The Royal Ballet rehearse the Kingdom of the Shades scene from La Bayadère - World Ballet Day 2018

[@ahcaroles]

I love when she says "Ladies, be proud, feel special". When you are in corps sometimes you forget you're an individual, you go with the flow thinking people are just watching one big group. But truth is, at least one person is probably looking directly at you. Nice way of encouraging their stage presence.

[@ninak16]

ahcaroles true!

[@haute03]

@sallygo1234 Oh my gosh! I love this comment so much, haha!

[@laylanahar]

I have been thinking recently how talented you have to be to dance corps - you have to have unison, right? Or if the corps loses that it begins to look disorganized. So all the dancers have to have a really good sense of rhythm and you have to be willing to play down your assets if that breaks the unity. (I'm not a corps member at all. But I've seen one performance (in a Met opera) where the group of dancers wasn't unified. You really noticed it.)

[@Savage_D_777]

I like your strong mustache!

[@yuji2631]

i agree!! ♥️😭

[@kiwilover01]

I love how positive her corrections were. Nothing was said aggressively, or negatively. Growing up I wish my ballet instructors were more like that rather than making you feel bad for your mistakes.

[@jg63776]

My Violeta Calm down. What’s your problem?

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

My Violeta yeah, but if you compare that to English National Ballet („Agony and ecstasy“ here on YT) that’s remarkable

[@amayastrata4629]

My Violeta me too. I had the aspirations but always looked like a heffalump. I was also too tall. Good for the posture though.

[@amanda.._..]

My Violeta I was forced into ballet but I love it and I practice non stop so don’t assume anything(I take it once a week which isn’t a lot but it’s better then nothing)

[@cesareforese2093]

It’s me Amanda W Minkus,W Petipa.

[@sheenaangelietenoso7016]

The first ballerina. Her emotions look so raw, it goes with the music. Their teacher is really kind.

[@laurajohnson833]

That's Romany - she's what brings me back to this video time and time again. She's magnificent!

[@belle7162]

I noticed straight away. Only a rehearsal but all her emotions went into it. Love that from a dancer!!

[@Wynnie0204]

Romany Pajdak really does have that spark and charisma when she dances, whether rehearsals or performances

[@NeoNovastar]

Honestly brought me to tears, her expressions were so beautiful, along with her lines. I'd be a mess sting her dance it in costume with the lighting!

[@aedegroot94]

I've watched a ton of russian ballet video's lately and this woman is so much kinder, lmao

[@ninabaskov5784]

I know, thought the same.

[@cbudzyn]

That’s why the Russian ballet is more precise & quick, their training is much tougher & they don’t care if your feelings are hurt or if you feel good or if something hurts, if you hurt yourself you either get on with it or someone else eagerly takes your place. It’s perfection or nothing.

[@wishy894]

That’s nice and all but it reminds me of rats being tortured to do what they’re trained to do. But It’s a beautiful thing. I just wish they didn’t suffer so much

[@cbudzyn]

Wishy It’s a choice, a job. Some people grow up wanting to be a doctor, go to school & residency for 8+ years working horrible hours until they have their job, we all make our own choices in life. People dance for a career because they love it, there’s very little money until you become a known principal dancer, money comes if you receive endorsements from dance outfitters or your asked to do coaching, however that’s after your career which is usually not that long, however depending your level & the company you may rub elbows with elite benefactors (sometimes). I would know my grandmother was a professional ballerina for a company, soloist, during the 1920’s in Germany before WW2. I loved listening to her stories & looking through her pre-performance pictures.

[@CH-nb3nz]

Cameras...

[@heatherdee9667]

I love when the teacher says "feel special" I've never seen this ballet but I'm guessing this dance is very special!

[@sandrahigginson7044]

Heather Dee it is special becuadro there are not many ballet dancers as there is football players or tennis players. But it is specia

[@m.h2247]

Heather Dee you should watch it, it’s beautiful!

[@minissa2009]

It's unique in that a first year ballet student could do all of the steps, but to do it beautifully and in concert is the challenge. There are quite a few videos of Kingdom of the Shades in performance on YT but each company has its own unique flavor (so it becomes kind of hard to overdose on it!)

