Royal Ballet of Flanders, Zurich Ballet and Estonian National Ballet.

Olga Semenova

Character

Olga Semenova moved from St.Petersburg to London when Lady Sainsbury invited her to study at The Benesh Institute of Choreology.  There she pioneered an exam based Character syllabus for students up to 18 years old and trained teachers to implement this.

Olga also helped to develop a Vaganova- based Syllabus for the Senior school at Central School of Ballet.

Olga trained as a professional ballet dancer at St.Petersburg's prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy, Alma Mater of many of today's international ballet stars. Interestingly, her mother was one of the last students to study under the great Vaganova. After a ballet career Olga completed four years of professional teaching/ coaching course at the Vaganova Ballet Academy and was awarded the PDTC Diploma with Distinction and MA ( Hons).

Olga taught ballet for Junior and Pre-graduation classes at The Vaganova Ballet Academy. Her former students are now dancing in leading Russian and International Companies. In London she was taught at different ballet schools and professionals ballet companies. Currently Olga is teaching at English National Ballet School and Central School of Ballet. Also she is Character and Ballet guest teacher at different UK and International schools.

Roberto Almaguer

2nd Year Men’s Tutor / Ballet

Roberto Almaguer is a former Soloist, first  with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and Once in the United States with Cleveland San Jose Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, amongst others, Mr. Almaguer graduated in Camaguey, Cuba in 1984  and toured extensively with the Ballet de Camaguey under the direction of the  Father of the Cuban Ballet, Fernando Alonso before joining the National company under Alicia Alonso.

He has been a Ballet teacher and coach since 1990 and has worked with some of the top choreographers and directors of the last century and he has performed most of the major roles in the Traditional repertoire. In 1989 Mr. Almaguer won two Gold medals at the International Ballet Competition in Peru.

Roberto is also a Certified Massage Therapist having studied and graduated in Los Angeles, California in 2007.

Larissa Bamber

3rd Year Women’s Tutor / Ballet

Larissa Bamber was born on the Wirral and was accepted into the Royal Ballet School at age 11 and graduated in to the Royal Ballet company aged 18.

Larissa performed nationally and internationally, from corps de ballet to principal roles and guested with Irek Mukhamedov, creating roles for William Tuckett, Matthew Hart and Ashley Page and also for David Bintley in The Planets.

After her 13 year career with The Royal Ballet Larissa then gained a distinction from The Royal Academy of Dance after completing the Professional Dancers Teachers Course in 2000 and has been teaching at English National Ballet School full time for the past 7 years.  Larissa has staged her own works for English National Ballet School and Central School of Ballet, has staged productions for The Classical Road Show at the Festival Hall and other productions at Her Majesty’s, The Dorchester and the Beck.

Alen Bottaini

3rd Year Men’s Tutor / Ballet

Born in Viareggio, Italia; Alen Bottaini started ballet at the age of 12 in Italy. At 15 he continues  his studies in London, at The Royal Ballet Upper School for a year, and from there he goes to S. Petersburg, to the Vaganova Academy where after two years he graduates with honours. Later that year he completes his studies with an advanced course at the National Ballet School of Canada, in Toronto including the study of contemporary dance. During all this period, he also has the chance to study under the guidance of Madame Marika Besobrasova, at the prestigious Academie de Danse Princesse Grace in Monaco.

During his studies in Russia, Alen guests in Osaka where he dances: Solor in La Bayadere, the Joker in Swan Lake, Albrecht in II Act Giselle and Carnavale  a Venezia. Alen dances, in several occasions, at the Kirov : Grand Pas Classique from Balanchine, the prince in Nutcracker from Agrippina Vaganova and the pas-de-deux from Le Corsaire and from Sleeping Beauty. After a tour to Greece and Japan, Alen is  invited to dance at the Kirov and the Bolshoi at the galas in honour of Madame Natalja Dudinskaja.

In September 1993 he joins the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, Germany; where only one year later he debuts as principal dancer as Colas in La Fille Mal Guardée from Sir Frederick Ashton and as Puck in John Neumeier’s Midsummer Nights Dream having the chance to prove his value in important ballet roles at an early age. Alen is formally promoted to soloist and principal dancer in 1997 and 1999 respectively.

International Prizes:

• In 1996, at the Varna International Competition, he was the first and only Italian to win the “Gold Medal (Senior)” and the special prize for the “Best Artistic Interpretation”.
• In September 1996, receives the Positano prize for „Best New Rising Star“.
• In December 1996, he conquers Paris at the closing gala of the VII Paris International Dance Competiton in the Théatre des Champs-Elysées with his „charme“ and „la haute virtuosité de la prestation“.
• Also in December, he is the prince Dèsiré at the Carlo Felice Teatro in Genova, in the co-production Genova-Varsavia of Sleeping Beauty from Yuri Grigorovich, next to Elena Pankova from the Marijnsky and was acclaimed by the press as the „revelation“ of the season.
• In 1996/97 receives the prize Danza & Danza, “Best Italian Dancer in Europe”.
• In 1998 he received the distinction of “Star of the Week” by the Abendzeitung,
• In 2006 was awarded the title of “Best Performer of the Year” by the leading Italian Ballet Journal Danza & Danza.
• More recently he was awarded the Giuliana Pensi “Grand Prix” as well as the “Career Award”.
• In 2008 Alen is awarded the honorary title of Kammertänzer, one of the highest recognitions by the Bavarian Minister of State for Science, Research and Art.

Alen Bottaini’s international guest appearances include:

The Queensland Ballet, Lyric Theatre of Brisbane, Sydney, Ballet de Santiago in Chile, Bolshoi Ballet, Kirov Ballet, Osaka and Nagoya in Japan, Royal Danish Ballet, National Ballet of Portugal, Prague, Théatre du Casino in Montecarlo, Kiev, Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Slovenian National Ballet and also in other gala performances throughout Europe.

His partners include Larissa Lezhnina, Diana Vishneva, Elena Pankova, Maria Eichwald, Ambra Vallo, Monica Perego, Simona Noja, Maria Gimenez, Lucia Lacarra, Lisa-Maree Cullum, Margaret Hillman, Kathryn Heely, Ana Lacerda, Beatrice Carbone, Nina Kaptsova  and Katherina Markowskaja.

Alen Bottaini’s repertoire includes:

Armand in Lady of the Camellias (J.Neumeier), Mercutio and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (J.Cranko), Solor and Golden Idol in La Bayadere (P.Bart), the prince in Nutcracker (J.Neumeier), Albrecht in Giselle (Sir P.Wright), Siegfried in Swan Lake (R.Barra), the prince in Cinderella (J.Neumeier), Basil in D.Quixote (R.Barra) (Vassiliev), Des Grieux and Lescaut in Manon (Sir K.MacMillan), Petruccio in Taming of the Shrew (J.Cranko), Jean de Bienne, Abderakman in Raymonda (R.Barra), Lensky in Onegin (J.Cranko), Puck in Midsummer Nights Dream (J.Neumeier), Dèsirée and Blue Bird in Sleeping Beauty (I.Liska after Petipa), Conrad, Ali and Birbanto in Le Corsaire (I.Liska after Petipa), Franz in Coppelia

Les Bourgeois (B.Van Cauwenbergh), Zakousky (P.Martins), 5 Tangos, Trio and Grosse Fugue (H.Van Manen), A Sort Of and Apartment (Mats Ek), Who Cares, Symphony in C, Tarantella and Brahms-Schönberg (Balanchine), Limb’s Theorem and Artifact (W.Forsythe), Zugvögel, Swadebka and Bella Figura (J.Kylian), Les Biches (Nijinska), Das Lied von der Erde (Sir K.MacMillan) , Festival in Genzano (Bournonville) The Storm (Jörg Manner).

And additional works by:  Robert La Fosse, Lucinda Childs, Twyla Tharp, Peter Markus, Martin Schläpfer, Itzik Galili, Davide Bombana, Graeme Murphy, Jose Limon, Terence Kohler. To name a few.

Alen Bottaini’s Teaching Experience:

Alen began a career as guest teacher for companies such as the State Ballet of the Ljubjana Opera in Slovenia amongst others; and at the ballet schools La Danza in Munich, Dance Station in Munich, Lorna Wilkinson Ballet School in Italy, Keiko Yasuda Ballet School in Japan and many more.

In 2001 took over the organization and financial management of the performances of the Lorna Wilkinson Ballet School at the Guglielmo Teatro, in Italy. The performances included: Coppelia, Giselle, Paquita and the Nutcracker.

In December 2010 he was invited to choreograph for the gala “Chopin on Pointe”, in the China Century Theatre in Beijing, where he also performed, to commemorate the 200^th Anniversary of Chopin.

More recently, in 2010/2011, he worked as Assistant Director, Choreographer and Ballet Master with the Greek National Ballet Company, collaborating with Ray Barra in the restaging of his “Snow Queen” and with Vassiliev in his D.Quixote where he also danced the principal role.

In September 2011 he was called to guest in J.Crankos Romeo and Juliet with the CNB (National Ballet of Portugal) where he had the opportunity to work under the influence of the former Stuttgart principal dancer Sylviane Bayard Phillips.

