Reece Clarke's Journey to Onegin
Full look - Dolce & Gabbana
Interview - Tajinder Hayer
Photography - Philip Sinden
Creative Direction - Michael Gray
Styling - Tanja Martin
Styling Assistance - Anna Sweasey
Hair - Tim Pateman
Reece Clarke, a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet, possesses an artistry and charisma that elevates every role he undertakes. From gracing the stage in international performances to collaborating with luxury fashion houses, Clarke seamlessly blends classical ballet’s timeless elegance with modern flair. As he reprises the titular role in Onegin at the Royal Opera House, we delve into his journey, his craft, and his life both on and off the stage.
A Return to Tragic Love
For Clarke, Onegin is more than a performance—it’s a deeply personal exploration of emotion and character. “It’s one of the most incredible love stories,” he explains. “Like Romeo and Juliet, it does not end well, but there’s something about tragic love stories that make the roles so memorable and challenging to portray.”
Jacket, Trousers, Shirt and Tie - Margaret Howell, Shoes - Grenson, Socks - The London Sock Company
Full look - Dolce & Gabbana
Portraying Eugene Onegin—a brooding, Byronic figure whose arrogance leads to heartbreak—requires an intensity few roles demand. “It’s a roller coaster journey,” Clarke says. “He’s an arrogant and cold gentleman at first but later falls desperately in love when it’s too late.” Clarke’s debut as Onegin in 2020 marked a turning point in his career, coinciding with his promotion to First Soloist. Now, with years of experience and maturity, he brings new depth to the role.
“When you come back to a role after a few years, you add your life experiences to it,” he reflects. “You approach it from a different angle, maybe deeper every time. You know yourself more, trust yourself more, and ultimately enjoy it more. I hope the audience will too.”
Tchaikovsky’s score breathes life into the production, offering Clarke the emotional connection that fuels his performance. “Music is crucial,” he shares. “A great story is only half the success of a ballet. The music brings it to life. As a dancer, you have to live through it. Tchaikovsky’s score really does it for me in this ballet.”
Behind the Scenes: Dedication and Craft
The elegance and ease audiences see on stage are the results of unwavering discipline. For Clarke, a typical day involves daily ballet classes, hours of rehearsals, and a meticulous focus on maintaining physical and emotional stamina. “You have to keep your body in shape all the time,” he says. “Otherwise, it becomes difficult to perform. Beyond that, you have to apply your artistic skills—analyzing the character and trying to get under their skin.”
Clarke’s appetite for pushing boundaries stems from his upbringing. “The same way I used to challenge myself in sports growing up, I’ve carried that drive throughout my career,” he says. His advice to aspiring dancers? “Have patience, have faith, and stay ambitious. Also, explore hobbies outside of dance. I discovered how important that is only a few years ago.”
Striped shirt, Tie & Trousers - Edward Sexton, Watch - OMEGA
Balancing technical perfection with storytelling is a key challenge in ballet, and one Clarke embraces wholeheartedly. “Dance is a language,” he explains. “Every movement has meaning and tells a story. Keeping that in mind makes the performance compelling.”
Global Stages and Iconic Roles
Clarke’s career spans some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Recent highlights include Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House, La Bayadere at the International Ballet Festival in Tokyo, and guest performances at La Scala in Milan. “Traveling and seeing other cultures, theaters, and working with different artists helps you grow as an artist,” he says. “It opens up new horizons, both physically and metaphorically.”
This December, Clarke steps into the role of Prince Charming for the Royal Opera House’s Christmas production of Cinderella. “It’s a beautiful new production with incredible costumes and sets,” he says. “Performing at Christmas feels special, like returning to childhood. Ashton’s choreography for Prince Charming is challenging but rewarding—it’s all about making difficult steps look effortless.”
Looking ahead to March, Clarke will take on Romeo and Juliet, partnering with Principal Dancer Anna Rose O’Sullivan for the first time. “I’m so looking forward to it,” he says. “Our partnership will bring something fresh to the roles of Romeo and Juliet.”
Suit, Striped shirt, Tie & Trousers - Edward Sexton, Watch - OMEGA, Shoes - Manolo Blahnik, Socks - The London Sock Company
Fashion Meets Ballet
Beyond the stage, Clarke has carved a niche in the fashion world. Earlier this year, he collaborated with Dior Men’s Artistic Director, Kim Jones, for the Charleston Literary Festival. Clarke danced in bespoke costumes for a work titled Faun, choreographed by Russell Maliphant. Jones described Clarke as “the inspiration” for Dior’s Winter 2024-2025 Men’s Collection.
“My admiration for fashion started when I put on my first costume at the Royal Ballet,” Clarke says. “Clothing can change how you feel, shape a role, and convey a message. Kim Jones’s creativity and artistic approach always inspired me, so collaborating with him felt incredible.”
Clarke’s collaborations extend beyond Dior, having worked with brands like Manolo Blahnik and Montblanc. “There are similarities between heritage brands and ballet,” he notes. “Both have rich histories, craftsmanship, and artistic vision, yet they remain modern and relevant. If I can be a modern ambassador for ballet, those are the qualities I want to project.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Patron of the National Youth Ballet, Clarke is committed to nurturing young talent. “Having a role model is so important when you’re growing up as a dancer,” he says. “I remember watching videos of my idols on repeat. If I can be even a fraction of that inspiration to others, I’d be very happy.”
His appearance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee was another career highlight. Sharing the stage with global icons, Clarke represented ballet on a monumental stage. “It was exhilarating to be part of something so precious,” he says. “It’s a performance I will always treasure.”
Full look - DIOR
A Rakish Spirit
When asked what being “rakish” means to him, Clarke lights up with a smile. “It’s someone who loves speed and adrenaline, who is nonchalant and fun, with effortless elegance,” he says. “But most importantly, someone with a sense of humor.” Offstage, Clarke finds joy in life’s simple pleasures: walking his dog, connecting with nature, and listening to a wide variety of music.
As he looks to the future, Clarke dreams of tackling roles like Crown Prince Rudolph in Mayerling and creating a ballet inspired by his Scottish heritage. “I’d love to collaborate with Lewis Capaldi—his music and sense of humor are incredible.”
Reece Clarke’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Whether on stage, in fashion, or inspiring young dancers, he embodies the elegance and resilience of a true modern artist. As he takes on Onegin once more, Clarke continues to push the boundaries of ballet, leaving audiences captivated and inspired.
Jacket - Studio Nicholson, Top - AMI, Trousers - Kit Blake
Jacket - Studio Nicholson, Top - AMI
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