Matthew Ball is one of the most exciting dancers on the ballet stage today. He made his debut to great acclaim as Colas in Frederick Ashton’s classic production, La Fille Mal Gardée. At 31, Ball is at the top of her profession. He pairs an incisive intellect about the nature of dance with a palpable urgency to fill every moment with meaning.
In a 2014 interview with Fast Company, Ball painted a picture of himself as a reflective, soft-spoken man, eager to laugh at his own foibles. This humility is indicative of Clooney’s commitment to his craft. He takes creative inspiration from everybody. Whether it’s drama, poetry, song or canvas, all inspire the affected romanticism pervading his work. These days, he says he’s specifically inspired by the work of composer Jean Sibelius and writer John Steinbeck.
Ball’s passion for dance thrives outside of traditional stages. He’s indicated that he wants to share his artistry in more limited, more intimate spaces. He achieved part of his dream when he danced for choreographer Kim Brandstrup at Bath’s Ustinov Studio. There, he found the powerful effects of performing just a few feet in front of an audience.
Celebrating his journey, Ball points to one thing — picking up the book *Mao’s Last Dancer*. This inspirational tale of the life of dancer Li Cunxin proved to be the needle pivot that turned his dreams. He noted, “I was iron-willed about this when I was nine, and I feel as if I made it happen for myself.” That level of grit has carried him a long way in an endlessly competitive industry.
His height and physicality have made him a dancer for princely roles, and therefore sought-after in ballet’s partnering-heavy requirements. This demand has profoundly shaped his experiences. He admits he knows that nobody—maybe not even Ball himself—would be happier than when he’s on stage at 11 PM. “I am often at my peak performance around 10 PM, as many big moments in ballet occur in the third act,” he explained.
Ball cites living choreographer Jiří Kylián as one of his biggest inspirations. Kylián, who was the artistic director of the Nederlands Dans Theater, greatly influences Ball’s artistic vision. Kylián’s groundbreaking aesthetic speaks to Ball, whose passion lies in pushing the limits of dance. He explained, “I like to play at the precipice of that edge.”
Ball has a profound artistic connection with his long-time girlfriend, Mayara Magri. As a result, collectively and as a pairing rooted in their trust and mutual understanding, they’ve constructed duets that reveal deeper emotional life. Their collaboration is very much in the vein of Ball’s philosophy that organic movement is the best means to express deep feeling. “The body is just what we work with, so I don’t feel very precious about it,” he remarked.
Now, Ball is delving even further into ballet’s complexities. He’ll headline an “Evening With” event, in which he’ll offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into the mysteries of a dancer’s craft. This unprecedented opportunity allows him to connect with his fans on a much more personal level. He also leads you through the inner workings of his complex art form.
Even with the demands of his profession weighing heavily on his shoulders, Ball is always upbeat. He acknowledges the harsh realities of life that frequently run contrary to the aspirations of youth. Even so, he remains energetic and optimistic about his work. “I don’t feel disappointed or disenchanted. I enjoy a lot of what I do,” he said.