English National Ballet announces participants for Emerging Dancer 2026

Championing talent development and artistic excellence, English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer returns on Thursday 28 May 2026 in an updated format at the company’s East London home, the Mulryan Centre for Dance.
 
Part of the company’s commitment to nurturing talent, Emerging Dancer offers artists a platform to share their growth, individuality and creative voice. The 2026 event will also be streamed for free via English National Ballet’s YouTube channel from Thursday 4 June, extending this celebration of talent and creativity to audiences around the world.
 
Emerging Dancer brings together six promising company dancers to showcase their technique, artistry and versatility, with awards recognising different aspects of their development.
 
The Emerging Dancer 2026 artists are:
Zai Calliste
Thalina Chapin
Tara Millard
Anri Sugiura
Sacha Venkatasawmy
Jakob Wheway Hughes
 
Taking place at English National Ballet’s state-of-the-art Holloway Production Studio, the dancers will perform in front of their peers and a distinguished panel of leading figures in dance. With mentorship from senior colleagues and guidance from the company’s Artistic team, participants gain valuable experience as well as the professional support needed to grow with confidence as they take the next steps in their artistic journeys.
 
Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, said:
“Emerging Dancer is an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional talent within our company and to support our artists at a pivotal stage in their development. It’s always inspiring to witness the individuality and artistry of these dancers, and I’m delighted that the Company will come together for this moment”.
 
This year’s event will be hosted by company dancers Taela Graff and Rhys Antoni Yeomans. The judging panel comprises former La Scala Theatre Ballet Artistic Director Manuel Legris; choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips; former Ballet Black Senior Artist Cira Robinson; and English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin.
 
Dancers will perform a range of repertoire, including classical pas de deux and contemporary solos. Three Emerging Dancer Awards will be presented, recognising artistic distinction, technical excellence and versatility, alongside the Corps de Ballet Award and the Audience Choice Award, which is voted for on the night.
 
The evening’s programme will also include performances of three new works, developed by company dancers Alice Bellini, Rentaro Nakaaki and Eric Snyder through Studio Sessions, English National Ballet’s platform dedicated to developing choreographic talent within the company.