In an inspiring and heartwarming revelation, Royal Ballet icon Marianela Nunez has shared that she learned to speak English by watching the hit American sitcom Friends. The Argentine-born ballet dancer celebrated for her grace and charisma on stage, opened up about her unique journey to mastering the language during a recent interview.
Marianela, who moved to London at just 16 to join the Royal Ballet, admitted that adjusting to life in a new country without speaking fluent English was one of her biggest challenges. “When I arrived in London, I could barely understand anything,” she confessed. “I started watching Friends every night, and it quickly became my classroom.”
The dancer shared that the sitcom’s humor, relatable conversations, and repeated phrases helped her pick up everyday vocabulary and improve her pronunciation. “I would listen to Rachel, Monica, and Chandler over and over again. It was fun, and it didn’t feel like studying at all,” she added.
Now fluent in English and one of the most celebrated figures in the world of ballet, Marianela credits Friends not just for teaching her a language but also for giving her a sense of connection and comfort in a foreign land.
Her story has since gone viral, inspiring countless fans and language learners worldwide. Many have applauded her perseverance and shared their own experiences of learning English through pop culture.
Marianela continues to shine on stage with breathtaking performances, but her humble and relatable journey to mastering English proves she’s not just a star in ballet — she’s also a star in resilience and determination. As she puts it, “Sometimes, all you need is a little help from your Friends.”