Céline Gittens first made her name as a teenager, winning both a gold medal and the Audience Choice Award at Sadler’s Wells in London, in the RAD’s Genée International Ballet Competition (now named The Fonteyn). Her serenity and clarity marked her out as something special. Born in Trinidad and later moving to Canada, she is now a Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet, where in 2012 she became the first woman of colour in the UK to dance the leading role in Swan Lake. On Why Dance Matters, Céline discusses this landmark, and also learning ballet with her mother, an RAD teacher; dancing during lockdown; and sharing her passion for dance through her own coaching, including for this year’s inaugural Fonteyn competition.About Céline GittensCéline Gittens was born in Trinidad and grew up in Vancouver, Canada. She trained with her mother, Janet Gittens, and at Vancouver’s Goh Ballet Academy. In 2005 Céline was awarded a gold medal and Audience Award at the RAD’s Genée International Ballet Competition. Joining Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2006, she was promoted to Principal in 2016. Notable roles include Juliet, Odette/Odile, Aurora and Giselle. She gained a Master of Philosophy from the University of Birmingham. Céline has taught and coached with Elmhurst Summer School and BRB. For the RAD, she was an Artistic Examiner for the Solo Seal 2019, and coached dancers for The Fonteyn 2021. Find out more about the RAD’s Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition: https://bit.ly/3joH3HJThe RAD has a network of teachers located around the world. Find your local RAD teacher: https://bit.ly/3hgHPnxFollow the RAD on social media, and join the conversation with host David JaysInstagram @royalacademyofdanceFacebook @RoyalAcademyofDanceTwitter @RADheadquartersYouTube / royalacademydanceDavid Jays @mrdavidjaysSign up to our mailing list: https://bit.ly/3frWPh9RAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign: https://bit.ly/3fnxEwm or make a donation: https://bit.ly/3bxA6z5 Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.