Biography
Rojo was born in Montreal, Canada, to Spanish parents who moved back to Spain when she was four months old. She started dancing at the age of 10 in Víctor Ullate Dance Centre in Madrid (1983–1991), and completed her training under David Howard and Renato Paroni. Rojo began her professional career as a dancer with the Ballet de la Comunidad, under the direction of Victor Ullate. After winning the gold medal at the Paris International Ballet Competition, aged 20, she was offered a contract with the Scottish Ballet, by Galina Samsova. Of her arrival at Scottish Ballet Rojo has jokingly said "I spoke no English at this time but it did not matter; neither did they." She would dance with them until her move to the English National Ballet in June 1997. There she was promoted to Principal Dancer in January 1998. She officially joined Royal Ballet as a Principal Dancer at the start of the 2000/2001 season, although she danced Giselle with the Royal Ballet at the end of the previous season in July 2000, at short notice and as a replacement for Darcey Bussell, who was injured.
Rojo started taking local dance classes at the age of 5 in Spain. By the time she reached age 11, Rojo became a full-time student at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, studying under Victor Ullate and Karemia Moreno. Though her parents were thrilled at her talent, they insisted that Rojo also complete an academic education. Therefore, after studio rehearsals every day, Rojo would attend evening classes. When Rojo was 16, she graduated from the Conservatory and had only two more years until her completion of regular school studies. Upon completion, she was immediately invited to join Ullate’s company, the Ballet de la Comunidad de Madrid. Rojo became the Principal ballerina when the original suffered an injury. She has performed prima roles ever since. In 2000, Sir Anthony Dowell requested that Rojo perform the role of Giselle with the Royal Ballet of London as a guest artist. Shortly after the debut of her performance, Rojo became a Principal Ballerina with a company at Covent Garden. Rojo is currently 37 and is still a performer for the Royal Ballet.
Read more about this topic: Tamara Rojo
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