What do you enjoy most about 2016’s performance season?
It’s got to be the new work, Symphony in 3 Movements, that we are working on at the moment with Nils Christe. It’s quite different from what we have been doing so far in the year and I’m loving the challenge!
What is your most memorable performance in your life?
Don Quixote in 2014. Getting to work and to be coached by Cynthia Harvey was one amazing process and experience that I grew a lot from.
Another memorable performance would be dancing Fate in Romeo and Juliet. Maybe it was Prokofiev’s music, or simply the role, or a combination of both and many other factors, but it was the first time I felt very immersed in a role on stage. I’d love to have a second go at it, it will be interesting to see how I return to it years later.
What do you think is the most beautiful aspect of ballet?
There are many beautiful aspects of ballet so it’s very hard to choose just one. But I love watching dancers who understand themselves so much that they are able to move other people; these dancers are beautiful to watch.
Favourite dancer?
Marianela Nunez. Not only is her technique remarkable, she is very generous and genuine with her dancing and moves her audiences!
Fill in the blank, “Dance is like ________.”
Dance is like allowing a person to escape; for both the dancer and the audience. When the dancer is able to loose him or herself, he or she draws the audience in as a result. For me, that’s the beauty of it. I always believe the paying audience come to watch performances because they are in for a treat whether or not they are happy or stressed out and want to relax, therefore we owe them only our very best.
What do you enjoy most about class/rehearsals?
I enjoy striving to be better in class everyday and even more so when we have fantastic accompaniment. As for rehearsals, I really enjoy working with the different choreographers. No two creation or staging process is the same and each are all rewarding and special in their own ways.
What is your greatest fulfilment in being a dancer?
As cliché as it may sound, it is the fact that dance has changed my life that is my greatest fulfilment as a dancer. It is the life I have come to know, and dance has given me the highs and the lows in my journey which resulted in giving me the confidence and independence. It has also taught me self-reliance and encouraged a sense of perseverance within me. These are all qualities that will see me through life. Not forgetting that it has also given me a first career that I love immensely.
If a choreographer created a work on you, what do you think it will be about?
It would be something strong and more dynamic, where the movements are sharper and more dynamic in nature, nothing too sweet. Maybe even… dark? Could be interesting!
Biggest dream or desire – travel, activity, person to meet?
I’d love to travel the world, explore different countries and learn about their culture. At the moment I really want to visit Bhutan!
I’d also love to challenge myself one day perhaps by cycling across a country, all the more better if it’s for a charitable cause.
People? That’s hard! I generally admire people who stand up and believe in what they do and those them give themselves up selflessly. I was very moved after watching ‘The Lady’ which was about Aung San Suu Kyi. On a lighter note, I also follow some Kate Middleton instagram accounts. I think she’s an elegant and classy lady with a wonderful wardrobe!! *Occasional fashion inspiration!
Quote or motto to live by?
Never get ahead of yourself. Everything happens for a reason.
