Anya Alindada – The Filipina Ballet Sensation
By: [Name]
Photography by: @deanbarucija on Instagram
Before even reaching the age of 19, Anya Nicole Y. Alindada accomplished a remarkable feat – becoming the first and only Filipina to graduate from the prestigious English National Ballet School (ENBS). Standing at 5’6″ with an elegant and flexible physique, she possesses tapering legs, arched feet, naturally high leg extensions, and a graceful movement quality that is complemented by her expressive demeanor and fierce independent spirit.
Currently, Alindada has embarked on the ENBS Professional Trainee Program, a comprehensive six-month course designed to prepare young dancers for their future careers, covering everything from auditions to onstage performances. As a testament to her exceptional talent, just two weeks prior to her graduation from the ENBS Senior School, the artistic director of the English National Ballet, Aaron Watkins, recognized her potential during a class and handpicked her to join company productions of “The Nutcracker” in December and “Giselle” in January 2024.
Alindada’s captivating dance performances can be witnessed through her engaging and harmonious social media posts. With her well-rounded training, she effortlessly transitions between classical ballet and contemporary styles, standing out in both genres.
In her home country of the Philippines, Alindada was homeschooled by her parents throughout her academic journey, allowing for personalized education that catered to her individual needs and ensured outstanding results. She honed her flexibility through gymnastics and even competed on various platforms. Furthermore, her jazz, tap, and flamenco lessons at Julie Borromeo’s Performing Arts Foundation Inc. nurtured her sensitivity and dramatic qualities. Recognizing the importance of classical training as the foundation for a ballet dancer, Alindada studied under the tutelage of Maricar Aragon-Andrada. It was during this time that she realized her unwavering passion for ballet, solidifying it as her chosen dance form.
Determined to pursue her dreams, Alindada fearlessly participated in the Japan Grand Prix dance competition, immersing herself in master classes taught by artistic directors from renowned schools in Europe and the United States. The exceptional artistry and perfectionism displayed by her Japanese competitors fueled her desire for advanced international training. In 2019, Alindada’s mother stumbled upon a Facebook post advertising a three-day dance intensive conducted by European masters at the Melbourne Academy of the Arts – one of Australia’s premier ballet schools. During this workshop, the school’s artistic director, Jasmina Stefkovski, recognized Alindada’s immense potential and extended her an offer of a scholarship to their training program, which commenced in February 2020.
However, just before the global lockdown, Alindada, at the age of 15, returned to Australia and resided with a host family. Her esteemed status within the dance community in the Philippines was the envy of her peers. Stefkovski worked tirelessly to secure government permission for Alindada to continue her classes while adhering to health protocols. Although masks were not conducive to intense training, the students maintained physical distancing. Over the course of 20 months, Alindada strengthened her classical technique and cultivated an expressive upper body. She also participated in virtual dance competitions and submitted audition videos to prominent ballet institutions around the world.
One of her notable achievements was being selected as a finalist in the Salieri Danza competition in Italy, earning her a spot in the final round of auditions for the English National Ballet School. After viewing her video performance, a mesmerizing rendition of “Paquito Etoile,” school director Viviana Durante chose Alindada out of hundreds of applicants, propelling her to the second year of the three-year program and awarding her a bursary of £19,000 (approximately P1,326,953) per year. While regular students paid the full tuition fee of £19,000 annually, Alindada only had to contribute £4,000, with the remainder serving as her stipend.
Alindada’s daily routine at ENBS involves six hours of technique classes and rehearsals. The academic curriculum primarily focuses on subjects related to their dance careers, including dance history, anatomy, and music appreciation. Mathematics and hard science subjects are not part of their coursework. To recover from the demanding schedule, Alindada utilizes a massage gun or seeks the assistance of the school’s physiotherapist for a relaxing massage session. Her pre-show ritual consists of consuming honey for an energy boost.
Her years at the Senior School have been incredibly rewarding. The diverse backgrounds of her fellow classmates allowed for seamless integration, and together, they performed during the launch of “The Crown” Season 5 at the Theater Drury Lane. Their dance paid tribute to Princess Diana’s ballet background. Additionally, last year, Alindada and select schoolmates had the privilege of modeling for Preen by Thorton Bregazzi at London Fashion Week.
During the lead-up to her graduation, Alindada received expert coaching from Durante herself, a former star of the Royal Ballet, for her solo performance. She cites their group graduation piece, George Balanchine’s “Who Cares,” as one of her most challenging experiences due to its demanding stamina and distinctive style.
As a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft, Alindada spent a two-month vacation in the Philippines, undergoing cross-training sessions with Robert Osorio – a respected physical therapist and trainer specialized in working with dancers – to rehabilitate a shin injury. Like all graduates in various fields, Alindada faces the challenge of finding opportunities following her graduation, particularly due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic on the industry. While landing a position at the English National Ballet is not guaranteed for ENBS graduates, it remains one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious dance companies.
Earlier this year, Alindada and her fellow dancers submitted their application dance videos to several European companies. She also attended live auditions with various companies, including the Singapore Dance Theater. Alindada is delighted to be back in the vibrant energy of London, keeping her hopes high as she continues her journey at ENBS. In her own words, she writes, “I am not sure of what my future holds, but I am very sure of Who holds my future.”
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