Rachael Gillespie

Rachael is from Swindon and joined Northern Ballet in 2007. She trained with the Judith Hockaday School and later Central School of Ballet. Her previous companies include Scottish Ballet and Ballet Central.

Learn more about Rachael

Favourite roles

Nymphet, A Simple Man; cygnets in David Nixon’s Swan Lake; brides, Dracula.

Career highlights

Joining Northern Ballet, touring with Scottish Ballet - gaining experience before leaving school.

Where were you born and raised?

Swidon, Wiltshire

Where did you do your dance training?

Judith Hockaday School of Dance and Drama (Swindon) and Central School of Ballet

What made you want to be a dancer?

I've always loved to perform. I was always dancing around the house as a kid so my mum sent me to dance classes and it progressed from there. Growing up I developed more and more interest so I went to performances and bought DVDs which really inspired me.

What would be your dream role to dance and why?

Cathy, Wuthering Heights; Juliet, Romeo & Juliet. Both such passionate and expressive roles from such classic novels I would love to interpret those characters.

If you could adapt one work into a ballet what would it be?

Robin Hood / Arabian Nights

Who are your artistic influences or heroes?

It changes contantly, but when I was really young I always loved anything with Gene Kelly.

Describe your perfect Sunday morning

Brunch with my whole family.

What was the first album you bought and what was the last album you bought?

The first was the Spice Girls and the last was Lana Del Ray

What would be your luxury item on a desert island?

My music collection

What are you favourite places in Yorkshire?

Castle Howard, Ilkley Moors

Rachael is sponsored by Impact Planning Services.