English National Ballet: Erina Takahashi to retire as Lead Principal after 29 seasons

Erina Takahashi will retire as Lead Principal of the English National Ballet (ENB) in January 2025, the London-based company announced on 29 October.

“This Season marks Erina Takahashi’s last as Lead Principal at English National Ballet before she steps into a full-time role as Repetiteur with the Company, whilst also exploring other artistic opportunities as a dancer,” ENB said in a statement.

Erina’s final performances with ENB will be the title role of Mary Skeaping’s Giselle. She will perform at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, on 30 October and 1 November, and at the London Coliseum on 15 January and the evening performance on 18 January.

Erina, from Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan, joined ENB in 1996 after graduating from the ENB School. She was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2000, and to Lead Principal in 2007. She has joined the company’s Artistic Team as Repetiteur since autumn 2024 alongside her Lead Principal role.

ENB is celebrating the 75th year anniversary.

Personal note: I had a pleasure to work with Erina. She wears a black skirt in the image. I see her as an exceptional dancer who can pay attention to every single detail of any ballet roles.