If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to rise from a childhood ballet class to starring in acclaimed productions and appearing on screen, meet Constance Devernay-Laurence. In this long-form guide, we’ll walk through her inspiring journey: her early life in France, her rise through professional ranks, her standout performances, her transition beyond ballet, and why Constance Devernay has become a meaningful figure in the modern dance world.
This article breaks down her story in a simple, and readable way — perfect for anyone curious about ballet, personal growth, or creative careers.
Early Life & Origins: How It All Began
Childhood in Amiens, France
Constance was born in Amiens, France. Interestingly, she didn’t come from a ballet family. Her first introduction to dance came around age six, when she joined a ballet class partly for health reasons. What started as a wellness activity quickly developed into a real passion.
A Life-Changing Nutcracker Moment
Her love for ballet deepened after watching a production of The Nutcracker at the Paris Opera. The magic of the music, the costumes, and the atmosphere struck her deeply. From that moment, performing became a dream.
At nine years old, she entered her first ballet competition — an early sign that she was serious about the art.
Training in Cannes and London
Constance’s training path included:
- Studying at the École Supérieure de Danse de Cannes Rosella Hightower
- Balancing academic classes with rigorous ballet training
- Auditioning in Paris but facing early rejections
- Eventually being accepted into the English National Ballet School in London
Those early setbacks — being told her “body type” didn’t fit certain institutions — only strengthened her determination. Her move to London marked the start of a major turning point in her career.
Rising Through the Ranks: From Corps to Principal
Joining Scottish Ballet at Seventeen
At just 17, Constance Devernay joined Scottish Ballet on a short contract that soon became permanent. This transition from student to professional dancer was the foundation for the next fifteen years of her career.
Her early stage roles included:
- Ensemble roles in classical and contemporary pieces
- Her first major role as Gretel in Hansel & Gretel
- Performances in modern works that broadened her artistic style
Promotion to Soloist and Principal
In 2014, she was promoted to Soloist. Just two years later, in 2016, she reached the highly respected rank of Principal Dancer after a powerful performance as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake.
This was a defining moment — a symbol that her years of discipline, resilience, and artistry had paid off.
Repertoire & Signature Roles
Constance Devernay is known for her ability to move between classical and contemporary styles with ease. Some of her most celebrated roles include:
- Odette/Odile in Swan Lake
- Swanilda in Coppélia
- Mary Vetsera in The Scandal at Mayerling
- The Snow Queen in The Snow Queen
- Abigail in The Crucible
Constance Devernay has worked with world-class choreographers and is especially praised for her musicality, emotional expression, and technical precision.
Reviews frequently highlighted her speed, sharpness, and expressive quality — especially in roles requiring both acting depth and technical brilliance.
Beyond Ballet: Education, Yoga & Coaching
Earning a Degree While Performing
While dancing full-time, Constance also earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport, Fitness and Coaching. She completed this degree over six years while performing in more than 17 productions — a remarkable balance of academics and professional artistry.
This education strengthened her understanding of the body, physical health, and performance longevity.
Yoga and Teaching
In 2018, Constance Devernay also earned a Yoga Level 3 Instructor diploma. Yoga became both a personal practice and a tool for teaching healthy alignment, breathwork, and strength to other dancers.
She teaches ballet classes, workshops, and coaching sessions, sharing her knowledge and helping young dancers refine technique in a healthy, sustainable way.
Ballet Grand Prix Scotland
Constance Devernay is also co-director of Ballet Grand Prix Scotland — a program that supports young dancers through masterclasses, bursaries, and performance opportunities. Through this work, she helps open doors for the next generation of ballet talent.
A Major Transition: Leaving Scottish Ballet & Entering the Screen World
Leaving After 15 Years
In 2023, after a long and successful career, Constance Devernay stepped away from Scottish Ballet. Her final year was marked by major recognition, including receiving a National Dance Award for one of her signature roles.
She emphasized that leaving wasn’t an ending — but a new beginning.
Acting & Dance Doubling in Television
Her next chapter began in the world of television. She joined the cast of Étoile, a major series centered around the ballet world. The show features authentic dance scenes performed by real dancers. Constance plays:
- A featured dancer on-screen
- The dance double for the show’s lead ballerina character
This role blends her dance mastery with acting and screen presence — showcasing her versatility and opening new creative possibilities.
Returning to Stage in New Ways
Though she left full-time ballet, she continued performing selectively, including live stage appearances based on choreography from the series she worked on.
This combination of screen and stage work illustrates her evolving artistic identity.
Significance & Impact
A Model of Resilience
Constance Devernay’s story is filled with meaningful lessons:
- Early rejection didn’t stop her
- Injury didn’t end her identity
- She balanced performing with academics
- She reinvented her career without abandoning her roots
Her journey is a reminder that passion paired with persistence can lead to extraordinary paths.
Bridging Ballet and Mainstream Media
Her work in television brings ballet to wider audiences and demonstrates how dancers can transition into other creative fields.
Advocating Wellness and Long-Term Health
Her yoga certification and sports science background encourage dancers and athletes to prioritize balance, injury prevention, and mental health.
Supporting the Next Generation
Through teaching, coaching, and co-directing a dance competition, Constance helps shape the future of ballet by nurturing young talent.
Lesser-Known Insights
- She started ballet because of asthma, not because of a family tradition.
- Rejections from top French institutions pushed her to find her path elsewhere.
- A major injury led her to explore education and rethink her long-term goals.
- Her long-time partner also comes from the dance world — a relationship shaped by shared commitments and artistic lifestyle.
What Beginners Can Learn from Her Journey
If you’re new to dance or considering it seriously, Constance Devernay’s path offers important lessons:
- Don’t let early rejection define you.
- Build skills beyond dance — fitness, theory, wellness.
- Education strengthens your career, even in the arts.
- Injury can be a turning point, not a setback.
- Artistic careers can evolve in unexpected, rewarding ways.
Her story is a powerful example of how passion, training, and adaptability create opportunities across multiple fields.
Key Takeaways
- Constance Devernay-Laurence is a French-born dancer who became a Principal Dancer at Scottish Ballet.
- She is known for leading roles in Swan Lake, Coppélia, The Snow Queen, and more.
- She earned a BSc in Sport, Fitness and Coaching while dancing full-time.
- She is a certified yoga instructor, teacher, and mentor.
- She left Scottish Ballet in 2023 and transitioned into acting and dance doubling for television.
- She co-directs a major youth ballet competition and continues to perform selectively.
- Her story highlights resilience, lifelong learning, creativity, and reinvention.
FAQs
Who is Constance Devernay-Laurence?
She is a French-born principal dancer known for her long career with Scottish Ballet, as well as her work as a teacher, yoga instructor, and screen performer.
What are her most famous roles?
Some of her most celebrated roles include Swanilda, Odette/Odile, the Snow Queen, and Abigail in The Crucible.
Did she study outside of ballet?
Yes. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport, Fitness and Coaching while dancing full-time.
Is she still dancing professionally?
Yes, though she has transitioned from full-time company work to a mix of acting, dance doubling, performing, and coaching.
How does she support young dancers?
She teaches, coaches, and co-directs Ballet Grand Prix Scotland, which offers opportunities for emerging dancers.
Conclusion
Constance Devernay-Laurence’s journey is an inspiring example of passion blended with resilience. From her early days in France to becoming a principal dancer and stepping confidently into screen work, she has consistently pushed boundaries and reinvented herself. Her story proves that success isn’t linear — it’s built on dedication, curiosity, and courage to evolve.
