Who is Arielle Smith?

Meet the Choreographer Behind the World Premiere of Carmen

Arielle Smith has crafted the 2024 world premiere of Carmen with a fresh focus and a distinctly current take on the classic. Her retelling of the familiar Bizet opera shifts focus and gives us a new context set in Cuba through the eyes of Carmen herself.

Arielle Smith and San Francisco Ballet rehearsing Smith's Carmen // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo — Arielle Smith and San Francisco Ballet rehearsing Smith’s Carmen // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo

Born in Havana, Cuba and raised in Camden, London UK, Arielle Smith trained at the Hammond School, Chester and went on to complete a BA HONS degree at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. During her training as a dancer, Arielle performed with the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain, where, at the young age of 14, her first choreographic work was staged. She came to prominence when she choreographed Jolly Folly for The English National Ballet, earning her the esteemed Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance. She has been celebrated in The Stage 25 list as one of the rising stars of the UK theatre industry and was also acknowledged by The Guardian as one to watch in 2022 and beyond.