Kiki Women: Lauren Cuthbertson

To find out more about Lauren’s dazzling career, she invited us into her West London home to discuss her love for ballet, the challenges she has overcome, and her favourite pieces of Kiki jewellery.

 What were your first memories of ballet? 

 My first memories of ballet are from when I was in Devon as a young child. I was almost four years old and my mother had heard of a ballet teacher who would give children discipline and good posture. Being a happy-go-lucky child, my mum thought I needed to go there before I started school. I remember the ballet school like it was yesterday. We had a live pianist, which was magical for young children, and a wonderful teacher. I remember we used to have to act as we were dancing, so it was a kind of drama and dance to begin with. And then as I got a bit older, it became a bit more about the technique. 

And when was the moment you knew this is what you wanted to do? 

 I think I never stopped wanting to do it. And I think that question of ‘Do I want to continue?’ never came. I just always instinctively continued. Possibly a more conscious decision came when I was about 14, but I was already at the Royal Ballet School.  And it was at that point that I realised that this really could be for my whole life. But I hadn't ever doubted that it wouldn't be. It always felt like it was my destiny. 

You have undertaken so many iconic roles within your career, have there been some that have stood out over others? 

 I've performed such a varied repertoire within my career so far and it's really hard to say which ones might be my favourite because they all bring something different out of you. I seem to fall in love with each role that I'm performing at that time. I would say some standout moments within my career have been when I've created works with choreographers. That is always the most thrilling opportunity, and an absolute honour to be trusted with the responsibility of bringing something to life.

The most magical thing within what I do is that moment at 7:30 PM when the curtains open as it really is a live art form. Sharing that moment with the audience with the suspense of not knowing how it's going to go and what's going to come from it, the journey you share from the beginning to the end, is something that I always cherish, whether I'm watching or whether I'm performing.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced within your career? 

 My biggest challenges have been when I was injured or unwell and coming back. Those obstacles are really hard to overcome because you're missing out on the thing you love most, and that is sort of central to your life. But in hindsight, I feel like they've also been blessings because I've developed resilience and strength and even more determination and grit from those challenges, and I think it's helped me propel and feel even more passionate about what I love to do. 

What advice would you give to younger dancers at the beginning of their careers? 

I would advise younger dancers at the beginning of their careers to remember that it really is a living art form and the art form needs you to contribute to it and feel strong within your essence and what you have to offer the dance world. To stay inspired and creative and push boundaries and be daring. 

You have been a friend of the brand for countless years, during which you co-designed a collection named after you with Kiki and you are the face of the new brand campaign marking the 40th anniversary of the brand. With this in mind, tell us about some of your favourite Kiki pieces that you've selected. 

 Well, where to begin with my favourite pieces? I love Kiki's jewellery. It's so varied and yet so distinct to Kiki herself as a woman and the brand that she's built. This fire opal, for instance, on the Kiki Classics ripple ring is probably one of my favourites. That particular stone reminds me of Kiki herself. And then my forever favourites have to be the Kiki Classics double oval earrings, I like them in every single colour combination. I love playing with colours. I'm definitely team big, colourful jewellery. I wear a lot of gold jewellery, so I love mixing gold with colours.

Please could you describe your personal style? 

I suppose it's hard to describe your personal style because it changes with how you feel. I like to feel like myself and there are probably many versions of myself, but usually I like to feel quite relaxed, definitely outside of the ballet studio where we wear lots of tight clothing. I will never forget watching my mum getting ready before she went out as she's always very immaculately turned out. My mum has a saying, ‘Somebody has to set the standard’, basically saying that you can never be too overdressed! 

For your most recent performance as Tatiana in John Cranko's Onegin, which Kiki piece in front of you do you think Tatiana would wear? 

I think Tatiana would wear the Kiki Cushion smoky quartz and diamond earrings especially with her act 3 brown dress as it is exactly the same shade as this stone. And equally, because it's a detachable hoop, if they were available in Tatiana's time, she would have switched it to a different stone to match her different costumes. 

 Our Kiki Women series champions women at the top of their game in a variety of industries, and we are so grateful to Lauren for sharing her love for ballet and performance with us. To see more of Lauren in our beautiful jewellery, make sure to keep an eye on our website and socials for our upcoming 40th anniversary campaign.