[@mrlopez-pz7pu]

The shades have no business "feeling special" , and they sure as hell shouldn't smile.

[@pinkwings8036]

This scene was what brought this ballet to the west, the Russians toured just this act like Act 2 of Swan Lake was at first. Its a grand and dreamy scene, and this entrance is incredible to watch. Of course these dancers should feel special and proud of their work. And none of them were smiling while dancing, unless you mistake looking forlorn and neutral as smiling.

[@geeklinggirl]

Just the 39th arabesque. Heck, if there are that many I don’t know how they keep track. XD

[@arminhanik4207]

Music changes on the last set. Set number per line, first dancer arrives at a set position.

[@lunastar9325]

Im a dencer and I know

[@emiilysheils5030]

Me neither

[@sq1dercowg1rl]

Luna Star dancer* you mean

[@giraffeedits801]

you learn to remember where your last spot is not how many you’ve done.

[@theminisimmer]

"Ladies lift your chests, feel proud, feel special!" That was so adorable. I could cry.

[@michelinearthebise2783]

thank you to the artist at the piano!

[@bew1452]

Totally agree. Too often the pianists are forgotten.

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

Grant Green is an amazing pianist that often accompanies our rehearsals. (We've now added his name to the video description too!) www.roh.org.uk/people/grant-green

[@wellwhoknows9567]

YES!!!

[@TheFinnola]

One of my favourite sounds is the rehearsal piano. That slight echo and “tinny” edge. The melody is so clear. He is perfect.

[@rekacolour]

@@RoyalBalletAndOpera my mother worked as a ballet pianist all her life. I spent many many hours in the rehearsal room, sitting in the corner, watching the students, listening to the music. It was some of the best hours of my life. Thank you for recognising Grant's work.

[@pinkwings8036]

Though Gemma's legs were recovering, her upper body was utterly gorgeous. I hope she's back to 100% soon!

[@hannahringel4892]

Pink Wings She is pregnant now

[@warrendoe2164]

I’m a complete non-dancer, non-sportswoman....in fact I find anything physical beyond just walking far too difficult ((BUT I’ve been highly ‘brain centric’ all my life...post graduate degrees etc anything mental or even emotional/spiritual I can tackle. )) So watching this is mystifying and beautiful for me....they have such mastery of their bodies they may as well be walking on water or flying; their physical skill and artistry is so far beyond the world I’ve lived in. Aren’t you glad humans are so different?

[@ninaliu970]

Warrendoe haha very funny

[@Meryrequiem]

So beautiful

[@leverdusoleiluk]

Warrendoe beautifully put. ❤️😊

[@carolinejohn4537]

Yes indeed I am. I too marvel at their mastery

[@micky4fun]

I always say, we are all (very) good at something, especially if we dedicate almost every waking hour to developing that skill. Why should ballet be any different? Ipso facto, why do some people find this so surprising is beyond me.

[@marielledawn4358]

I love watching the Royal Ballet rehearsals 😊 You get to witness up close how hard the dancers work and appreciate their athleticism 👏🏽🙌🏽👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

[@editallsorts7912]

Agreed!!! Sometimes i enjoy watching them more than the actual performances (they are incredible too!!) 😊❤

[@lauragequelin6907]

I'm literally audibly gasping. These women did *5 minutes* worth of arabesques where their first looked just as lovely and expressive as their last. Ballerinas are insane!

[@federicafattore]

I am in tears. Completely moved by the music, and the precision of the girls and their professionality... Their love for this art that can win being tired, having bleeding feet... It wins everything and it's pure magic. Thank you for sharing beauty with us again ROH

[@viviaguilar29]

I felt the same

[@MademoiselleGisela]

Me too, this was too beautiful

[@cloudyvenes]

Best of wishes to Gemma, really hope she recovers from her injury.

[@brooklynbanks9565]

💙Ilufandoms💜 Gemma was the one without the white tutu. Am I correct?

