British dancer Emma Lucano joins The Royal Ballet’s Aud Jebsen Young Dancers programme at the beginning of the 2026/27 season. 

Born in Chicago, Emma began dancing aged two at The Ballet School Notting Hill in London. She joined The Royal Ballet School’s Junior Associate programme when she was 9 years old, before joining White Lodge in 2018, and progressing to Upper School in 2023. Emma graduated in 2026 after 8 years of full-time training with The Royal Ballet School. 

During her time at the school, Emma was awarded The Valerie Adams Award for Exceptional Musicality and The Artistic Prize for Progress and Endeavour. 

Performances while at the School include roles in Paquita, Anthony Dowell’s The Sleeping Beauty, Sir Frederick Ashton’s La Valse and Les Patineurs, Beauchamp’s Garden by David Bintley, Peter Wright’s Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet Balcony pas de deux as part of the Next Generation Festival, and Christening Suite by Christopher Wheeldon.  

Productions with The Royal Ballet whilst at the School include Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker, Arthur Pita’s The Wind, Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein, Young Jacqui in the world premiere of The Cellist by Cathy Marston, Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella, Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling and Peter Wright’s Giselle.