Alexander Campbell

The former Royal Ballet Principal joins us to talk about an extraordinary life in dance, leaving the stage behind and his vision for the future as Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance.

In this special In Conversation episode, Darren sits down with Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance, to explore a remarkable career that has taken him from a young dancer growing up in Sydney to the very highest levels of classical ballet.

Alexander reflects on discovering dance, training at The Royal Ballet School and joining Birmingham Royal Ballet before returning to The Royal Ballet, where he rose through the company to become a Principal dancer in 2016.

But what does it really take to sustain a career at that level? Alexander talks candidly about the discipline and pressures behind the apparent effortlessness audiences see on stage, the roles and performances that have stayed with him, and the enormous transition that comes when a dancer decides it’s time to step away from performing.

Now, as Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance, Alexander is looking firmly towards the future. We discuss his ambitions for the organisation, nurturing the next generation of dancers, widening access to dance and how ballet can continue to evolve while respecting the traditions that have shaped it.

It’s a warm and insightful conversation about ambition, artistry, leadership and reinvention – and, above all, a lifelong love of dance.