Rahul Muthyal Pradeep is a dancer, singer and performer. Having started his training relatively late, Rahul wasted no time in making sure he was making the most of every moment with every opportunity. Read on to find out more about his journey with TLFCB and beyond.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Critical, Determined and Open.
Tell us a bit about your background. What did you do before training at TLFCB? And after?
I was in my pre-final year at CMR institute of technology studying Electronics and Communication Engineering before I gave it all up to pursue dance full time at TLFCB.
Under Yana’s tutelage I was able to train pre-professionally for several years before I received several offers from performing arts colleges in the UK but ultimately chose to train in the highlands of Scotland at Ballet West. After gaining my BA Hons Degree in Ballet from Bath Spa University I successfully auditioned to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland which is ranked #9 among the worlds top colleges for performing arts where I am currently pursuing an MA in Musical Theatre(Performance).
What is your main focus right now?
To complete my Masters degree and gain employment doing what I’ve been trained to do – act, sing and dance.
What does your regular day look like at the moment?
Even though COVID-19 was a dampener on my audition run across Europe, I am extremely grateful to be training at RCS where I am receiving an education that consists of blended learning in musical theatre i.e. ballet, jazz and contemporary classes in addition to singing lessons, acting class and one-to-one voice lessons along with lectures in vocal anatomy, critical analysis of theatre as well as working with industry professionals on our upcoming performance projects. Each day is different and can run from 8 30am to 9pm with breaks in between- some classes on zoom and a lot it person.
Has the lockdown changed things for you on a daily basis? What about long term?
Lockdown unfortunately led a lot of ballet and dance company auditions being cancelled and many of our classes on the MA program are online for this reason. Broadway is set to open only in May 2021 and the performing arts industry is going to take more than a year to fully recover but I am positive I will find a way to ride out this storm. If history has taught us anything it’s that the arts has a way of shining through adversity.
Who has been your most significant support through the years? How have they helped you?
Anup Mysoor and the Shanti Bhavan Foundation have been behind me since 2018 supporting me during my time at Ballet West and continue to do so at the Conservatoire. None of this would be possible without their help, guidance and career advice every step of the way.
Who is your greatest inspiration? Why?
Edward Watson who recently retired from the Royal Ballet Company. He definitely inspired me as a male dancer to pursue my strengths in ballet outside of the set classical norm.
Rahul as the Director of the Spectacular Circus, 2015
How has being a male dancer in a female dominated world impacted you?
It has made me aware of the challenges that my peers have to face at every level of this extremely competitive industry.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working in film and television.
What has been the greatest lesson you have learned so far?
To treat everyone with kindness.
How did your time at TLFCB shape you as a person and as a performer?
Yana taught me to be strong, work tirelessly to reach my goals and to also withstand strong critique which is part and parcel of any of the performing arts. Having a thick skin isn’t optional.
When you are not dancing, what do you do?
Singing, learning monologues, researching repertoire or looking for auditions to apply for! This is a profession where having an obsessive personality helps!
Who’s your favourite classical dancer? Other style of dancer?
I love Dusty Button but when it comes to classical and neoclassical dancers Sylvie Guillem is untouchable.
What is your favourite thing to do during your free time?
YouTube!
If you were not a dancer, what would you be?
A singer.
If you could perform together with anyone, who would it be?
If you could go back in time and meet anyone from history, who would it be?
What is your advice to dancers who want to become professionals in the industry? And to male dancers in particular?
Start now and do not waste anytime.
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