What do you enjoy most about 2016’s performance season?
It’s hard to pinpoint one thing but I would say the versatility. We have been doing full length classical ballet to neo-classical ballet to more contemporary works. It is very challenging to switch from one style of choreography to one another, but also very rewarding when such a versatility is accomplished within a dancer.
What is your most memorable performance in your life?
Every performance and every moment on stage is memorable. But in the recent years, the most memorable show for me was the first performance of Blue Snow, choreographed by Toru Shimazaki. I think it was one of the most challenging piece for me because all the movements in the piece did not feel very natural at first as I come from a ballet background. But as I kept practicing the movements, and when I finally could put in all my emotions, dancing in Blue Snow was so magical. Especially because I felt that the dance linked with something that was happening in my personal life, and that made it so much more special for me when I got to perform it on stage.
What do you think is the most beautiful aspect of ballet?
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what race you are, or what language you speak, you can always communicate through dance. The fact that you can tell someone your story without opening your mouth has to be one of the most beautiful aspect of ballet, and art in general.
How has dance changed your life?
I don’t know how it has exactly changed my life, because ever since I can remember, dance has always been a part of my life. But I know that the biggest thing that dance has taught me is discipline and commitment, these are two very essential aspects of pursuing a professional dance career.
Favourite costume, choreography, performance, dancer?
It is so hard to choose only one performance but one of my favourite performances would have to be Romeo and Juliet, danced by Julie Kent and Marcelo Gomes. I have always loved Romeo and Juliet, but when I saw Julie and Marcelo’s performance, I was completely blown away. I don’t even know if “blown away” does it justice…I was stunned, incredibly inspired, and they made me realise that there is so much more I can learn and grow in as a dancer.
Fill in the blank, “Dance is like ____.”
Dance is like a language, only without words. Dance is a beautiful tool for us to communicate and the hidden language that comes from our hearts.
What do you enjoy most about class/rehearsals?
During rehearsals, I really enjoy the process of how a piece or a ballet becomes a reality, as if it is coming alive through the dancers. It is amazing to see how the steps and details of each movement become a whole choreography, and the dance starts to breathe on its own. It is also similar in class, you keep working on a correction and all of the sudden it clicks. I really love that feeling.
What is your greatest fulfilment in being a dancer?
Being on stage! More than simply loving the rehearsal process and seeing something transform in the studio, dancing it and seeing it being put on stage…that is where magical things happen. There is always going to be something you wish you could fix and redo, but the feeling of being in front of the audience and being fully immersed in the performance, that is a huge fulfilment for me.
Biggest dream or desire?
I think my biggest dream is to have my own family. My family is so supportive of me and they love me unconditionally. I hope that one day I can start my own family and pass down the love my family has taught me.
