Portuguese dancer Marcelino Sambé is a Principal of The Royal Ballet. At just 25-years old, he already proved himself to be one of the most technically accomplished and inspiring stars in the world of dance, excelling in some of ballet’s trickiest roles – all delivered with his characteristic smile and optimism.

Born in a poor area on the outskirts of Lisbon, his father died when he was 8 and his guidance came from his local community centre.

Marcelino is only the second black dancer ever to make the Royal Ballet’s top tier following on from Carlos Acosta.