I had a lot of ambition and knew I had to take this big step outside of my comfort zone.
Alfred Nicou is a second year student at English National Ballet School, whose journey into professional ballet training has been shaped by curiosity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Beginning his training in France, Alfred quickly demonstrated a dedication that took him beyond weekly classes and into full-time vocational education. By the age of twelve, he was already navigating the demands of professional training, and by fourteen, he had made the bold decision to leave his home country, moving to Germany to continue his studies.
Now in his second year at ENBS, Alfred continues to develop as a thoughtful, versatile dancer. Supported by his family who have believed in his passion from the very beginning, he approaches his training with gratitude, discipline, and a desire to make the most of every opportunity. In his own words, Alfred reflects on his journey so far from discovering ballet at the age of 8 now to preparing for a professional future in dance.
Family and Home
I am from Paris and this is where both of my parents and my two older sisters are based. I am lucky to say that I have always had so much support from my family, which has helped me achieve so many things. My parents have always trusted me and never let me down for my love of ballet.
Training Journey
I started ballet at the age of eight in a conservatory in Paris, just once a week, and it quickly turned into more lessons during the week after school.
At the age of twelve, I auditioned for the Paris Opera Ballet School and stayed there for two years. It was a big change for me to move into full-time training and live in the boarding house. I learned a lot during that time, and it made me much more mature, both as a dancer and as a person.
After those two years, I moved to Germany at the age of fourteen to join the State Ballet School of Berlin. I think that was exactly the right decision for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful to my parents for trusting me and letting me leave my home country.
I arrived without speaking a word of English or German, but I had a lot of ambition and knew I had to take this big step outside of my comfort zone. I then realised that the world of ballet is much bigger than I thought and that it can be approached in very different ways. This is what I love about having the experience of training abroad.
I then made the decision to join the English National Ballet School, where I am now enjoying my second year.
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