Q and A with Samara Greig, finalist of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition

Samara Greig is a second year student here at Rambert School. Earlier this month, she was one of the 12 dancers who made it to the finals of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition. Here she talks about her training at Rambert School, reaching the finals of one of the world’s most prestigious dance events, and her goals for the future…

Tell us about yourself and your background…
I am from Auckland, New Zealand and dance has always been my passion. I have been lucky to train and perform regularly in solos and troupes for ballet, jazz and contemporary through my dance school, Mount Eden Ballet Academy. In January 2024, I moved to London to start my pre-professional training at Rambert School. I’m  excited to be starting my second year this week.

How do you feel about reaching the finals of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024:
I was so thrilled to reach the finals of the  Fonteyn 2024. It was such an honour to dance for the prestigious Dame Darcey Bussell, Alessandra Ferri and Jose Alves in the semi-finals. It was even more of an honour to have been selected by them from 63 competitors as a finalist. It was an incredible experience. The coaching I received from the tutors throughout the week was invaluable. The highlight would have to be performing at His Majesty’s Theatre in the West End in front of a fantastic and supportive audience. As finalists, we were given the opportunity to perform a commissioned variation by Andrew McNicol. This was a great insight into professional life and how company dancers learn choreography. Another highlight was how much support I received from students at Rambert School. Many of them tuned into the livestream and cheered me on with supportive messages, which motivated me to dance even better. It was a true testament to how much Rambert School is like a family.

How did you first get into ballet?
I kept asking my mum If I could go to ballet when I was three years old and eventually she caved! As soon as I started, I felt at home. I took part in my first annual concert at this age and it was such fun. I knew then that I wanted to be a ballet dancer. I was so inspired by the older seniors at my school at the time. They were my motivation to work hard and improve. I was lucky to be at a ballet school where many dancers went on to professional careers internationally which had a very positive influence on me.

What do you love most about dance?
I love the ability that dance has to tell a story and engage an audience to feel something. I love expressing myself through dance, especially on stage. My favourite part is to perform and play a character. I love how exciting it can be, but also that it requires a high level of focus and discipline, hard work, and constantly striving to improve on so many levels.

Where do you see myself in five years?
In five years I would absolutely love to be dancing professionally in a neo-classical company that performs both classical and contemporary repertoires.

How has your time at Rambert School developed your dance training and skills?
My time at Rambert School has influenced my dance training immensely. It has given me more confidence in knowing who I am as a dancer. I’ve also developed my choreography skills, which I hadn’t had much experience in prior. In the Fonteyn competition we had the opportunity to choreograph our own neo-classical variation. This really pushed me out of my comfort zone. My time at Rambert School has really allowed me to challenge myself and has given me more confidence in my creative and choreographic process. I’m deeply thankful to the teachers at Rambert School for coaching me with my variation.