Lore Zonderman, oudleerling KBA

Lore Zonderman

The Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam

Already at 6 years of age, I started training in all kinds of dance styles. I always enjoyed this, especially ballet. Following the advice of the ballet teacher at the amateur school I went to, I started training at the Royal Ballet School Antwerp in 2010, after a successful audition of course. After six years here, I graduated. Following a severe injury in my graduation year (2016), I was asked to enrol at the prestigious ‘The Royal Ballet School’ in London - an incredibly lucky opportunity arising from unlucky circumstances. After two wonderful years full of unique opportunities, I graduated with flying colours in 2018. I was then accepted into the Junior Company of the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam. After only a year, I was promoted to the main company as ‘élève’. The following year, I was promoted to ‘corps de ballet’. Today, in 2020, I'm starting my third season with the Dutch National Ballet.

There is no failure except in no longer trying

Dear Royal Ballet School Antwerp dancers,

Don’t take anything for granted. Seize every opportunity and moment you have to learn. This is the time when you lay the foundation for the rest of your career. It won't always be easy and there will be ups and downs, as with everything in life. Don't be disheartened by the downs because these moments will make you that much stronger. Learn to work with your own body and get the best out of yourself. Everyone is different. Explore your strengths and work on your weaknesses. There’s always room for improvement. With that thought, I always try to get the best out of myself. It's a tough world, but the satisfaction you get once you're on stage beats all else. And that's what you’re doing it for. Never give up; ‘There is no failure except in no longer trying.’