Insight: BRB's Creative Pathways

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to apply for the Creative Pathways Programme.

I’ve always been deeply involved in the arts – dance, theatre, music and singing – and when I moved to Birmingham, my mum and I started looking for creative opportunities I could get involved in. I’ve always seen myself as a performer and had very little experience working behind the scenes, but I was eager to explore that side of the industry as well.

When I applied, I was slightly worried that my background was too performance-focused, but I was thrilled to be offered a place. I loved the applicant workshop and the way the programme was set up. I was also looking for something industry-focused and professionally recognised that wasn’t rooted in a traditional academic setting, as I don’t thrive in that environment, and Creative Pathways offered exactly what I was looking for.
 

What were your first impressions of Birmingham Royal Ballet?

The first thing I noticed was how kind and welcoming everyone is. You can immediately tell it’s an arts organisation as the atmosphere is relaxed and creative, but still highly professional. There’s a real balance between structure and freedom, and people are encouraged to be themselves while still doing meaningful work.

One thing that really stood out to me was BRB’s commitment to accessibility, particularly through relaxed performances and touch tours for differently abled audiences. Coming from Trinidad and Tobago, where this isn’t something widely considered, it was inspiring to see. Overall, my first impression was that BRB is far more expansive and inclusive than I expected, which has genuinely widened my sense of what’s possible, both creatively and professionally.
 

What’s been your favourite moment so far?

Watching The Nutcracker has been incredibly special. It was my first time seeing the ballet, and experiencing it as a full professional production was pure magic. Seeing it from both sides as an audience member and backstage made it even more memorable.

Being behind the scenes really opened my eyes to how much goes on that audiences never see. For example, I got to help put dry ice into the fog machine, which you don't really think about when watching a production. Experiencing the controlled chaos, problem-solving and teamwork that happens behind the curtain made the performance even more impressive. That combination of watching and participating has been my favourite experience so far.

What have you been working on, and how has it been having behind-the-scenes access?

As we’re still at the beginning of the programme, a lot of our time has been spent learning about the different departments within the Company. We’ve met teams from lighting, stage management, the orchestra, wigs and costume, among many others.

What I’ve loved most is how encouraged we are to ask questions. In many internships, you feel like you should stay out of the way, but here it’s the opposite – you’re invited to be involved and curious. That openness has allowed me to learn so much more than I expected.

After exploring the departments, we were asked to choose where we’d like to specialise, and I’m delighted to say I was offered my first choice: Events Management. I love planning, working with people and seeing ideas come to life. During the interview stage, we were asked to design an event concept for BRB, and the feedback I received confirmed that this was the right path for me. Being able to work on events at a company with BRB’s scale and legacy is incredibly exciting.

 What have you learned that you didn’t expect? Has it changed how you see ballet?

I think many people imagine ballet dancers as glamorous, distant or unapproachable, but seeing them offstage completely changes that perception. They’re funny, warm and very human...just real people. That’s something I love about BRB.

I’ve also been struck by how diverse the company is. Watching class and seeing dancers from all over the world – including many dancers of colour – was genuinely refreshing. In an art form like ballet, that representation really matters.

Beyond ballet itself, the working culture has also surprised me. The environment is collaborative, non-hierarchical and supportive. As someone who is neurodiverse and nervous about corporate spaces, it’s been reassuring to realise that I could genuinely see myself working in an organisation like this. It’s reshaped how I view both ballet and the professional world.
 

What are you hoping for this year, and how do you hope the programme will help you in the future?

I’m going into this year with an open mind. I want to see everything, experience as much as possible and really immerse myself in the work. Having spent most of my life performing, I’m excited to develop corporate and professional skills, learn how these environments operate, and build confidence in a different side of the industry.

Mostly, I’m just very excited. I’m ready to work hard, learn new things and take on whatever comes my way.
 

What would you say to someone thinking of applying?

I would absolutely encourage anyone to apply. Don’t let self-doubt stop you, as you never know what they’re looking for, and it might be you. Everyone brings something different, and that’s what makes the programme special.

Three reasons to apply:

• It will broaden your horizons far beyond what you expect. You’ll learn things you didn’t even realise you’d be interested in.
• You’ll meet inspiring, creative people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, and gain a real sense of community.
• Don’t be put off by numbers or competition. Opportunities can change, and you truly never know what could happen unless you try.