How do dancers spend their summer break?

After a busy season with Birmingham Royal Ballet, our five-week summer break is a chance to recharge both physically and mentally before returning to the studio. This year, I was lucky enough to spend part of mine in beautiful Croatia.

A well-earned holiday in Croatia

I spent 11 days away with my boyfriend, Yasiel Hodelín Bello, who is also a dancer with the Company. We explored the city of Split before heading to the island of Hvar, where we enjoyed a much-needed change of pace.

For the first few days, we gave ourselves permission to completely switch off and rest. As dancers, our bodies work incredibly hard throughout the season, so taking time to recover is just as important as training. Later in the holiday, we began introducing some gentle exercise back into our routine, using the hotel's gym for relaxed morning workouts before breakfast. The rest of each day was spent enjoying the sunshine, relaxing by the pool or on the beach, taking boat trips around the Croatian coast, and making wonderful memories together.

Easing back into training

Once I returned to the UK, I spent the remainder of my summer break with my family in Bristol. It was lovely to slow down and enjoy quality time together, while gradually building my fitness back up ahead of the new season.

My mum is a member of a local gym, so I joined her for several fitness classes, helping me stay active without jumping straight back into full ballet training. I also spent three days teaching at a summer school in Birmingham alongside fellow Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer Olivia Chang-Clarke. Teaching was a brilliant way to gently reintroduce ballet into my body and begin rebuilding my strength and technique.

I also visited my local ballet studio in Bristol a couple of times and enjoyed plenty of long walks with my dad. We even travelled to Wales to visit my grandparents, making the most of seeing family before the season begins again.

Why rest is just as important as training

Overall, I tried not to do too much. Giving my body time to recover was my biggest priority. I hardly wore my pointe shoes, allowing my feet and toes to rest after months of performing. Summer is also the perfect opportunity for all those little aches and niggles that naturally build up during the season to heal properly.

By the end of the break, I felt refreshed, re-energised and ready to get back into the studio. Between exploring Croatia, spending time with loved ones, enjoying plenty of fresh food and sunshine, and gradually returning to training, it was exactly the balance I needed before another exciting season with Birmingham Royal Ballet.