For the past six years, the grand stages of Prague’s National Theatre have been graced by the precise, expressive movements of British-born dancer and choreographer Fraser Roach.

As a soloist with the Czech National Ballet, Fraser has been at the heart of the city’s vibrant dance scene, leading audiences through classical masterpieces and contemporary narratives.

Now, as he prepares to move on to Monte Carlo, he reflects on the winding journey that brought him here, and what it means to say goodbye to a city that has become, in his words, “very much like a huge part of me.”

Raised in England, Fraser’s pathway into ballet was anything but conventional. “I didn’t grow up knowing what ballet was,” he confesses. Coming from a family not mainly involved in the theatre arts, dance was not an obvious choice until a schoolteacher, Catherine Lynch, encouraged him to try ballet. “My mum told me I wouldn’t have to go again to make the teacher happy if I didn’t like it. I gave it a try… and then I just kept going.”

That one tentative step led Fraser to the Royal Ballet School, where he spent most of his formative years. Still a teenager, he left the institution early to take up a guest contract in Bordeaux, France, a leap that quickly transitioned into a permanent place in the company. From there, his career took him to Stuttgart Ballet in Germany, where he danced for three years and toured extensively globally, from Japan to Thailand.

It was during this time that Prague entered the frame. Having visited the Czech capital as a teenager, Fraser had already been struck by its unique atmosphere. “The city is one of a kind, mysterious, with all its winding streets and dark little corners,” he recalls. Fraser was intrigued when his director in Stuttgart, who had connections to the Czech National Ballet, spoke highly of the company “It was an easy decision, really. It’s rare to find both a great company and a beautiful city. In fact, it was the only place I auditioned when I decided to move on.”

Since arriving in Prague, Fraser has immersed himself in a “very hard-working” company culture. “We work six days a week and have done about 140 shows this season. We’ve travelled to Hong Kong, Germany, and performed 14 productions.” The pace is demanding. “More than most companies in the world”, but also deeply rewarding. “The people are lovely. Some of my closest friends are from the company. And being in Prague, you’re surrounded by creativity. You meet artists and creators from all over.”

The city’s historic stages, rich with artistic legacy, have provided more than just a platform; they’ve added soul to his performances. “The audiences here truly care about art. It’s not just transactional, it feels meaningful. That’s rare and really special.”

A few stand out among the many roles he’s taken on during his time here: “Petite Mort” by renowned Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián, Onegin by John Cranko, and Fly Paper Bird by Marco Goecke, one of the choreographers he has admired since childhood. “I’m drawn to works that challenge me mentally, not just physically,” he explains. “Pieces that push you to enter another mental space are what fascinates me.”

That appetite for challenge extends far beyond the theatre. “I like stepping out of my comfort zone,” he says. “If you don’t, you just stay the same. You look back years later and see no growth, no challenge. It’s uncomfortable at first, sure, but it’s always rewarding in the end, even if you feel like you’ve failed.”

Outside the spotlight, Fraser’s love for Prague is just as vivid. On his rare day off, he enjoys exploring the city’s parks and beer gardens during the warmer months or cosying up in local bars and restaurants during the winter. “In summer, I love being outside… In winter, the city is just magical.” He’s especially fond of trips to Český Krumlov and discovering new places whenever friends visit.

When it comes to local favourites, he doesn’t hesitate. “NOI has been my favourite since I arrived. They do amazing Thai food, and it’s the only place I’ve found where you can get really spicy food.” For cocktails, he heads to Café Pilotů. “It’s not snobby or fancy, just a warm, cosy place with people who care about what they’re doing.”

Having lived abroad since he was 17, Fraser speaks candidly about his shifting sense of home. “I always feel like a weird pariah when I return to England… even the language seems to have changed somehow.” Prague, by contrast, has given him a sense of belonging. “I definitely feel at home here.”

Still, after six seasons, a change is on the horizon. Fraser is preparing to relocate to Monte Carlo this August, drawn by the opportunity and, as he jokes, “some nice sunshine and beaches in the South of France.” He never expected to stay in Prague so long. “When I first came here, I thought I’d only stay for about two years. It’s been six. I usually find that when people come to Prague, it sucks them in.”

Before he leaves, he’s looking forward to the release of his latest creative project: “Boys A Bug”, a cinematic dance film based on Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. Created in collaboration with TED Talks, the piece explores physical transformation through movement and storytelling. “We called it a ‘movie-dance’, focusing more on storytelling than just the moves,” he explains. “The movement tells the story. I think it will be cool, and I’m excited for everyone to see it.”

As for advice to fellow expats or newcomers looking to move to Prague, Fraser keeps it simple: “Prague is so lovely. Everyone is kind, and it’s really easy to settle in. Prague is very international and welcoming, unlike some cities with many unwritten rules.” His only word of warning? “Maybe just avoid Wenceslas Square. It’s just… so touristy. Keep it local. Walk through Old Town Square if you must, but don’t pay €15–€20 for a beer.”

With a career defined by artistic risk-taking and an eye for beauty in the unexpected, Fraser Roach has not just danced through Prague, he’s lived it, loved it, and left his mark.

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