[@cloudyvenes]

@@brooklynbanks9565 yes, she is also the only one with sneakers

[@katiefulton9456]

Agreed! She’s such a lovely presence in general, I truly appreciate her positive attitude and artistry she brings to the Royal Ballet. Best wishes, lovely Gemma! 🙏💕💫

[@icebeastfamily3498]

What happened to her?

[@inesdeerausquin5658]

Same! I am sure, given the time lapse, that she is long since back in her pointe shoes. I thought it was great that the ballet mistress kept an eye on her to be sure she wasn't overdoing (though I can also imagine how frustrating it must have been to only be able to half-do things!)

[@rachelfeik561]

I love watching them get corrected by the ballet master because often I forget that even professionals are not perfect. It makes me feel as if I’m doing something right in dance because when I’m in class and corrected I get down on myself for not being perfect. This rehearsal just reminded me of my classes and why I love to dance

[@aballetgal6788]

Rachel Feik Getting corrections is good, it means that the dance teacher cares enough to help you get better

[@beybeyrizz]

I love their necks and collarbones omg

[@stefannydvorak7919]

@@maryannetesh4105 Seriously, you’re trolling on every single ballet video I’ve seen. Don’t you have something better to do than to mock these artists?

[@gossipony]

This is my favorite rehearsal video from The Royal Ballet. It makes me want to get a rehearsal tutu and a pretty leotard of my own choosing so I can walk around the house in it and “feel special.” 😆

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

I love how she says „Feel special“ 😊❤️

[@laup3941]

Romany Padjak dances with every fibre of her being. It’s stunning to watch her, she is SO expressive and her epaulment is to die for. I sincerely hope she is promoted for next season.

[@akanerosechan5083]

She's a soloist now!

[@simplystreeptacular]

@@akanerosechan5083 Ahhhh really??? OMG I'M SO HAPPY!!! She's *such* a gorgeous dancer and she so deserves it!

[@eg-2585]

I’m so glad Romany is a soloist now after spending 15 years in the corps! I really do wonder why they took so long to promote her.

[@TheDollyana]

Eu pensei que ela estava com aquela cara porque estava muito cansada e com dores kkkkk..... mas eu olhava para ela e dizia para mim mesma " nossa, como ela é linda, parece uma pintura."

[@glitchyceasar801]

I don't think people understand how hard it is to do these positions for a long amount of time.

[@lburgess63]

The dancer who is leading the Shades (in lavendar, first one out) is heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@ulazalyte]

I’ve recently got a scholarship to the royal ballet school, and I’m really excited. But since I’m originally from LA , I need to move to London (without my family, of course) so I’m very scared that I’ll feel lonely when they’re sooooo far away.. buuut I’m still SUUUPER HAPPY 😃 this has been my dream since I was 8

[@notyet3dna]

Good Luck pretty! Do your best

[@ulazalyte]

Jú Barbosa I will. One thing I know for sure is that I wanna dance for a living

[@cosmicmauve]

So exciting! Congratulations!

[@sylviajanecourtenay-barrat2483]

Congratulations on an amazing achievement, and welcome to London. I am sure the school will look after you. My daughter lives and works in New York, but Skype makes her feel very close as I’m in the UK. 💕💕💕

[@julia-sd4fn]

Aesthetically Me how did you get the scholarship? congratulations, by the way :)

[@ninaliu970]

I just got pointe shoes! I know that's not relevant but I'm so excited!

[@gravefeather2427]

Congratulations!

[@gabiskat1]

They must be almost gone by now but congrats ☺

[@meiraboster9504]

Nice. They hurt though. :''')

[@morningstrrd]

Meira Boster , I remember years ago when I got my first time shoes I have a picture of me in them which I cherish. I rejoice with you and your new points.

[@marktwain380]

It's very relevant! Enjoy, work hard and 'feel special'

[@lindaharrison3240]

Their feet must be numb after all those bourrees! OUCH.

[@jkslostspermcellgotit8329]

Linda Harrison we don’t feel the pain tho

[@aintgonnaletuknow5758]

@@jkslostspermcellgotit8329 would it be blood everywhere inside the ballet shoes after a whole day of training ??because I have 0 exercise of dancing

[@mozzarellae]

@@aintgonnaletuknow5758 why tf would there be blood? We wear a lot of padding inside the shoes, it doesn't really hurt that much unless your shoes are dead.

[@kellytan5280]

@@mozzarellae Professional ballerinas aren't supposed to wear a lot of padding.

[@mozzarellae]

@@kellytan5280 yeah, your feet will hurt and you will get cut at times, but it's not like your foot is covered with blood.

[@randomnessnessnes]

these athlete-artists deserve to get paid as much as pro soccer/hockey/football players imho

[@Garden-sz8jb]

They reason they get paid so little a year is because it takes a huge amount of practice to be perfect for the final day, so they don't have a lot of time to do many acts a year. They get paid A LOT when they do, however, dance on stage. I don't know the exact numbers, but the professional dancers can get paid anywhere from 5k to 10k each time, plus any extra interviews or other extra TV programs they might participate in, like Roberto Bolle's dance nights streamed on live TV

[@NeilDolanDance]

Samantha Raine gave the best note to the dancers when she said "Feel special", it's so nice to be reminded that you are special and that you should show it in your performance. Oh and I just adore Isabella Gasparini and Ashley Dean in the front row.

[@edwardkarek]

Wow! That's quite a peek behind the scenes. Really appreciate seeing how much gruelling hard work goes into that scene.

[@sunny-dgates3801]

The asian woman in the red captured my eye immediately! She has such an amazing presense!

[@leahsmith2078]

Sunny-D Gates her movements were more soft and graceful rather than muscular looking

[@gonewithwind9880]

Sunny-D Gates Her name is Yu Hang!!! Prize winner of PDL in 2016. Comes from China

[@larissaswayze]

This is stunning. There’s something magical about this many dancers working so hard together. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@tovekie-ditlevsen1962]

Larissa Swayze nureyev

[@eb4256]

My third post here. Just need to underscore how amazing what these women do. Not only does it require extraordinary strength/endurance, and exacting technique; but it also requires grace, beauty, sensitivity, awareness... These are special creatures from another world. 🙂

[@Philokally]

Thank you, ladies, all, for your dedication to keeping this loveliest of art forms alive -- "Be proud, feel special" indeed!

[@kellyb4]

The dancers are so beautiful and the amount of athleticism it takes to do these movements. Just... wow. The piano player is quite wonderful as well.

[@steemdup]

Always love watching Romany Pajdak dancing - rehearsal or in performance. This sequence is absolutely fantastic. Thank you!

[@tristacortes2071]

All that painful hard work and they smiled at the end! It must feel incredible to be able to do that and to love it so much. I am breathless!

[@RockyScience]

Watching it again 2 years after the first time, it still made my eyes well up. Such a beautiful beautiful group of human souls! Uttermost respect to the ladies and Grant!

[@gabriela-ip2th]

The Kingdom of the Shades is so beautiful. The music, the dance, the details. The emotion make me cry

[@alainac.8183]

I wish I learned to do ballet when I was younger, it's such a beautiful dance

[@lamasaleh818]

It's never too late to start ballet! I am ten and I started a few months ago and I am getting fitted for pointe shoes soon! Never let your dream grow cold. Even if you are losing hope.

[@himoms9742]

@@lamasaleh818 is it too late if im 19 years old? And i cant do a split

[@TheOptimalLife]

It’s never to late to start! I started at 30 and dance en pointe now. I may not have a career but it’s a wonderful hobby and passion!

[@lamasaleh818]

@@himoms9742 no, it isn't. I am 11 and I can't do the splits too. You just have to train doing it everyday and you'll reach your goal. ☺

[@nicolejarel5953]

kawaii minion it’s never too late. You’ll be very surprised to see how fast you can get flexible hips and legs if you do it routinely. Good luck to you!

[@nancyarchibald9095]

These gals are working soooo hard, yet keep the pain under wraps and show us beauty and control and strength. Lovely!!

