Marcelino Sambé

Marcelino Sambé is a Principal of The Royal Ballet, born in Lisbon and widely regarded as one of the most compelling male dancers of his generation. He trained at the National Conservatory of Lisbon before joining The Royal Ballet Upper School on scholarship, graduating into the Company in the 2012/13 season.

Sambé's rise through the ranks was rapid: First Artist in 2014, Soloist in 2015, First Soloist in 2017, and Principal in 2019. Along the way he collected a remarkable series of international awards — silver at the Moscow International Ballet Competition in 2008, first prize at Youth America Grand Prix in 2009, and gold at the USA International Ballet Competition in 2010 — before the Critics' Circle recognised him for Outstanding Male Classical Performance in 2017 and Best Male Dancer in 2019.

His repertory spans more than 40 roles across the classical and contemporary canon. He has danced Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Des Grieux in Manon, Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling, Albrecht in Giselle, and Basilio in Don Quixote, alongside leading roles in works by Wayne McGregor, Kyle Abraham, Crystal Pite, Hofesh Shechter, Cathy Marston, and others. He created the role of Pedro in Christopher Wheeldon's Like Water for Chocolate.

Sambé's performances are marked by an instinctive musicality and an ability to inhabit each role with physical specificity. His partnership with Yasmine Naghdi has been one of the most celebrated at the Company in recent seasons.