Mayara Magri

Mayara Magri is a Brazilian principal dancer with The Royal Ballet at London's Royal Opera House. Her journey to international ballet began through a social scholarship program, which enabled her to attend the Petite Danse School in Rio de Janeiro at age eight. Magri has credited this opportunity as foundational to her career, as the cost of training would have otherwise been inaccessible to her family. She gained early recognition on the global stage by winning the gold medal in the senior division of the Youth America Grand Prix and earning both the scholarship prize and the audience prize at the Prix de Lausanne, two significant competitions in the ballet world. Although encouraged to train in the United States, Magri chose The Royal Ballet School in London, a decision that shaped her professional trajectory.

Magri graduated into The Royal Ballet company and advanced through the ranks, ultimately becoming principal dancer and the second Brazilian to hold that title at the company. Transitioning from her Vaganova-based Brazilian training to the detailed, nuanced style of British ballet presented challenges, but she has described how she integrated the athleticism of her early education with the refinement of The Royal Ballet’s tradition. Her repertoire includes leading roles such as Kitri in "Don Quixote," Gamzatti in "La Bayadère," Odette/Odile in "Swan Lake," Mitzi Caspar in "Mayerling," and Lescaut's Mistress in "Manon." Magri also originated the role of Rosaura in Christopher Wheeldon's world premiere of "Like Water for Chocolate," a co-production between The Royal Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Her debut in the title role of "Giselle" received critical acclaim, with reviewers noting the enduring quality of her interpretation.

In addition to her performance career, Magri has contributed to choreography. She was appointed commissioned choreographer for The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, where she created two original variations—"Frivolity" and "Samba Alone"—set to music by Brazilian composer André Mehmari and incorporating samba rhythms. These works celebrate her cultural heritage and challenge dancers' musicality and individuality. Magri also served as an ambassador for the competition, promoting the event ahead of its hosting in São Paulo.

Magri is an advocate for social and environmental causes, using her platform to raise awareness of issues important to her. Her personal story, from her beginnings in Rio to her achievements in international ballet, serves as an example of resilience and dedication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued to perform and adapt despite global theater closures, eventually returning to the stage in roles such as Odette/Odile in "Swan Lake." Magri has expressed a commitment to coaching and education, aiming to support the next generation of dancers while continuing her own artistic development.