[@jojo1234a]

Incredibly beautiful. The sweat dripping from those ladies at the end. It truly looks effortless and graceful, yet the moment they are finished we see hands on hips, heavy breathing and sweat. It goes to show what a wonderful job they are doing in presenting themselves elegantly, gracefully, effortlessly and beautifully despite the strain and pain. This is the core of ballet, amazing. I used to be a ballerina, then I took an injury which exasperated an undiagnosed genetic condition which is sadly lifelong, untreatable and debilitating. Now I’m a chubby woman watching ballet dance on my iPad but I’m so beyond blessed for my years as a ballerina, it’s a prestigious position not many can truly get to. Beautiful coaching, and wonderful piano playing. Wow.

[@eva8270]

So challenging yet so graceful, incredible to watch

[@helmsdeep84]

Wait until you see the Paris Opera Ballet do this...

[@TheMotherOfBambi]

gorgeous dancing, gorgeous coaching, gorgeous piano playing. THIS is why we're alive, this is what we live for

[@ariadne1683]

This looks so light and must be SO hard and painfu! Very impressing and very beautiful. It is so fascinating to watch. I think I´ve never seen ballet dancers being more in sync, wow!!!

[@ritabarker6802]

As an 'ordinary' ballet teacher of children and adults who do once/twice a week class I found this so inspiring. I've watched it quite a few times now and never get bored with it.

[@courtneysheil7074]

Girl in the back with the black leotard on at 5:13 has such a great extension and her developpé was beautiful, she looked so strong and controlled yet so graceful and elegant. Absolutely Beautiful xx

[@sugar_plum_fairy]

Agreed!!!

[@martintuohy1844]

I've just discovered this ballet and I love it. The music is gorgeous and I particularly loved the entrance of the shades. I watched the Ballet de Paris perform it and they were absolutely stunning , and I really enjoyed watching this clip of the Royal Ballet rehearsing. The ballet instructor is so good with the ladies it's a pleasure to watch her reacting with the dancers. Well done everyone.

[@TheYasminarf]

La bayadère is my favourite ballet and “the kingdom of shades” is a pure masterpiece. I’m so thankful to get to see them practicing this piece.

[@miznakatsu]

What an honour just to watch these professional dancers perform their rehearsal. Love their graceful movements & fluidity of motion.

[@sarahback2568]

kingdom of the shades is my absolute FAVORITE piece to watch ahhH!!! I love it so much and am so happy this is here

[@lollylula6399]

I never seen La Bayadère before, so looking forward to watching it in the cinema - especially now I've seen your comment :)

[@sarahback2568]

Lolly LuLa oh it’s so enchanting and gorgeous!! So cool that you get to see it in the cinema 💗

[@saravivien_]

Yu Hang (the Chinese girl in red leotard at 12:42 ) is the best 💪🏻💪🏻❤ She is one of my favorite ballerinas 😍 She won Prix de Lausanne in 2016 with a wonderful variation (3rd shade from La Bayadere) 💕 She also won the gold medal at Yagp NYC finals in 2016 with a variation from La Esmeralda 💕 I wish her the best of luck 🌟❤

[@musicgem2001]

This is wonderful. I feel like I’m standing amongst the dancers instead of watching from the audience. What incredible athletes. Such beauty.

[@jennyolivieri6263]

I have watched this so very many times and each time I’m thoroughly enthralled, I feel I know each perfect dancer, love them all. At 70 I’m still dancing and practice this arabesque sequence daily.💕💕💕💕💕🥰

[@PrincessSolitaire]

Had to watch this again for World Ballet Day. This brings back so many memories of studios, class, rehearsals, etc. Darcy is so much sweeter than most of the women I remember running the show. My muscles and stamina are being taxed watching them and remembering the amount of energy, control, flexibility, strength and discipline it takes to do this - and oh yes - let's make it look effortless while we're at it. Such a beautiful run through, everyone!

[@Sydneyallanah]

I usually don’t comment on these videos...but wow! This is gorgeous (my replay button is broken) And there were soooooo many boures!! I know there legs were on fire man

[@erpollock]

I love the way the teacher says, "Ladies, be proud! Feel special!" That is so kind, when they have done most of an extremely difficult scene in which every dancer must be proud and feel special. The ballet mistress is kind, unlike in Russia, where I have seen how severe the teachers are.

