Published on 1st June 2025

So, who’s this then?

This is Taylor Ticehurst, a Horsham dancer who has been offered a scholarship at The Royal Ballet Upper School.  

Is this a big deal?

The Royal Ballet School is one of the most prestigious in the world. The Upper School in Covent Garden has a rigorous admission process, training only about 100 full-time students from all over the world in classical ballet. What makes Taylor’s achievement all the more remarkable is that he didn’t join a dance school until he was 12 years old. 

Where did his journey begin?

Taylor joined JN Theatre in Horsham when he was at primary school and enjoyed being part of the group’s musical adaptations. He didn’t enjoy singing much, but demonstrated a flair for dancing and, at the recommendation of a friend’s sister, attended Horsham School of Dance for the first time in 2021. It was a day Principal Dance Teacher Annie Dunkley remembers well. ‘From the moment Taylor walked through the door, it was evident that he was extraordinarily talented. He had a lot of catching up to do but was enthusiastic, dedicated and had an abundance of natural talent, so his progression was astonishing.’ 

Did Taylor only learn ballet there?

Horsham School of Dance teaches a range of styles including tap, modern and contemporary. However, it was ballet that Taylor enjoyed the most and where he truly excelled. He said: ‘I like the discipline of ballet and the clear definition of what is right and wrong. I’m not such a fan of hip-hop or street dance, which is more open to interpretation. Ballet demands clean lines that you can work on until they are perfect.’ 

Why did Taylor take to ballet so naturally?

As well as being tall, Taylor has an ideal physique for ballet. However, as Annie explains, his greatest attribute is his desire to learn. ‘There are certain things that your body must be able to do naturally if you want to attain a high level of performance. However, it is even more important to have an absolute joy of dancing, as you need that to get through the hard hours of training every day. Taylor has that passion and always wanted to train harder and longer.’  

How did he progress from there?

Taylor was involved in various productions, festivals and competitions through HSD and as a pupil at Tanbridge House, where he took part in Dance Live! In early 2022, Annie – who also trained at the Royal Ballet School – suggested that he audition for the Central School of Ballet Associates in London. Taylor was accepted into the programme in early 2022 and attended Saturday classes. Early the following year, he successfully applied to the Associate Programme at the Royal Ballet, offering a higher level of classical training.  

It didn’t put him off though?

Apparently not. While Taylor continued with the RBS Associate Programme on Saturdays, he also auditioned for Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, a full-time vocational boarding school. He was offered a full scholarship, joining in September 2023. He said: ‘Tring was intense and so different to anything I had experienced before. I had grown used to a regular school day and suddenly I was having to commit to a much longer day with academic studies in the morning and four hours of vocational training in the afternoon. It was draining, but I coped because of my love for ballet.’ 

And now he has another scholarship?

Before applying to the Upper School, Taylor sought the expertise of Michael Kopinski. Michael completed his training at the Royal Ballet Upper School before embarking on a successful career as a soloist with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. He now runs Kopinski Ballet Academy from a purpose-built studio in Maplehurst. This year, some of his private students have been accepted into prestigious dance schools including White Lodge, Tring and the Central School of Ballet. 

How did Michael help?

He helped Taylor refine his technique, giving him the best chance of a successful audition for the Upper School. Michael said: ‘It was a very tiring day and I really did work him hard, but Taylor’s ability was evident. I can tell pretty much instantly if someone has the potential to reach a high level and Taylor is tall, strong and flexible with natural musicality. He’s also very intelligent with his dancing, which will stand him in good stead for the demands of the industry.’

Did he have to audition at the ballet school then, like in that film, Billy–

Hold up! Let’s try get through a story about a male ballet dancer without mentioning that! For Upper School, there are multiple audition stages. In the preliminary rounds, dancers attend a small class, before submitting videos of routines that include key exercises. Once applicants are whittled down, there is a final audition. Taylor said: ‘It’s not quite the same as the film; I certainly didn’t punch anyone in the changing room! But it can be intense as you perform certain moves in front of a panel of three or four people and you don’t know what they’re looking for. You just have to dance and hope they like it!’ 

Quite a selective process then...

Around 1500 students audition, with only the most promising offered a place. Taylor said: ‘A lot of the students progress from the Lower School, which means fewer places are available to those from outside the school. So, I was competing for a handful of places against dancers from all over the world, as the Royal Ballet has a global reputation.’  

Has Taylor faced much negativity?

While acknowledging that ballet isn’t something many boys do, it’s pleasing to write that he has experienced nothing worse than good-natured banter from friends. Annie believes Taylor’s parents deserve huge credit. She said: ‘I have spoken to mothers with sons who have expressed an interest in dance, but whose husbands have refused to allow it. Some stigma remains for male dancers, which is ridiculous given the strength and agility the discipline demands. Taylor’s parents come from a very different world (as owners of New Street Motorcycles in Partridge Green) and yet they’ve been extraordinary. They have always been positive with their support and sought good advice to help steer him in the right direction.’ 

What’s next for Taylor?

He is currently in his second year at Tring and joins the Upper School this September. His scholarship at the Royal Ballet runs for three years (though students re-audition before their third year) and should he graduate, he hopes to embark on a career on stage.  

Does he have a dream role?

Taylor would like to work with Staatsballett Berlin because of its diverse repertoire. But his dream is much like that of any ballet dancer. ‘I have an album of classical music and love to dance while cleaning my room! I have to confess that I am drawn to the emotion and melodies of Tchaikovsky, so to dance in a ballet like Swan Lake would be a dream come true.’  

WORDS: BEN MORRIS / PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT