Where do our graduates go next? From Ballet School to the World Stage

The English National Ballet School proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 in a heartfelt ceremony filled with reflection, recognition, and joy. Families, faculty, friends and supporters gathered at The Bloomsbury, after our final Summer Performance, to mark the end of three transformative years of elite professional ballet training.

We are especially proud to announce Lois Fraiz and Zai Robinson-Calliste will be joining English National Ballet as company artists this season, a remarkable achievement that reflects their talent, dedication, and potential.

Lois shared, “Being at ENBS has not only shaped me as a dancer but also as a person. I’ve learned to trust myself and to enjoy the journey, even the hard parts. It’s an experience I will always carry with me.”

Zai added, “I’m looking forward to artistic freedom, becoming the artist I want to be, with the guidance of the company. Being able to explore where I want to take my career through the support of Aaron S Watkins and ENB is something I’m really looking forward to.”

The graduation ceremony featured speeches from Artistic Director Lynne Charles and guest speaker James Streeter, First Soloist with English National Ballet and a former ENBS student. James spoke about resilience, growth and seizing opportunity, while Lynne reminded students in a heartfelt speech, “Your career does not begin today. It began the first time you fell in love with movement. Today, you do not start. Today, you continue.”

The celebrations also included the traditional student video, a touching and often humorous look back at life at ENBS and a final student address delivered with warmth and gratitude by Oriel Milton and Luke Wragg. Earlier that day, the graduates took their last class on stage with third-year teachers Lynne Charles and Juan Eymar, closing their time at the School as they began it: dancing together.

Celebrating Student Achievement

Two special awards were presented to mark outstanding student contributions:

Olivia-Şenay Bayram received the Overall Contribution to the School award for her leadership, spirit, and unwavering commitment throughout her training.

Lily Moran was awarded the Best Dissertation Prize for her outstanding academic work, showcasing the intellectual rigour that complements our artistic training.

Where Our Graduates Are Going

ENBS graduates continue to move into professional ballet companies and young artist programmes across the world. Members of the Class of 2025 are joining:

English National Ballet
BalletMet (USA)
BRB2 (Birmingham Royal Ballet’s second company)
Ballet of the Slovak National Theatre
Cape Town City Ballet
London City Ballet
National Opera of Ukraine
Vanemuine Ballet Theatre, Estonia
Junior Company of the Vienna State Opera
Junior Company of the Wiener Staatsballett
ENBS Graduate Artists Programme (GAP)

Supporting the Transition from School to Stage

We are also excited to announce that several graduates will continue their training through our newly revised Graduate Artists Programme. This initiative provides a bridge between student and professional life, offering performance opportunities, mentorship, and company experience. With a renewed focus on career readiness and individual artistic growth, the programme gives young dancers the tools and space to refine their craft as they transition into the next stage of their careers.

To the Class of 2025, your artistry, perseverance, and passion inspire us all. We can’t wait to see where your careers take you.