William Bracewell, a rising star at the Royal Ballet, radiates a quiet confidence that belies the years of dedication and hard work he’s poured into his craft. While a part of him, as he puts it with a charming smile, might whisper “play it down, be British,” the truth is, he’s embracing a newfound self-assurance. “There are moments when I feel I can fully enjoy this,” he says, referring to the culmination of his dream – becoming a principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, a goal he set for himself at the tender age of eight while attending dance classes in his hometown of Swansea.
At 33, Bracewell is making waves with his captivating performances in classics like Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Manon, alongside more contemporary and abstract works. His talent and dedication are undeniable, and he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of ballet. We recently caught up with Bracewell in the elegant setting of Baudry Greene, a Covent Garden cafe he frequents on his way to work, to discuss his upcoming projects.
This November, Bracewell is set to take on a challenging new role in Wayne McGregor’s MaddAddam, a ballet adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian sci-fi trilogy that envisions a world ravaged by a bio-engineered apocalypse. This marked departure from his typical romantic roles is a testament to his versatility and willingness to push his artistic boundaries.
“I’m seen as this gentleman, and he is not that,” Bracewell says of his character, Crake, describing him as the “mastermind behind destroying the earth.” The role of Crake, a complex and intriguing figure, will undoubtedly showcase Bracewell’s acting range and provide him with a unique opportunity to explore a darker and more challenging side of his artistic expression.
Bracewell’s journey to the pinnacle of the ballet world has been marked by unwavering determination and a willingness to push his body to its limits. After graduating from the Royal Ballet School, he joined Birmingham Royal Ballet, where his relentless work ethic led him to continue dancing for four years after he sustained a herniated disc in his back. “I didn’t understand my body well enough,” he admits, grimacing slightly, “and I think my single-minded ambition made me do too much.”
His dedication nearly took a turn for the worse two years after joining the Royal Ballet in 2017 when he was rehearsing a demanding one-handed lift that left him in excruciating pain. The injury required surgery and months of rehabilitation, forcing him to confront his relationship with dance in a profound way. “It was a wonderful turning point,” he reflects. “To reassess what I was going to be, I had to ask myself could I live without dance? Is it worth it? For me, it definitely was.” This experience, while challenging, ultimately solidified his commitment to dance, making him appreciate the art form even more deeply.
Offstage, Bracewell enjoys a grounded life with his partner, Andy Monaghan, a grower, florist, and dancer with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. The couple splits their time between East London and Hampshire, where Monaghan tends to a three-acre farm. In his spare time, Bracewell helps out with farm duties, “Nothing too physical,” he clarifies, “I weed a bit, and nothing for me feels more rewarding than planting a tree.” This connection to nature serves as a grounding force for Bracewell, providing a balance to the demands of his professional life.
Beyond farming, Bracewell finds solace and creative expression in his London garden studio, where he indulges in the art of ceramics. “There’s something nice about having a thing at the end of the process to have and to hold,” he says, smiling. “It’s totally different to dance, where it’s just a memory and it’s gone.” This sentiment speaks to the ephemerality of dance and the tangible nature of his ceramic creations, offering a sense of permanence and fulfillment.
While Bracewell’s performances may be fleeting, their impact on his admirers endures long after the curtain falls. MaddAddam, a captivating and thought-provoking ballet, promises to be a highlight of the fall season at the Royal Opera House, and Bracewell’s nuanced portrayal of Crake is sure to be a captivating performance.
From his humble beginnings in Swansea to his current status as a leading figure in the ballet world, William Bracewell is a dancer with a quiet intensity and a passion for both tradition and innovation. His performances are a testament to his dedication and commitment, while his personal life reflects a grounded and creative spirit. As he takes on new challenges like ‘MaddAddam,’ one thing is certain: William Bracewell is a dancer to watch, a rising star whose future is as bright as his talent.
