In Conversation with Harriet Meadows: A Young Dancer's Journey in Plymouth and Beyond
Seventeen-year-old Harriet Meadows is a name to remember in the dance community of Plymouth. Having started ballet at the tender age of three, Harriet has dedicated her life to the art form, expanding her repertoire to include tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and modern dance. Her journey has taken her from local dance studios to prestigious weekly lessons as part of The Royal Ballet’s Junior Associate two year programme in Totnes and Ballet Boost in Exeter, strengthening her skills and deepening her love for dance.
"Dancing is definitely my passion," Harriet says. "It allows me to express myself in ways that words cannot. Whether I’m sad, angry, or happy, dance always helps me feel more like myself. It’s also given me some of my closest friendships, which I know will last a lifetime.”
Harriet's dance journey has been filled with remarkable opportunities and achievements. She successfully auditioned for The Nutcracker with the English Youth Ballet, performing the Waltz of the Flowers on pointe at the Princess Theatre in Paignton. Her passion for performance has taken her to diverse stages, including dancing at the Silverstone F1 event with her local dance school, The Linda Mortimore and Charlotte Smith School of Dance. She has also attended a workshop with the renowned Louie Spence and had the opportunity to meet Matthew Bourne at Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Harriet’s theatrical experience extends beyond dance, having played lead roles in Peter Pan as Peter Pan, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Charlie, and most recently, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast at The Drum, TRP. She was also part of The Key at TR2, a production celebrating their 21st anniversary.
Over the past three years, Harriet has attended prestigious summer schools at Tring, Laine, and Bird, and she will be heading to Urdang this year. With aspirations of pursuing a three-year degree in Musical Theatre from early 2026, Harriet ultimately hopes to build a career performing in the West End or on cruise ships.
The Challenges of Pursuing Dance
Despite her deep love for the art, Harriet acknowledges that dance is a demanding and highly competitive industry. Many young dancers drop out due to the intense discipline required and the sheer competition for limited opportunities. "You need self-determination, motivation, and a strong mindset to make it as a dancer," she explains. "It’s an incredibly cutthroat industry, and without discipline and hard work, it can be difficult to sustain a career in dance.”
Yet, for Harriet, the rewards have far outweighed the challenges. One of her proudest achievements was being part of the Royal Ballet program, an experience that brought her incredible opportunities. "I got to visit and take part in a workshop at the Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden, visit the Royal Opera House and observe the Christmas performance of The Nutcracker, and even meet Darcy Bussell, which was a dream come true!" she recalls. A particularly memorable moment was crossing the Bridge of Aspiration, the symbolic passage between the Royal Ballet School and the Royal Opera House. "Walking that bridge was a deeply emotional experience—it represents the transition from training to performing, and it felt like a true milestone in my journey."
The Dance Scene in Plymouth
Harriet is passionate about promoting dance within her hometown of Plymouth, but she feels that opportunities for young dancers could be better publicised. "There are definitely chances to get involved in dance, but I think they need more exposure. Initiatives like the ‘Let’s Dance’ campaign are great for bringing people of all backgrounds together, but I’d love to see even more workshops and masterclasses with professionals. I attended a Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin workshop, and it was amazing—it showed me how valuable these experiences can be.”
If time and funding weren’t barriers, Harriet envisions more outreach programs that connect aspiring dancers with industry professionals. "Workshops with people who dance for a living can be so inspiring. If young dancers had more exposure to professionals, they might be more motivated to push through the challenges."
Advice for Aspiring Dancers
For those considering a career in dance, Harriet has one key piece of advice: dedication is everything. "If you have passion in your heart, you can do it. But it’s not just about going to class—it’s about what you do outside of those sessions. Practicing at home, working on your flexibility, refining your technique—all of this makes a difference. Hard work and discipline will take you far.”
Even as she looks ahead to new opportunities, Harriet remains deeply connected to Plymouth’s dance community. "No matter where my journey takes me, I’ll always stay connected to my hometown. The friendships I’ve made here are lifelong, and I want to give back to the community that has supported me so much."
Experiencing Plymouth’s Cultural Scene
Beyond dance, Harriet appreciates the rich cultural offerings of Plymouth. "Theatre Royal Plymouth, The Barbican Theatre and TR2 are must-visit spots for anyone interested in the performing arts. Also The House and the Soak Live Art evenings. The city has great educational opportunities too, like City College Plymouth and the Arts University Plymouth. There are so many talented people here, and I love how the community brings different creative disciplines together."
When asked about other cultural experiences, Harriet suggests visiting Home Park to catch a Plymouth Argyle match or heading to the Barbican for a vibrant atmosphere. "For a night out, there are plenty of great places in town, but if you want a more peaceful experience, the Hoe is stunning—it’s a beautiful place to take in the seaside and reflect.”
Why Dance Matters
For Harriet, dance is much more than movement—it’s a language, a way of storytelling, and a tool for self-expression. "Dance allows you to express emotions in a way that words sometimes can’t. Whether it’s through facial expressions or movement, you can create a story that resonates with people. That’s what makes dance so special."
Her message to anyone considering getting involved in dance? "Go for it! It’s an amazing way to express yourself, make lifelong friends, and be part of a supportive community. No matter your background or experience level, dance is for everyone."
As Harriet continues her journey, one thing is clear—her love for dance and her hometown will remain at the heart of everything she does. And with her talent and dedication, the future looks bright for this young dancer from Plymouth.
#LetsDance #LetsDancePlymouth
