Neneka Yoshida is the Principal Artist of the Queensland Ballet.
In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?
Passion/ /Emotion /Synergy
What would be your favourite ballet to dance?
There are so many to choose from but Manon is very special to me. I had an incredible time performing that role. It took a lot of preparation. I spent a lot of time researching the story, getting a sense of the characters, their relationships and getting immersed in their world. Compared to most roles I’ve done , Manon is very complex and it took a lot of effort to prepare . One of the most important things I learned to do is approach everything in a very open and honest way. Once I have absorbed the character I can rely on her emotions to guide me. Instead planning my expressions in advance, I rely more on spontaneity. I think this allows me to connect with my partners and the audience in a more sincere way.
What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?
Do ballet dancers have to be extra skinny? Do ballet dancers have to starve themselves? The answer is no. As professional dancers we often train7-8 hours a day. It’s important to eat well and give our bodies the nutrition it needs. This is not only to give us the energy and stamina to express ourselves, but also to stay well enough to recover and therefore avoid injury.
Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?
The fees for the lessons, shoes, leotards, ballet tickets …..It is no secret that learning ballet can be expensive. When I was studying ballet in Paris, I was amazed how their local non ballet students get to go to watch Paris Opera Ballet’s performance as part of their art class. Also how there are several “ National Ballet School” in the county where if you are accepted to those school,you can train and learn ballet full time with no costs for the lessons.
I’ve always thought that learning ballet should be more accessible to all children and not be limited by the financial situations .Unfortunately I think that applies to many counties including Australia .I believe every child deserves opportunities to learn what they love and dream to be.
Why is the work BWB do so important?
Unfortunately learning ballet isn’t so affordable. It is very touching and inspiring what BWB offers to children in Sydney. They are opening a door to try this art form and giving children opportunities to experience a ballet class in public schools.
It is so important what BWB does to children as all of them deserve opportunities equally to learn and experience arts without any barriers.
What are you reading right now?
I love Audible. I read a lot of fiction and books about nutrition. Sometimes I read printed books and recently I have read the fiction story based in Australia and Japan titled "Mosaic" written by Marcus Meinhold.
One thing that most people don't know about you?
I love baking. I often bake cakes and pastries for my friends birthdays and I love going way over the top with the decorations. My specialty is my New York Cheesecake.
Favourite ballet to watch?
This is another very hard question. There are too many ballets I love watching but if I name one it would be Sir Kenneth McMillan's Romeo and Juliet. I love all the characters and every scene. Since joining QB it’s been my dream to play Juliet, and I hope I get the chance to do that one day.
If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?
Even now I’m often very harsh on myself. I would tell my younger self, that everyone you meet will seem like they’ve got something you haven’t. But we’ve all got something unique and beautiful to show. Hard work always beats talent alone, and if you put in hard work and don’t give up you will always move forward, even if it’s not the exact outcome you had in mind. Home what you’re good at and improve what needs improving and remember to enjoy yourself.
You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?
Oh this is an interesting question!
Hm I would probably move to a house that has a huge backyard for him/her. I'd make a beautiful garden that we can play together and also he/she can probably help me watering our garden?:)