Xander Parish

Last October former Royal Ballet dancer Xander Parish made his debut as principal in the Mariinsky Ballet’s production of Romeo and Juliet in St Petersburg, having been scouted by Artistic Director Yuri Fateyev three years previously. As a British dancer, Parish trained at the Royal Ballet School, as did his sister, and consequently joined the Royal Ballet. After five years, in 2010, Parish was invited to join the Mariinsky, with Fateyev sufficiently impressed by Parish. Parish made his Mariinsky debut as Béranger in the ballet Raymonda, going on to dance classic roles such as Giselle (Count Albrecht), Swan Lake, La Sylphide,The Nutcracker (Elegant Cavaliers), Études, Apollo (Apollo), Serenade, Symphony in C and Jewels (Emeralds, Diamonds). Non-classical roles for Parish also include those by Alexei Ratmansky, Benjamin Millepied and Angelin Preljocaj. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY_VjN96zu4 Parish's role as Romeo marked the first time this highly acclaimed young dancer – the first British dancer ever to join the Mariinsky – performed a leading role in a three act ballet. This was a true demonstration of classical choreography combined with Mariinsky technique with British drama. The classic role is a test not only of technique and artistry, but also of endurance. Being part of the Mariinsky Ballet means Parish has extensive opportunity to tour and perform as a guest with other ballet companies too. The level of opportunity at the company's home is additionally opportunistic; last year he danced at lease 11 principal, 35 soloist and 21 corps de ballet performances which included 9 debuts. Parish has toured to Germany, the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Italy and the United Arab Emirates with the Mariinsky Ballet, and Fateyev is eager to give Parish more exciting opportunities. If you didn't know the name Xander Parish before, we're sure you will be hearing his name for many years to come!