[@mojovr5003]

each row left to right: 1st row Charlotte Tonkinson (white and yellow leo) Gemma Pitchley Gale (tennis shoes) Isabella Gasparini (grey and blue leo) Ashley Dean (grey and blue leo) Sae Maeda (dark blue leo) Romany Pajdak (purple leo) 2nd row Amelia Palmiero (burgundy leo) Amelia Townsend (black leo) Chisato Katsura (red and black leo) Leticia Dias (sky blue leo) Mica Bradbury (long sleeve blue leo) Camille Bracher (black half sleeve leo) 3rd row Lara Turk (red short sleeve leo) Mariko Sasaki (red camisole leo) Hannah Grennell (black camisole leo) Katharina Nikelski (grey leo) Yu Hang (red lacey leo) Grace Blundell (blue leo) 4th row Julia Roscoe (long sleeve sky blue leo) Annette Buvoli (cap sleeve blue leo) Isabel Lubach (long sleeve greyblueish leo) Nadia Mullova Barley (orange leo) Gina Storm Jensen (black and flowery leo) Lania Atkins (grey leo)

[@alenkapintar8660]

II.I act of La Bayadere is mine favorite. The music is so nice and the dance is so great Minkus's music and ballets are pure perfection. And The Royal ballet too. I'm no dancer, I'm no longer young, but watching good ballet dancers dance is my great pleasure. Ballet classes or performances, I love them all.

[@tranquilityyogapilates2946]

This is my favourite of all time. When I first saw this performed many years ago I tried and still get a lump in my throat and a tear in my eyes. Beautiful

[@bee-ep9qz]

They work so hard! They were all sweating and tired in the end but they still managed an incredible rehearsal, wow, very proud of them.

[@suzyhazelwood9942]

I saw a BBC documentary back in 2012 about the Royal Ballet, the way the dancers were treated by the Ballet Master was appalling... they even got together and complained about the way they were being spoken too. It put me off going to see a ballet for years. But this is gorgeous, so refreshing to see a Ballet Mistress talking to the dancers with kindness and understanding... really made my day to see this. I applaud you Samantha Raine!!! 👏

[@noblesetsentimentales]

I don't blame you, but that was actually the English National Ballet, which is a different. The ballet master was an irresponsible bully, plain and simple.

[@suzyhazelwood9942]

@@noblesetsentimentales Thanks for that... I'd mixed them up... long time since I'd seen it. "Creating the Nutcracker - Agony & Ecstasy: A Year with English National Ballet - BBC Four" I just found a excerpt of the programme on You Tube. I remember wondering if the guy was having a nervous breakdown... he looked like he was. But if he was mentally not okay... why on earth would they hire someone not capable of doing the job? Seems crazy to do that... as if they didn't know he wasn't capable. Does that mean the Royal Ballet is perfect? I doubt it. There must be a lot more ballet masters like that than anyone would care to admit. Most companies run in the same way today... dysfunctional. It's just a breath of fresh air when you see someone who can be truly human, sensitive and kind, and not lose their head with the stress of the job.

[@isabelcole9767]

Ballet dancers will never fail to amaze me. They all keep their faces so calm and relaxed even though they would be in a lot of pain with their feet and their muscles

[@Hunter-vq8ge]

I tried following just the arm movements while in bed and I was in pain, I can’t imagine how these ladies do it. They’re brilliant!

[@ceciwolfcat7]

It never ceased to amaze me how ballet dancers learn steps like learning to count. I watched my daughter with Miami City Ballet and just felt so loved to watch how easily she did it all.😍 This piece is one of my favorite choreographies ever!💟

[@fionalai710]

Love watching Sae Maeda. Her dancing is absolutely beautiful!

[@threeamigobiking9652]

I love the how instructor is calling out while they do the step and how they can make it better!

[@TheSorub]

this makes you appricate the skill levels it takes just to make it to the corps of the Royal Ballet, never mind becoming a soloist, first soloist or principal.

