A Brazilian artist commands attention at the heart of London’s ballet world. Mayara Magri earned her place as a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet in 2021. Her promotion marked a significant milestone after nearly a decade of steady advancement.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1994, she began her journey as an eight-year-old scholarship student. She built her career on precision and resilience. Her Vaganova training adapted seamlessly to British ballet’s distinct demands.
The dancer made a strategic choice that shaped her entire path. She selected The Royal Ballet School over American training opportunities. This decision connected her directly to the company where she would spend her career.
From joining the company at seventeen to reaching its highest level, her story reflects both talent and determination. She now lives in north London near Holloway Road with her partner, Matthew Ball. He also serves as a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet.
This profile examines her training, signature performances, and career milestones. It reveals how a dancer from Rio navigated competitive training and cultural adjustment. Her work continues to distinguish her on the international stage.
Embarking on the Dance Journey
The journey from Rio’s dance studios to London’s Royal Ballet stages began with a single scholarship. Early recognition set the foundation for what would become an international career.
Early Scholarship and Training in Rio de Janeiro
At age eight, Mayara Magri received a scholarship to Petite Danse School in Rio de Janeiro. This marked her first formal entry into serious dance training. The Vaganova method provided her technical foundation.
Her competitive strength emerged early. She won Second Prize at the International Ballet Festival of Havana in 2008. This achievement signaled her potential before reaching teenage years.
Transition to the Royal Ballet School
By age sixteen, major competition victories opened international doors. She earned the Gold Medal at the Youth America Grand Prix in 2011. The same year brought both the scholarship and audience prize at the Prix de Lausanne.
These awards provided financial support for overseas training. Despite encouragement to study in the United States, Magri chose The Royal Ballet School in London. This decision required adapting her Russian-trained technique to British ballet standards.
The transition from Rio de Janeiro to London demanded cultural resilience. It shaped her artistic development during a formative time. This period set the course for her future with the company.
Ballet Career Milestones and Repertoire Highlights
The Royal Opera House stages witnessed her evolution from promising talent to accomplished principal performer. Her career with the company demonstrates consistent artistic growth.
Promotions and Signature Roles
Magri joined The Royal Ballet in 2012 as a young dancer. She earned regular promotions that reflected her technical development.
Her rise through the ranks followed a clear trajectory. Each new title brought more demanding roles and greater responsibility.
| Year | Promotion | Key Role Debut | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | First Artist | Featured roles in contemporary works | Royal Opera House |
| 2016 | Soloist | Gamzatti in La Bayadère | Royal Opera House |
| 2018 | First Soloist | Kitri in Don Quixote | Royal Opera House |
| 2021 | Principal Dancer | Odette/Odile in Swan Lake | Royal Opera House |
Highlights from Prestigious Performances
Even before becoming principal dancer, she performed lead roles. Her technical command allowed her to tackle diverse characters.
The delayed Swan Lake debut finally occurred in February 2022. This milestone confirmed her status as a complete classical artist.
Exploring an Expansive Repertoire
Her repertoire spans classical favorites and modern creations. She moves seamlessly between different choreographic styles.
The dancer created roles in several world premieres. This includes Rosaura in Like Water for Chocolate.
Her versatility makes her valuable to the company. She balances nineteenth-century classics with contemporary works.
Mayara Magri: Life at The Royal Ballet
Her life within the Royal Ballet company represents a story of artistic fusion and personal growth. This period shaped her identity as a principal dancer.
Adjusting to British Ballet and the Vaganova Influence
When Mayara Magri joined the Royal Ballet, her Vaganova training met British style. The two systems emphasize different qualities.
Vaganova focuses on strength and dramatic expression. British ballet prefers speed and lighter musicality. She adapted while keeping her individual artistry.
| Aspect | Vaganova Method | British Ballet Style |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Focus | Strength and fluidity | Speed and musicality |
| Artistic Quality | Dramatic expression | Reserved elegance |
| Movement Quality | Powerful and expansive | Light and precise |
Defining Moments on the International Stage
A significant moment came in June 2020. The Royal Opera House reopened after COVID-19 closures.
Magri and her partner Matthew Ball learned a pas de deux from Within the Golden Hour in five days. They performed it for a global online audience.
This demonstrated her ability to work under pressure. Her partnership with Matthew Ball connects her personal and professional life at the company.
Beyond performance, she engages in social projects. She serves as a brand ambassador for causes she supports.
Reflecting on Mayara Magri’s Enduring Impact
From Prix de Lausanne winner to Royal Opera House principal, her journey redefines artistic excellence. This principal dancer built a reputation on remarkable versatility. She commands both classical roles and contemporary works like Within the Golden Hour with equal authority.
Her 2021 promotion to principal dancer with The Royal Ballet affirmed years of dedicated work. The achievement came through performance, not publicity. She earned recognition by consistently delivering technical precision and emotional clarity.
Beyond the stage, Mayara Magri engages with social causes as a brand ambassador. This adds dimension to her public identity. Her presence represents broader possibilities for artists from diverse backgrounds.
Her impact endures through performances that combine Brazilian passion with British discipline. These moments of artistry define a legacy built on craft, not headlines.