In March 2012 he returned to guest with the CNB (National Ballet of Portugal) as prince Dèsirée in Sleeping Beauty choreographed by Ted Brandsen.

Alen Bottaini has been invited to teach at the annual RAD Summer School in Trentino, the biggest RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) meeting in Italy; as well as at the annual ISTD Italian Summer School  (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) in Italy. He has been invited to return in the next years.

In September 2012 Alen danced at the Arena di Verona in the gala “Angeli Sulle Punte”.

Danced also at the Gala in Livorno, Italy, in honour of Marika Besobrasova.

In 2012/2013 he was invited to dance with David Campos Ballet the Campos’ versions of “Giselle” “Sleeping Beauty”, performing in Spain and Italy.

He was also invited to dance with the Dessau Ballet, “Nibelungen” from Tomasz Kajdanski.

In March 2013, he was guest teaching with the Scottish Ballet.

In the summer he returned to Italy to teach Advanced Classes with the RAD and ISTD Summer Schools gaining an invitation for future RAD Summer School in Canada.

Invited to give Master Classes at the International Summer School in Verona.

Since December 2013 he is the final year boys class teacher of the prestigious ENBS (English National Ballet School) in London.

Since January 2014, Alen Bottaini has his own school in Munich, Germany; The Bottaini Merlo International Center of Arts (BMICA).

It has been a long life dream of his to give back, in experience, knowledge and passion the affection of his faithful public and fans and share his eternal appreciation of the Art.

He continues to travel the globe, not only performing, but guest teaching, creating new choreographies, teaching master classes and workshops.

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

Liesl Dowsett

Liesl began dancing at the age of five and was a Junior Associate at The Royal Ballet School, where she performed with The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and with The Northern Ballet. Liesl went on to train at The Royal Ballet Upper School, and in her graduate year danced with the Royal Ballet Company in The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella and Don Quixote.

After her graduation Liesl made her professional debut as a Ballet Girl in The Phantom of the Opera in Manchester and a year later premiered the show in Edinburgh. She then joined the London production of Phantom where she also understudied the role of Meg Giry. 

After leaving Phantom Liesl played the part of Susan the Silent in Finian’s Rainbow at the Fortune Theatre and appeared in On Your Toes with Adam Cooper in Japan. Liesl was thrilled to be involved in the filming of Joel Schumacher’s 2004 film version of The Phantom of the Opera creating the roles of a Ballet Girl and Masquerade Dancer. She also danced at the Royal Albert Hall in Phantom's 25th Anniversary production. Liesl most recently was the Dance Captain on the UK tour of the new version of Phantom of the Opera working with Scott Ambler and Matthew Bourne.

Liesl has taught at the Kensington School of Ballet, Emma Northmore's Ballet School and has been an assistant teacher at South West School of Ballet. Liesl has been involved with English National Ballet School for two years, assisting and covering classes at our Chelsea branch of ENBS Juniors. Liesl is delighted to be teaching at our new branches in Putney and Richmond.

Rebecca Peters

Rebecca started dancing at the tender age of two and a half at the Carol May School of Dance and Performing Arts, following the RAD ballet syllabus and the ISTD tap and modern syllabus.

Rebecca trained as an Associate of The Royal Ballet School, and then went on to gain a place at White Lodge, The Royal Ballet Lower School.  As a student Rebecca danced with The Royal Ballet in The Nutcracker for three seasons.  She also danced at the opening ceremony of the Royal Opera House in front of Her Majesty The Queen.  Another highlight from her time at White Lodge was dancing in the opening of Mick Jagger’s performing arts school, and being in a BBC television documentary with Jennifer Saunders.

Rebecca continued her training at Elmhurst School in association with The Birmingham Royal Ballet. Here she gained her Trinity College London Diploma in Professional Dance.  As a student Rebecca went on tour with Birmingham Royal Ballet dancing numerous roles. 

Upon graduation, Rebecca successfully auditioned for the Estonian Vanemuine Ballet Company. Rebecca danced as a professional ballet dancer for three years with this company; dancing many roles in a range of classical and neo-classical ballets. Since leaving Estonia, Rebecca has performed with Cork City Ballet and London Ballet Ensemble.

Rebecca gained Distinction in all her RAD exams and achieved the ARAD (Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance) in 2006.  Rebecca has been teaching ballet in London and Surrey for the last 3 years, and has recently completed the Professional Dancers’ Teaching Diploma (PDTD) with the Royal Academy of Dance gaining her RAD registered teacher status.

Rebecca brings with her a wealth of performance and technical knowledge and looks forward to sharing these attributes with the children of ENBS Juniors.

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio

No Bio