Grace in Motion: A Journey with Yasmine Naghdi, Prima Ballerina of The Royal Ballet
Yasmine Naghdi is one of those rare souls who carries grace and strength into everything she does, on stage and off. As the prima ballerina of The Royal Ballet, her talent is evident to anyone who watches her perform. But beyond the stage, Yasmine’s depth, warmth, and the quiet but fierce resolve she carries make her truly remarkable.
Growing up with a rich cultural heritage—an Iranian Zoroastrian father and a Belgian mother—Yasmine has a unique sense of self that comes through in her work. There’s something about her that feels timeless, as if she carries generations of stories, histories, and traditions in every movement. Her mother, Sabine, even wrote a book about the journey of supporting Yasmine through ballet, capturing the sacrifices, the dedication, and the beauty of her daughter’s rise to the top. It’s a beautiful tribute to the love and support that has surrounded Yasmine, and it reflects the kind of bond they share—one built on trust, resilience, and an unwavering belief in Yasmine’s talent.
Watching her on stage, whether as Juliet or Aurora, is like watching a story unfold without words. Her Juliet in Romeo and Juliet is unforgettable—not only technically precise but also rich with emotion, drawing you into her world and making you forget everything else. Her portrayal captures Juliet’s innocence, youthful hope, and the inevitable tragedy that follows. And in The Sleeping Beauty, her embodiment of Princess Aurora is a vision of elegance and poise, each movement meticulously crafted yet flowing effortlessly. It’s not just technique or training; it’s the soul she brings into these roles, and you can feel it.
One of my most cherished memories is traveling with my nieces, Charlotte and Joanie, to San Francisco to see Yasmine perform. Sitting in the theater, I watched them watch her, their eyes wide with awe as they took in her every movement. They were completely mesmerized, and I could see that Yasmine’s performance was sparking something profound in them—a new admiration for the art of ballet and the discipline behind it.
But the real magic happened backstage, where Yasmine greeted us with that same genuine warmth that makes her so special. In the dim glow of the dressing rooms, surrounded by costumes and mirrors, she took Charlotte and Joanie under her wing, showing them little details about the ballet and sharing the magic behind each prop and costume piece. She even took off her ballet shoes and, without a moment’s hesitation, signed them for the girls—a gesture that left them absolutely speechless.
There’s something special about those ballet shoes. In their worn-out satin, you can see the hours of dedication, the challenges, and the triumphs. Each pair tells a story, bearing the marks of countless rehearsals, every jump, turn, and gentle landing that looks effortless on stage. Holding those shoes, you feel as though you’re holding a piece of her journey—the devotion, resilience, and artistry that have become part of her.
Watching her perform, knowing the life those shoes have endured, adds another layer to the experience. Each movement, each delicate balance, seems to carry all those hours spent perfecting her craft. Her shoes connect her to the stage in a way that’s almost sacred, grounding her while she brings characters to life with grace and intensity. When she dances, they carry her effortlessly, moving as an extension of her, yet it’s clear they’ve been broken in through the relentless demands of her art.
For Charlotte and Joanie, those shoes were a precious keepsake, a memento of the enchantment they experienced watching Yasmine. To them, it was a magical piece of their evening; to those who understand what it takes to wear those shoes—to inhabit them—they were a part of Yasmine’s journey. It was a piece of her world, a memory of every story told on stage, and a reminder of the impact she continues to have on everyone who watches her dance.
And for me, seeing Yasmine through their eyes reminded me how lucky I am to know her. Our friendship is a gift, a reminder of the beauty of true talent paired with humility. Yasmine’s life is a beautiful blend of artistry and cultural heritage, a testament to her commitment and the support of her family. Backstage wasn’t just the end of a performance that night; it was a memory, a shared moment that celebrated both her talent and the connections that make life so meaningful.
