News Story
As part of our Our City, Your Ballet campaign, we're celebrating the people, places and stories that make Birmingham Royal Ballet unique. Principal Dancer Céline Gittens shares insights into life with the Company, reflects on key moments in her career and reveals some of her favourite things about the city she calls home.
Tell us about your role at Birmingham Royal Ballet.
My name is Céline Gittens, and I'm a Principal Dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
A typical day at BRB starts at 10.30am with ballet class, which lasts for an hour and 15 minutes. After a short break, rehearsals begin and can continue until 6.30pm, with breaks throughout the day. No two days are ever quite the same. We're constantly working on different productions and learning new choreography, which brings a real sense of variety and excitement. It's a demanding profession, but it's also incredibly rewarding.
What has been a defining moment in your career?
One of the defining moments of my career came in 2012, when I made my debut as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. It was a dream role for me, but it was also a significant moment in British ballet history, as I became the first mixed-race female dancer in the UK to perform the role. To achieve something so personally meaningful while also breaking new ground made it an unforgettable experience.
What do you love most about Birmingham?
One of my favourite places in Birmingham is the Botanical Gardens. It's such a beautiful green space and offers a sense of calm in the middle of a busy city. It's somewhere you can enjoy nature, spend time with friends and simply slow down for a while.
Something that often surprises people about Birmingham is just how multicultural it is. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and when I moved here I was delighted to discover such a vibrant Caribbean community. You can find many of the ingredients and flavours I grew up with, as well as fantastic Caribbean restaurants. Birmingham is also famous for the 'Balti', which has become a true local staple.
What makes Birmingham Royal Ballet's audiences so special?
The relationship between Birmingham Royal Ballet and its audiences feels very special. There's a real sense of family. Many audience members have followed my journey through the Company over the years, watching me progress through the ranks. One particularly memorable moment was the premiere of Black Sabbath – The Ballet. When Tony Iommi stepped onto the stage at the end of the performance, the audience immediately rose to their feet. The atmosphere was electric, and it's a moment I'll never forget.
What would you say to someone who thinks ballet isn't for them?
If someone thinks ballet isn't for them, I'd encourage them to give it a chance. Ballet is for everyone, and one of our goals at BRB is to make it as accessible as possible. A great example of this is our Dance Track programme, where we work with schools across Birmingham to identify young people with a passion for dance and music, providing them with free ballet training and opportunities they may not otherwise have access to.
What I love about Birmingham Royal Ballet is that we're constantly challenging perceptions of what ballet can be. Alongside the great classical works, we perform a wide range of productions that bring together different styles of dance, music and storytelling. Whether you're a lifelong ballet lover or attending for the very first time, there's something for everyone. Above all, we want people to come to the theatre, experience something extraordinary and enjoy a wonderful afternoon or evening out.
