Fife dancer Jacob Hendricks on UK tour with Ballet Central

Fife dancer Jacob Hendricks is taking to the stage with Ballet Central, as the company tour the UK, marking a major milestone in the young performer’s journey from local dance classes to professional training at London’s Central School of Ballet.

The graduating student, who grew up in Cardenden and began dancing at just five years old, says his passion for performance grew steadily from taking ballroom and Latin classes alongside his sister.

“My mum told me that ever since I was a baby, I would dance all the time,” Jacob explained. “After my first class, I didn’t really want to continue, but the more I attended, the more I started to really enjoy dancing.”

As his confidence and skill developed, Jacob realised dance could become more than a hobby. Opportunities soon followed, eventually leading him to pursue professional training.

Early experiences competing in ballroom and Latin competitions played a significant role in shaping his love of performing. However, it was not the trophies or titles that mattered most.

“The main thing that drew me to dance was how it allowed me to build meaningful friendships while showing audiences what we loved to do,” he said.

“Even today, my favourite moments are being on stage with my friends.”

Jacob credits several influential teachers during his formative years, including Darcy Moghimian at Moghimian Arts School in Kirkcaldy, for helping him broaden his horizons beyond ballroom and Latin styles.

“She introduced me to ballet and contemporary dance and showed me how physically demanding dance can really be,” he said. “Training with Darcy fuelled my passion for dance and opened up new opportunities.”

One of those opportunities was a place at the Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow, where Jacob moved away from home to continue his training before later joining Central School of Ballet in London.

Now in his final year, Jacob is preparing to tour the country with Ballet Central, the school’s renowned touring company. He promises audiences a varied and energetic programme.

“The pieces are very diverse and each one brings a different experience,” he said. “Everyone has been encouraged to bring their own personalities into the work, which makes every performance unique.”

The Ballet Central tour will see the cast perform on stages across the UK, something Jacob says he is particularly excited about after months of intensive rehearsals.

“We’ve all worked incredibly hard this year and we’re really looking forward to finally performing our work,” he said.

Although his schedule has kept him away from Scotland for long periods during his final year of training, Jacob says maintaining connections with family and friends remains important while balancing the demands of professional dance training.

“Training has been very intense, especially during year three,” he said. “But keeping in touch with people back home is really important to me.”

Looking ahead, Jacob hopes to continue growing both artistically and personally within the dance industry.

“I want to work with inspiring choreographers and be part of performances that make audiences feel something,” he said. “Dance is about growth and expression, and every time you dance, you discover something new about yourself.”

Jacob also believes more boys are becoming involved in dance thanks to changing perceptions and increased visibility online.

“People are seeing the athleticism, creativity and challenges that come with dance,” he said.

As a role model for younger dancers, Jacob hopes his own story can inspire confidence and individuality.

“If a younger dancer can look at my journey and feel inspired to express themselves and stay confident in who they are, that means a lot to me,” he said.

Find out more about Ballet Central: www.balletcentral.co.uk