[@RachelJennetti]

She’s so relaxing and kind and respectful, i love this teacher

[@emilykhine3743]

I really love ❤️ this- all the dancers are incredible you rarely see what goes on behind the scenes and it shows how much time, effort, work, sweat and tears has gone into just one ☝🏻 performance let alone several! Just amazing 🤩 I really applaud 👏🏻 all of them! And Gemma with her injury - she kept working- incredible! Oh and the teacher wow she is so awesome 👍🏻👍🏻😊🤗🤗 I would love to have a teacher like her! She gave positive reinforcements and wasn’t negative at all, she just gently corrected them. As a fellow teacher (but not in dance) she is a model that all teachers in all disciplines should follow! Her voice is very kind yet strong.

[@dianneperry2903]

This has got to be one of the hardest ballets I've seen on calves and your feet. It's a wonder if all these ladies don't get leg cramps in the middle of the night. I couldn't do it. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@music-discovery]

I am so impressed. I have watched and sometimes participated in ballet throughout my life, but I think this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Samantha is a wonderful teacher and coach, and the ladies have such an excellent attitude, in addition to being stunning dancers. Many of them have beautifully expressive faces and heads. I have seen so many fantastic soloist and principals in my life, dancing a variety of ballets, but maybe this corps de ballet moment - with these fabulous dancers and wonderful pianist - beats them all.

[@razorclam4840]

I almost started crying...the sweat, the pain, and the absolute beauty of it all...

[@missthing1496]

This is absolutely incredible! I hope Gemma is fully healed and all the dancers are happy and healthy 😊

[@BooFlo62]

I love the principal and soloist videos. But damn. These women are so strong and create such gorgeous scenes. The world of ballet wouldn't be possible with the corps, and whatever careers these ladies go on to have/ aspirations they have, I hope they feel special and know we appreciate how powerful and incredible they are.

[@Cierraswonderfullife]

I think this was my favorite part of world ballet day this year. Love it.

[@Poppy-]

I think it's mine too. Happy that they sectioned the 5 hours in bits.

[@ginaferrara4230]

I’m a non-dancer although sometimes I do barre on my own and took a semester of classes. I tried to do most of this following them and my heart was freaking POUNDING. The control you have to have on your face when doing something this strenuous must be insane. Props to all these beautiful athletic women!

[@gracie.e2852]

I have been to the royal ballet since I was about 8 and I have fallen in love with all the ballet shows you put on.My auntie takes me every Christmas and it is a magical place and one day when I am older enough to get a job I will take her day!!

[@2snowgirl520]

That pianist is amazing.

[@whobeme10]

i love when she says "feel special" to any corps work it makes me want to cry happy tears

[@whobeme10]

i need samantha raine to come with me to job interviews and stuff and tell me to be brave and be proud and feel special

[@lisacs83]

Anyone get a count of how many times she said "LADIES....!!!" Haha!

[@HH-xv4kj]

Lisa S I got 20

[@avesraggiana]

She's avoiding the very American habit that is spreading all over the world, of calling every group of human beings, "Guys," or, "You guys," even though the "guys" being referred to presumably have vaginas and not penises.

[@lisacs83]

@@avesraggiana I guess so! I think she could mix it up a bit, though. Ladies, girls, guys, folks, dancers...

[@horcruxfinder1]

@@lisacs83 It's also avoiding girls/ boys which ballet companies have often used in the past to refer to adult colleagues which could be considered patronizing

[@noemisztulman9557]

For me it's sounds extremely delicate and very elegant !

[@lordbyron3603]

Bravo! I was watching only the hands at one point and they were butterflies fluttering in the wind.

[@lordbyron3603]

I can’t believe I’ve spent the last 5 hours watching ballet dancers rehears and practice. It’s what happens when you don’t have a life. Great and wonderful talent though. And I really enjoy the pianist.

[@roxysimmons]

The grace and the strength of these women is incredible.

