Harris Bell Athlete Ambassador
Harris is a ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet in London. He talks to Sundried about his passion and his journey.
How did you first get into ballet?
My grandma took me to my first ballet as a child which must have sparked something, as at the age of 8 I started dancing at a family friend's ballet school near my village. It started more as dancing for fun but once I tried a male solo with some big jumps, I knew this was going to be something fun to chase and it snowballed from there.
What is your proudest achievement?
I've had a few moments I could consider, but I'd have to say I'm most proud of where I am now. To be part of the Royal Ballet has been a goal from the moment I knew it existed, and to be here giving as much as I can to this craft sparks more pride than any specific moment.
How do you overcome setbacks?
Setbacks are always going to be hard to swallow, but once you step back and get some perspective you can navigate a route around it that can actually create improvement, so I wouldn't count it as a setback. Take a step back, look at the reality of the situation and figure out how you can use that situation as a springboard to success in areas that it doesn't affect. Refocus your efforts and set short term goals to get through it in high spirits.
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
Practise confidence and self affirmation every day. Like a muscle, train your self belief to be so strong that nothing can touch you or shake you from your place of absolute self belief. Another one I've stuck to is that you get out what you put in. Do more than is expected of you and great things can only come of that.
What are your goals?
My goals are to be the best I can, in whatever I do. That goal will never be reached but the further it is, the further I have to stretch myself. Whether it's my work, hobbies or relationships with family and friends, I want to maximise potential in all areas. Have fun in all I do and find a good balance to be deeply happy.
Who inspires you?
I'm so grateful to be surrounded by some of the most incredible dancers in the world every day. I'm lucky enough to call them my colleagues and friends but the people around me are constant inspiration, you just have to look around to realise the culture of skill and obsessiveness that is the Royal Ballet.
Why work with Sundried?
What first sparked my interest with Sundried was reading about their values and aims to maximise sustainability in their clothes. That's so important right now, and to be part of a team that has solid ethics as well as making some awesome active wear makes perfect sense to me. As a professional dancer and hobby-cyclist, to train in such well made gear is a treat.
