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. First Soloist Katherine Ochoa reflects on her first season with the Company, shares a career highlight, and explains why performing for Birmingham audiences is so special.
Tell us about your role at Birmingham Royal Ballet.
My name is Katherine Ochoa, and I’m a First Soloist with Birmingham Royal Ballet. I joined the Company ten months ago, and it has been an exciting experience getting to know the repertory, my colleagues, and our audiences. Every day brings new challenges, and I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love on stage.
What has been a defining moment in your career?
One of the most memorable moments of my career so far was performing the role of Kitri in Don Quixote at Birmingham Hippodrome. It was a role I had been looking forward to dancing, and performing it on our home stage made the experience even more special.
What do you love most about Birmingham?
One of my favourite places in Birmingham is Victoria Square, especially when the sun is shining. It’s such a beautiful place to sit, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Although I've only been here for a short time, Birmingham is already beginning to feel like home.
What makes Birmingham Royal Ballet’s audiences so special?
I think Birmingham’s audiences are incredibly diverse, which makes performing here really special. It’s wonderful to see people of all ages – from young children to older generations – and from so many different backgrounds coming together to enjoy ballet. There’s a real sense of community in the theatre, and you can feel that energy from the stage.
What would you say to someone who thinks ballet isn’t for them?
I would encourage them to come and experience a Birmingham Royal Ballet performance for themselves. You might be surprised by how exciting, emotional, and accessible ballet can be, whether it’s your first performance or your hundredth. It’s also a wonderful way to support the arts, and as dancers, we always love performing for our incredible home audience.
