James Knott

My dance journey started in Llantrisant at Kim Bardsley’s school of dance, and at the age of 11 I joined Ballet Cymru’s Associate Programme. I adored studying for my RAD exams and performing in Porthcawl with Kim, and training each month with Ballet Cymru as an associate for 7 years. In 2014 I was lucky enough to perform at the Wales Millennium Centre as part of the young cast for Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies, which was an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience. I found myself inspired by my ballet teachers Kim and Kelly, and by the professional dancers of Ballet Cymru and New Adventures.

In 2018 I began my training at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.  Whilst studying at Rambert I received extensive training in Ballet and Contemporary techniques including Cunningham, Graham, and Release. We also studied repertory pieces, solos, and partnering. In my first year I also had the incredible opportunity to perform as part of the young cast in Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet.  In third year we performed our graduate shows at the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House, and at The Point in Eastleigh. I was also able to develop my skills as a dance teacher at The Point, where I prepared and taught a full day’s contemporary dance workshop for the Hinckley Youth Dance Company.

As a graduate I have worked with Krystal Lowe during an exploration week, created a short film for USW students with Poise dance, and performed with NYDW in Marcat Dance’s Twenty Tales. 

As a proud Welsh speaker and dancer, I am thrilled to be joining Ballet Cymru as a professional.