Principal Dancer
Portuguese principal dancer at The Royal Ballet whose virtuosic technique, dramatic intensity, and groundbreaking presence have established him as one of contemporary ballet's most compelling male performers.
Defining moments and milestones
Marcelino Sambé joined The Royal Ballet's corps de ballet in 2012 and rapidly distinguished himself through his electrifying stage presence and technical mastery. His 2016 debut as Colas in *La Fille mal gardée* announced a major talent; his 2019 promotion to Principal Dancer made him the second Black male principal in the company's history. Since then, he has become a defining interpreter of both classical and contemporary roles, most notably creating the lead in Christopher Wheeldon's *Like Water for Chocolate* and bringing unmatched intensity to roles including Romeo, Basilio, and Crown Prince Rudolf.
Promoted to Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet in 2019, becoming the second Black male dancer to achieve this rank in the company's history; created the lead role of Pedro in Christopher Wheeldon's full-length ballet *Like Water for Chocolate* (2022)
National Conservatory of Lisbon (ages 8–16); The Royal Ballet School, Upper School (from age 16)
Recordings featuring Marcelino Sambé in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.