Sergei Polunin returns to Royal Ballet

Sergei Polunin

I remember reading about Mr. Polunin last year and mentioned this on my blog about the pain he was living and feeling since he became the youngest solo dancer with the Royal Ballet.  This report gives his reasons for walking out on the Royal Ballet.  It highlights his passion for ballet or is it a conditioning, as this is the only lifestyle he knows and is holding on to?  He has endured a difficulty childhood as the report states with family breakdown and his mother 'choosing' his career path, then being 'owned' by the ballet company with his future life planned and mapped out.   He seems to have an obsession with wanting fame.

I understand how his spirit wanted to break free and regain control of his body.  The break away from dance gave him a window of opportunity to taste freedom from controlling elements in his life.  It is good to hear he is back on stage but I do wonder how he will progress.  Is he truly ready for what is expected of him? Has he returned because he has understood what is expected of him and of his own expectations? We hear about the pressure and stress, the hard physical work, the relentless drive ballet dancers endure when working for the top ballet companies and what springs back to mind again is the current situation of funding cuts within the Arts.  

Mr. Polunin is a very sought after product after all.  He will be the next product of the  company’s longevity.   I see him as a sensitive, unique soul that will require thoughtful and attentive nurturing even though the company treat every one the same.  Should the ballet companies treat everyone the same?  I think care should be taken with each dancers mind, heart and body. Are they the right people to do this?

Mr. Polunin will be performing this month.  I intend to see him in performance soon.

Read the report below

The Telegraph's interview with Sergei Polunin