Yasemin Kayabay
Born: Istanbul, Turkey
Trained: The Royal Ballet School
Joined: 2025
Other companies: The Royal Ballet and Istanbul State Ballet
Awards: The Ballet Association Award (2024), Lynn Seymour Award 2nd Place (2023), Prix de Lausanne Prize Winner (2022), YAGP winner Italy (2019) and Spain (2018)
Favourite BRB ballet: Don Quixote because it bursts with energy, colour and character.
What inspired me to start dancing: A family friend and former ballet dancer noticed my flexibility and suggested I start. From there I joined the Istanbul State Ballet's children's classes, and immediately knew this was what I wanted to do.
Dream role: Kitri from Don Quixote - I would love to experience the character's fiery personality. It's also a role that allows you to really show off both your artistic and technical abilities.