I had the privilege of being taught by Ms Anita Young MBE during my time at London Studio Centre. We recently reconnected, and in support of our Let’s Dance event, she has kindly agreed to an interview, hoping her message will inspire more people to dance.
Thank you, Anita!
1. Can you share a definite moment from your early career that shaped your journey as a dancer?
First of all, I cannot recollect just one moment, as so many unforgettable moments in my career have shaped my dance journey.
- I started dancing through Great Ormond Street Hospital. I was three and had an illness where I stopped walking and eating. A child psychologist suggested to my parents that I attend a local dance school to encourage movement and engagement with music, hoping it would help me walk and socialize with other children.
- I took my first exam, pre-primary RAD, at six years old, and by the age of ten, I had passed my Grade 5 RAD with honours. The examiner starred my report and put my name forward to become an RAD scholar, which I became.
- I danced in Rudolf Nureyev's very first performance in England when he defected from the Kirov Ballet in 1961 at the Drury Lane Theatre. The RAD scholars opened the Gala. Watching all my favourite dancers, including Dame Margot Fonteyn, perform inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a classical ballet dancer.
- I was fortunate to join the Royal Ballet School, both lower and upper divisions, and eventually became a soloist in the Royal Ballet Company.
2. How important is discipline in dance, and what habit helped you maintain consistency?
- Throughout my training as a dancer, I was always grateful that it gave me discipline, respect for the art form, appreciation of music, and, most importantly, spatial awareness and etiquette.
- I also suffered a serious illness and thought I would never have children. Dancing gave me the resilience to pull through, and I went on to have a wonderful son.
- I was quite slow at picking up steps when I was young but always practiced at home to master what I had learned during lessons.
3. What do you think dancers today can learn from past generations of performers?
I know it is important to move forward and evolve, but I also believe we should never forget our roots. After all, history repeats itself.
I still watch videos of Michael Jackson, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly. Their musicality, speed, style, and class continue to inspire me.
We must never forget them!
4. What words of wisdom would you have for dancers of all ages who want to pursue or continue their passion?
Never stop reaching for what makes you happy.
Scientific studies show that performing arts—especially group activities like dance—change brain chemistry in children and adults of all ages.
It enhances memory, maths, language skills, coordination, socializing, and cooperation.
5. Receiving an MBE is an incredible honour; how did it feel to be recognised for your contribution to dance?
Receiving an MBE was the icing on the cake. However, without my parents, teachers, and the doctors from Great Ormond, it would not have been possible.
I wore my Mum’s coat and jewellery to the ceremony as a tribute.
A message to all aspiring dancers:
Make all your “can’ts” into “cans,” and all your “dreams” into “plans.”
Anita Young MBE Interview - 09/02/2025