Falmouth technician creates artwork for Royal Ballet & Opera project celebrating neurodiversity in dance

Written by Rachel Fuller Townshend and produced by Nathalie Harrison, BEE The Ballet tells the story of Bee, a neurodiverse child with remarkable abilities. The production has already made a significant impact, with performances at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre as part of the Next Generation Festival. The book, fully illustrated by Emilia, is based on the ballet, and is a collaboration between the Royal Ballet & Opera. 

Being able to offer guidance and encouragement to those who might be feeling lost or misunderstood is incredibly rewarding.

On her creative planning process for BEE, Emilia told us: “Each stage was approached with meticulous care, considering everything from the psychological impact of colour choices on neurodiverse individuals to the delicate balance of animation designed to support the dancers without overwhelming them, and finally, the art of sequential storytelling.” 

She added: “I conducted workshops with experienced dancers and school children to explore the visual language of neurodiversity, created animations to serve as backdrops for the dancers' initial narrative explorations, and ultimately, compiled it all into a book – a process that felt incredibly cathartic. Working with Rachel Fuller Townshend has been a true highlight; her passion and dedication are infectious, and our collaboration felt like a beautiful symphony of creativity and exploration.”

Elsewhere, Emilia has recently produced an animation for the BBC and Film Soho about the life of iconic model and actress Twiggy. “The intense deadlines paradoxically freed me from imposter syndrome, forcing me to rely on instinct”, Emilia told us. “This resulted in some of my most satisfying work to date. The iconic stories, the time challenge, and the forced reliance on my first ideas taught me to silence my inner critic, opening a liberating new approach to my creative process.” 

From her time studying at Falmouth – which Emilia recalls as one of the happiest, most exciting times of her illustrative development – to her current role as Senior Technician, she believes the value of creative subjects at university goes far beyond artistic development. She told us: “These courses are lifelines for cultivating creative problem-solving skills, which are invaluable in any career. They provide an intense and unique experience, attracting a diverse range of individuals including those who may not pursue traditional creative paths. This diversity creates an enriching environment for deep discussions and broadens perspectives, significantly contributing to personal and intellectual growth.” 

While it was happy and exciting, Emilia’s time as a student was to some extent overshadowed by fear and the voice of her own inner critic, and it is a desire to rewrite her own narrative in this space that fuels her commitment to helping others. She explained: “After years of feeling like an outsider in the education system, life, with its characteristic irony, brought me full circle. Now, working as a Senior Technician for Illustration, I find immense joy in the continuous learning that the role demands. More importantly, I find deep fulfilment in supporting students who resonate with my own past struggles. Being able to offer guidance and encouragement to those who might be feeling lost or misunderstood is incredibly rewarding.” 

Find out more about our Art & Design Facilities