Monday, November 4, 2024

Melissa Hamilton: Renowned ballerina returns to her ‘home stage’

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Getty Images Melissa Hamilton posing in a ballet outfit, lifted into the air by three sets of handsGetty Images

Melissa Hamilton said it was special to perform at the Grand Opera House

When you think of the world of ballet, the image of a dancer in a tutu and tiara, standing en pointe might come to mind.

For world renowned dancer Melissa Hamilton, who is returning to her home stage in Belfast, it is so much more.

The 35-year-old ballerina from Dromore in County Down is a First Soloist of The Royal Ballet in London.

This weekend she is returning to Northern Ireland to perform a special Ballet Gala at the Grand Opera house in Belfast in what she calls a “dream come true”.

“To be able to come full circle and bring so many esteemed colleagues and friends to my home stage in the Grand Opera House is something I could never have imagined,” she said.

“It’s so special.”

Andre Uspenski Melissa Hamilton dancing with Lukas Braendsrod in a dance rehearsal studio. Melissa is wearing a white leotard, white tights and white ballet shoes. Her hair is blonde and slicked back Lukas is wearing black t-shirt and shorts. He has brown hair. Melissa's right leg is pointed down leaning forward and her left leg is raised behind her. Gareth has his left arm around her waist supporting her and his right arm is supporting her leg.Andre Uspenski

Melissa Hamilton dancing with Lukas Braendsrod in a dance rehearsal studio.

Hamilton began taking ballet lessons aged four but, unlike many dancers who undertake full-time training from a young age, she did not begin vocational ballet training until the age of 16.

She won a scholarship at the Elmhurst School for Dance then made the decision to move to Greece to train privately.

In 2007, she won the Youth American Grand Prix and that year entered The Royal Ballet, becoming a First Soloist with the company in 2013.

As part of her time in her home city, Hamilton is also teaching a masterclass to young aspiring dancers, where she hopes to give motivational advice as well as practical tips.

“Follow your dreams and remember that anything is possible, remember that I was a student just like them at their age,” she said.

“I had never stepped on stage before, I never had any experience of being able to be on the Grand Opera House stage whenever I was in my teens.”

Melissa Hamilton Melissa Hamilton as a child. She is wearing a light blue leotard with light blue shirt and pink sock. The number 8 is on her leotard. Her hair is slicked back and she is holding her shirt up at the sides and her right leg is bend backwards in a curtsey position.Melissa Hamilton

Now performing on international stages, Melissa Hamilton’s journey in ballet began at the age of four

As part of the production in Belfast, Hamilton is joined by her fellow Royal Ballet dancers, as well as the English National Ballet, Vienna State Ballet, the New English Ballet Theatre and Ballet Ireland.

“To be able to bring world class ballet to Belfast is just incredible,” she told BBC News NI.

The showcase will include excerpts from ballet classics such as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, among others.

However, modern contemporary works will also feature, including a commissioned world premiere collaboration between Melissa, New English Ballet Theatre and Northern Ireland Opera, with soprano Mary McCabe.

Ballerina Melissa Hamilton returns home to Belfast for a special showcase.

‘Not just tutus and tiaras’

Magda Hoffman Melissa dancing with Gareth Haw in a dance rehearsal studio. She is wearing a grey leotard, white tutu, white tights and white ballet shoes. Gareth is wearing a white long sleeve top, black trousers and black socks. He has dark hair. Melissa is en pointe on her left leg with right leg in the air, she is bent forward with her arms at her side. Gareth is straight with his left leg pointed to his side. He is supporting Melissa's waist.Magda Hoffman

Melissa Hamilton said ballet can be enjoyed by everyone

Although Hamilton graces stages all over the world, she said a home audience is “super special”.

“To have my family in the audience, as well local talent and future generations of dancers, is just incredible,” she said.

She added ballet is more that just “tutus and tiaras” and can be enjoyed by everyone.

“Nowadays ballet is so multifaceted, it’s an art form that can evolve.

“Yes we do the classics, but contemporary pieces like what we do in this showcase prove that ballet can be appreciated by everyone.”

Andre Uspenski Melissa dancing with with José Alves in a dance rehearsal studio. She is wearing a black unitard and white ballet shoes. José is wearing a red t-shirt and black trousers. He is bent forward holding Melissa on his back. She is grasping his right arm and left leg, he is grasping her left leg and right hand.Andre Uspenski

Melissa Hamilton dancing with with José Alves in a dance rehearsal studio

The performance at the Grand Opera House is produced by Hamilton Christou Productions, a company set up by Melissa and her husband, property developer Michael Christou.

This will be the company’s first UK performance.

Hamilton first performed on the Grand Opera House stage in 2019, and is hoping her homecoming show will be well received.

“I just hope people can go away and be really inspired and moved by the performances,” she said.

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