[@barnabyrt1012]

So beautiful, I'm left speechless to describe my feelings of awe. ❤

[@emiilysheils5030]

I did ballet from 6-8 years old and then my mum stopped it because the instructor was too strict and mean. She then proceed to not find anywhere else for me to go. Now I'm 12 years old and still have a passion for it but I feel I'll never be able to catch up. I dance at home by myself but that's it as I'm not very good anymore. It's absolutely amazing how much work and effort these women have put in to their passion all their life. Now, they are absolutely incredible. I love watching this sort of dance. If anyone reading this knows at place in Lincolnshire, England then I would really appreciate it as my mum is kind of coming round now.

[@pedinurse1]

No galloping forward, no hops, knee backk, squeeze...... what a wonderful instructor, she feels thier pain!!! Wonderful

[@Poppy-]

This is soooo pretty 💃 I wish I was there in my ballet knowledge/practice level.

[@Poppy-]

Just found out I'll be able to see it in movie theatre on November 18th

[@fizzao1342]

Poppy * You will love it, I promise.

[@Poppy-]

@@fizzao1342 I have my ticket and only a fortnight to wait. 😄 So excited as I've never been to ballet yet.

[@olafzhh]

great cinema relay yesterday - the hard work DID pay off, the "kingdom of the shades" was wonderful (audience applauded several times in the cinema :-)) !

[@_Linda_K]

Normally nobody see the rehears. This hard work they do every day. I feel special that I can watch this. How concentrate they are at work. Really, really everyone of them is so special, so strong and so disciplined. Nobody moan. Great job girls, great job.

[@vaughnlcoleman]

after performing in this scene, i don’t think i would ever want to do an arabesque again. props to these ladies, they make it look so incredibly easy. simply beautiful. this is what ballet is all about.

[@anniejuan1817]

Thank you for posting this. Since I was a small child, I have loved watching rehearsal, a bit more than the actual show. I think seeing the work that goes into it makes me appreciate the art that is created even more.

[@tiffcat1100]

I’m the same, love watching rehearsals & morning class ❤

[@elifszihadt4939]

Katharina Nikelski has been beautifully trained, what a pleasure to see her dance in such an inspiring company. Congrats!

[@Eliza-ib9jv]

Stunning, this video was amazing. Thank you for letting us watch the perfection of these dancers at work.

[@LunaLightbringer]

Hardest scene in any ballet ever, imo. It's so incredibly difficult and exhausting..not to mention training really hard on the other side as well because it overworks one side so much. It's an incredible feat, and then the result looks almost effortless. They thoroughly deserve their applause, they are all special ladies, indeed ❤

[@anastasiia6678]

the piano guy is such a pro, he deserves his own video

[@tomrichter244]

It amazes me how they can bring such beauty and delicacy to their athleticism.

[@clarepellerin]

Beautiful!!✨ Everyone extending extra at the end of the arabesque... Magical, living, breathing interpretation! Kindness makes better artists 😍

[@pedinurse1]

Absolutely stunning, one of ballets greatest moments

[@DmitriyVi]

the girl at 15:18 is absolutely drop dead gorgeous (as are the rest of ballerinas!) what a fantastic experience to be a part of the rehearsals, thank you!

[@sophiebethanyrosexo]

When I did bourré's for the first time in one of my earliest pointe classes, I finally came to understand how difficult they are I had always admired them when I saw them performed live, but hadn't comprehended the level of strength required to do them! to hold the position on the same spot with the same level of attention, artistry and strength is so challenging! To watch corps de ballet rehearse this scene is not only mesmerising but inspiring 🌸

[@charlesbrantley7368]

It's a privilege to watch and to hear the dignified coaching. Can anything be done to improve the accuracy of YT's captioning? It reveals hasty transcription, or lack of technical knowledge of ballet, or faulty comprehension of Received English pronunciation (within an admittedly high-stress setting) or all of these. These captioning gaffs are seen virtually throughout YT. Otherwise, a beautiful glimpse showing how underrated ballet is as an athletic artform.

[@Aprilsraven629]

Absolutely beautiful, I cannot imagine how tried and how much pain they are in....

[@shanaraandari1450]

the girl in lilac leotard is beautiful, I love her expressions! btw, the arabesques are so intense...

[@foxarwen]

Absolutely sublime! I just watched a powerhouse athletic performance and it was stunning!