In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?
Passion, joy, freedom
What would be your favourite ballet to dance?
This question is really hard for me to answer.. My ten years with RNZB I have been really fortunateto have been involved in 17 new creations for the company, so a few highlights of mine would be having the role of Gretel in the full length ballet Hansel & Gretel choreographed by resident choreographer Loughlan Prior in 2019 after this ballet I was promoted to Soloist. Another work is Stand To Reason Choreographed by Andrea Schermoly, this work is a strong contemporary work with 8 women and is about the women’s suffrage movement “ Ten Reason Why Women Should Vote”, Another ballet is Liam Scarlett’s A Midsummer Nights Dream this was created on the company in 2015 and toured to Honk Kong in 2016, later this year the company is performing this ballet for our end of year production.
Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?
Ballet has traditionally been associated exclusivity due to factors like cost and accessibility to training. However, efforts to make it more accessible through outreach programs, scholarships and digital platforms are helping to broaden its reach. It is great that we live in a society / generation now that so big with its online platforms that makes ballet easily accessible, however it’s not universally accessible yet, there are still barriers for some individuals due to factors like cost and location.
What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?
That ballet is just for females and its all Tiaras and tutus! Male dancers play a crucial role in ballet performances, demonstrating strength, agility and grace. This misconception overlooks the significant contributions of a male dancer to this art form and the diverse roles they perform. You would never have a picture without its frame and every partner needs their strong frame.
What are you reading right now?
David McAllisters – Ballet Confidential
One thing that most people don't know about you?
I iron my bed sheets! Yes I cant get into my bed without freshly Ironed sheets.
Why is the work BWB do so important?
A lot of my “non” ballet friends say that they wished they could have done ballet when they where younger but their parents couldn’t afford and yet pay to go se the ballet. BWB are opening a door and is making accessible to the wider community that have never ben exposed to ballet, for those who have been less fortunate or have never had the chance to dance. By sharing this wonderful ballet community its gives every child an opportunity to become ballet lovers and to inspire our future generations to continue to pass on this long life legacy.
Favourite ballet to watch?
Graeme Murphy Swan Lake! I remember when I was young seeing this ballet for the time I was transfixed, my mum also brought me the “ on the wings of a swan” DVD which is about when The Australian ballet toured to the UK with this ballet, I think I watched it every weekend.
If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?
I have always been really hard on myself and even till this day. I would tell my younger self to believe, trust and be kind to yourself because you have gift, you work hard and hard work pays off. Everyone has something different to offer.
You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?
I’d focus on providing it with the best care possible, open a Elephant sanctuary creating a suitable living environment, ensuring it has proper nutrition and exploring opportunities for it to serve as an ambassador for wildlife conservation or education programs. If it was an ornamental elephant I would give it a good polish put it on the shelf, and hope it would bring me good luck, happiness and prosperity.