In conversation with Melissa Hamilton

[@normamimosa5991]

One wonders why on earth, with all the incredible feedback and offers of roles from top world choreographers and dancers, the Royal Ballet has not promoted this inspirational dancer to principal.

[@kathymyers7279]

Stodgy with the “way it is supposed to happen”, probably.

[@thevanillaflourette]

Totally agree. This woman is one of their very best. It is mind boggling why she isn’t a principal.

[@casteretpollux]

I've had it watching the RB. They are stodgy beyond belief. They don't even understand the stories on which ballets are based. It's all described as "fairy stories" , just above panto level but without the humour. And bullying and good old British Middle class prejudice. They don't know what to do with their dancers.

[@normamimosa5991]

@@casteretpollux Xander Parish an example!

[@lisar9425]

My thanks to whatever force (human or mathematical) pushed this again and again to the top of my KZbin queue until I succumbed. She “walks her talk” as we’d say in the States. Both humbling and inspiring.

[@normamimosa5991]

Melissa Hamilton, an inspiration. I have told many people about her. So lucky that she ended up with a Russian teacher with the impeccable training from Russia that has, then and now, the best companies in the world.

[@kathymyers7279]

Wouldnt it be awesome if she were the one to establish a school and company in Northern Ireland?!

[@LuizFilipeLucchiari]

Her dance story is unbelievable. It makes me believe more and more, as myself a dancer, to listen to my passion and say yes to every opportunity. The impossible may be happening and come true.

[@altongrimes]

Remarkable that she came out of such a modest beginning. Fascinating to hear her talk. She was unforgettable in that Elite Syncopations rehearsal with the Royal.

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

That reminds me of the Billy Elliot story. Fantastic!! Mad respect to her!! 👏👏👏

[@yiudiumui]

LOVE THESE!!!! Please make more!!!

[@santi7616]

Fantastic dancer and fantastic interview. Thank you very very much for this interview ¡¡¡

[@brendadufaur37]

From 15 minutes of pointe class to down the line being told by the great Anthony Dowell about her pointe work: " you're feet are so beautiful."

[@normasimon]

Such a wonderful interview, so real and honest

[@oliviakirby1409]

It's a tragedy about Melissa, she's been diagnosed with HIV and will have to give up dancing.

[@randompikmin4103]

@@oliviakirby1409 Source?

[@yelenazerk]

Ell when u r this intelligent and talented ita impossible not to succeed. Inspiring

[@ntricker]

An incredibly determined lady. Well done, Melissa, for obtaining your dream.

[@radiantonion8615]

it's so fantastic when people's dream Really come true.

[@stephenbyrne7547]

What an interesting and inspirational lady. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@msbeejones]

she has such an incredible backstory.

[@barbaralemere1852]

Melissa is a pleasure to watch in everything she does.

[@littlegreylogcabin]

love her!! what an awesome story!

[@kilianocallaghan622]

Phenomenal, like her performance!

[@mikeclancy478]

She's delightful.

[@patshaw51]

TOTALLY fabulous!!

[@nornsnornsnorns]

Wonderful!!

[@JoyKawaiimo]

I admire her so much :(

[@sebster1034]

Wow!

[@AnnabellaEdeL]

She's got an incredible story. She's so good!!!!

[@marissaventre222]

I'd like to know the names of the teachers who told her to stop dancing. What on earth were they thinking?!!!!!

[@iestynovich]

Her story's a bit like Melba's - crikey, she has guts! Brilliant.

[@sopranosd]

Why do so many female dancers speak on a vocal fry?

[@kathymyers7279]

It’s true! Like their vocal chords atrophi through listening and not speaking for so long.

[@KSfan4ever]

Maybe because they are smokers?

[@maclogan8977]

..find a way to make a parachute on the way down....LOL