MELISSA Hamilton from Dromore, County Down is one of the top ballet dancers in the world. She will be appearing at the Royal Opera House during March and April. A Principal of the dance company, Melissa was born in Belfast and grew up in the ancient market village of Dromore, near Banbridge.
Melissa Hamilton in Requiem (photography by Tristram Kenton RBO)The Royal Ballet has 22 Principal dancers — the highest echelon of performer in ballet.
The County Down woman, one of these world-renowned dancers, has graced stages all over the world, and is currently preparing for her next performances at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden.
On March 25 she will appear in the company's production of Kenneth Macmillan's Romeo and Juliet — taking the role of Juliet.
Then from March 28 to April 8 she will appear appear in George Balanchine: Three Signature Works
More details: www.roh.org.uk
Melissa Hamilton as Paulina in The Winter's Tale (photography by Andrej Uspenski ROH)The Royal Ballet
ONE of great ballet companies of the world, The Royal Ballet is based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Under the guidance of director Kevin O'Hare since 2012, the dance company unites tradition and heritage with innovation and artistry to produce extraordinary theatre.
The Royal Ballet was founded in 1931 by Irish woman Dame Ninette de Valois. Born Edris Stannus in Blessington, Co. Wicklow, she has been named as one of 100 most influential Irish people of all time.
She formally retired from the Royal Ballet directorship in 1963.She continued to act as patron or supporter to a number of other projects, including the Cork Ballet Company and the Irish National Ballet Company in Ireland.
Melissa Hamilton is, literally, following in Ninette de Valois’ footsteps.
Melissa Hamilton as The Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (photography by Andrej UspenkiSee More: County Down, Dance, Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House
