Tristan-Ian Massa

Filipino/Pacific Islander and European mixed dancer Tristan-Ian Luciano Massa joined The Royal Ballet’s Aud Jebsen Young Dancers programme at the beginning of the 2025/26 Season.    

Born in New York City, Tristan-Ian Luciano Massa began his ballet training at age three. His early training took place at Ballet Academy East with a full scholarship, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, both under the guidance of Darla Hoover, providing a foundation primarily in the Balanchine technique. Massa then joined Miami City Ballet School’s Pre-Professional 2 division, gaining early company experience before moving to The Royal Ballet Upper School in 2022, where he graduated in 2025.

During his younger years, Massa also performed as a featured super in operas with The Metropolitan Opera, including productions such as Norma, Werther, Il Trovatore, and Macbeth.

With his time at The Royal Ballet Upper School, Massa was awarded The Ballet Association Award, recognizing outstanding graduating BA students. He was also selected to showcase his own choreography, Our Special Waltz, as part of the school’s Opera Holland Park summer performance programmes.

Performances whilst at School include leading roles in Joshua Junker’s Remembrance, and Arielle Smith’s graduating piece Culmination. He performed in Kenneth MacMillan’s The Four Seasons, Mikaela Polley’s Fast Blue, Goyo Montero’s BOLD, and Gemma Bond’s Assemblage. As a student, he also performed alongside The Royal Ballet in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Cinderella, and Romeo and Juliet.