Masterclass with Melissa Hamilton and Rehearsal of Juliano Nunes’ Swan Lake

Masterclass with Melissa Hamilton and

Rehearsal of Juliano Nunes’ Swan Lake

22nd June 2025

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than watching class and rehearsal in preparation for the upcoming Gala de Danza performances at Central Hall Westminster? A group of LBC members were treated to just that, having been invited by Artistic Director and Founder Christina Lyon.

After being welcomed, we watched 53 young dancers put through their paces in class by Melissa Hamilton, principal dancer at the Royal Ballet. Ten of the participants came from Trinity Laban and forty-three have come to London through the Youth America Grand Prix. Melissa was impressed by the quality and the quickness of the dancers to grasp the exercises. Drawing on her experience, she was able to give the students some very helpful tips to improve their technique. A more receptive and eager to learn class, Melissa couldn’t have asked for.

Following class, Brazilian dancer and choreographer, Juliano Nunes rehearsed the dancers in his interpretation of Swan Lake. Originally made in Uruguay, this work will be seen by London audiences at Gala de Danza. An intense hour of rehearsal ensued. The dancers had already learned the choreography so the time was spent in refinement and repetition of the piece. Once again, the 53 dancers showed their eagerness to learn and to perform Juliano’s work.

At the close of the morning, Christina surprised Juliano with balloons and cupcake for his birthday. The LBC attendees joined the dancers in a hearty rendition of Happy Birthday.
Gala de Danza performances: June 25th and 26th. A few tickets are still available.

Susan Dalgetty Ezra