Dancing Partners

Journalist Susan Turner talks to BRB Principals Rachel Peppin and Robert Parker about dancing two of the world's most famous lovers.

One supposes being real-life partners would bring an added dimension to dancing the lead roles in the greatest love story of all-time. But Birmingham Royal Ballet Principals Robert Parker and Rachel Peppin laugh at the suggestion their forthcoming Romeo and Juliet will have an extra special romantic ingredient.

The likeable down-to-earth duo have partnered each other in many ballets and on many occasions but equally enjoy dancing with others.

'It is easier to dance with someone you know well, like as a person and can trust will be there at the crucial moment, because you don’t have to act the part so much – but you hope to have that rapport with all your dance partners,' says Texan-born Peppin, who at 35 is dancing her final season.

'We do enjoy dancing with one another but we also like dancing with other people. It is a good learning curve. I’d hate to have the same dance partner all the time, although for some reason I’ve only danced Romeo and Juliet with Robert.

'And we are very good when we dance together. We never blame one another when things don’t work. We had a bad day recently in rehearsal when nothing seemed to go right but we just write it off and say tomorrow it will be better.'

Parker, who has also partnered Monica Zamora and Ambra Vallo in the title role, admits it can be actually more difficult to dance with an off-stage partner.

'Well, it can be if things are not going quite as planned because you skip the politeness you’d have with a different person,' he grins. 'But we keep our private and professional lives very separate. We don’t waste time in rehearsal on personal stuff. It’s entertaining for other people if they think you’re having a domestic but it can affect your performance. There’s the odd time you discuss what you’re having for tea but generally we’re there to do our jobs like everyone else.'

Nor does work get taken back to their Birmingham home. 'It’s fortunate that the moment we get through the door we drop work,' adds Peppin. 'We don’t spend our evenings talking about Romeo and Juliet or whatever ballet we’re working on. We lead a very ordinary life.'

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