This week at Gatehouse…

A Royal Visit: Dancers from the Royal Ballet Inspire Gatehouse Pupils

This week, Gatehouse School was delighted to welcome three extraordinary dancers—Lara Turk, Denilson Almeida, and Yu Hang—from the Royal Ballet for a very special morning of performance and inspiration.

The visit began with a captivating pas de deux from Sleeping Beauty, performed live in the Wallbank Hall. Pupils were mesmerised by the grace, precision and storytelling brought to life on stage, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic music.

Following the performance, Lara, Denilson and Yu Hang generously shared their personal journeys—from discovering dance in childhood to training internationally and joining one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies. Their stories offered pupils a unique glimpse into the dedication, resilience, and joy that lie behind every performance.

The Q&A session was packed with thoughtful questions from our pupils. The dancers spoke about everything from how they prepare their pointe shoes and manage injuries, to the importance of rest, rehearsal, and mental focus. They also shared valuable advice on following your passion, embracing mistakes, and building confidence through practice.

“Courage comes from preparation. The more you practise, the more confident you feel.” — Lara Turk

Pupils also enjoyed a short ballet mime demonstration and learned how movement alone can tell a story—no words needed.

We are so grateful to The Royal Ballet School for making this inspiring visit possible. The morning was a powerful reminder of how the performing arts can ignite imagination, encourage discipline, and plant the seeds of new dreams.

What a fantastic demonstration of dedication, determination, resilience, and courage. The Gatehouse staff and children left the assembly feeling truly inspired and deeply grateful to have such passionate and talented individuals as part of our wider community. You can find out what is on at the Royal Opera House here: https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events