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Welcome to our regular feature for Young Friends of Scottish Ballet

In this issue, First Artist and Young Friends’ Ambassador Rishan Benjamin meets Robbie Fisher. A current Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) student, Robbie was a Sco ish Ballet Associate and took part in the 2021 Youth Exchange before joining the company on the recent e Snow Queen tour. Rishan and Robbie discuss their ballet beginnings, street dance, Strictly, and a shared love for New York...

Rishan asks Robbie

Where do you see yourself in two years?

Ideally in a ballet company. If not at Sco ish Ballet, somewhere like it because it’s such a great environment. e people are really friendly, and I don’t feel there’s a hierarchy with the dancers.

When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was six. I was watching Strictly Come Dancing and asked my mum if I could dance. My mum took me to classes, and I just always wanted to do ballet!

What inspires you?

I was on tour for e Snow Queen and everyone around me at Sco ish Ballet inspired me. At RCS my friends and peers inspire me, we’re so closeknit and we motivate each other.

You visited New York with Sco ish Ballet’s Youth Exchange, how was it?

It was amazing! We got the chance to do contemporary dance, which is such a di erent way of moving, and did a week of ballet class at Broadway Dance Center. I met so many new people, dancers and choreographers. It really enhanced my skills and understanding of dance, it was so much fun.

Scottish Ballet Associate & Youth Exchange Alumni

Robbie Fisher

Age: 18

From: Glasgow

Hobbies (apart from dancing): e fiddle

Favourite post-training snacks: Brunch bar

Most played song on your playlist: Getaway Car by Taylor Swi

Favourite ballet: Elite Syncopations

Favourite dance move: Piroue e

How you keep fit: Gym and occasionally hot yoga

Item you never leave the house without: Lip balm

First Artist & Young Friends’

Ambassador Rishan Benjamin

Age: 23

From: South London

Hobbies (apart from dancing): Rollerblading

Favourite post-training snacks: Hula Hoops

Most played song on your playlist: Industry Baby by Lil Nas X

Favourite ballet: e Crucible

Favourite dance move:

Piroue es (Same!)

How you keep fit: Rollerblading

Item you never leave the house without: Lip balm and moisturiser

Did you know...

Sco ish Ballet’s Youth Exchange programme is 10 years old this year.

We select a cohort of dancers aged 14-24 each year to simulate a professional dance company.

Robbie asks Rishan

What has been your highlight with Sco ish Ballet?

Going to New York to perform Sco ish Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence Sophie Sophie Laplane’s Sibilo.

Was it always ballet you wanted to do?

I originally started street dance and was picked to do ballet by my teachers. I started doing classes, loved it and now I’m here.

Do you have any pre-show rituals and how do you deal with nerves?

I used to listen to He Lives in You from e Lion King and hype myself up before a performance. I use my head scarf to set my hair and make it neat, it’s got to be crisp before a show.

When you are nervous, it’s the same feeling you get when you are excited, so I try to channel that. Once I start, I don’t even think about it.

What advice would you give to full time students going through audition stress?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. I used to beat myself up and be hard on myself. It’s hard not to think ‘I’m not going to get it’ but try to keep an open mind. Go through the process, embrace it, and take each moment as it comes.