We were thrilled to sit with Olivia Bell recently, as the newest appointed member of Ballet Without Borders! Olivia was a principal dancer of The Australian Ballet and currently lives with her husband and 4 children in Melbourne.
1. In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?
Storytelling. Belonging. Expression
2. What would be your favourite ballet to dance?
That is a bit like asking which is my favourite child…
I always loved performing technically challenging roles with a strong story line. Characters such as Manon, Baroness in Swan Lake, Flavia in Spartacus and Scheherazade are some that come to mind.
3. Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?
I had a lot of help along the way … I remember extended family buying my pointe shoes when my mum couldn’t, also ballet schools offering me scholarships to support tuition. I won many competitions which offered prize money. If it wasn’t for that support I may not have been able to continue in ballet.
4. What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?
There are so many…
I actually don’t believe that many “non ballet people” understand the sacrifices made by everyone in a ballet family… it takes over your spare time, your family time (holidays) your life. I also know that ballet dancers are sometimes seen as uptight, conservative restrained individuals who haven’t lived life to the fullest because of ballet - from my experience on the contrary is true - dancers are free spirited, open minded individuals who develop a strong sense of self from an early age and often gain life skills and independence at a much younger age than most .
5. What are you reading right now?
There are 3 books on my bedside table at the moment but I am mostly reading “Wifedom” by Anna Funder. It is about George Orwell and his relationship with his wife Eileen.
Another book I am reading is ‘The Secret Barrister ‘ stories of the Law and how it’s Broken’. I love real life crime and related stories. Dark stuff that keeps me thinking.
The third book is one I started reading 2 years ago… chipping away slowly. Maybe not worth the mention.
6. 1 thing that most people don't know about you?
Well I actually think that anyone who knows me well knows this about me - I am a passionate knitter… my mum and grandparents all knitted and I learnt from a very young age. Receiving a hand knitted garment is very special- I love making bespoke knits for special people in my life.
7. Why is the work BWB do so important?
BWB brings together 2 things I love - ballet and opportunity. Both are sacred to me and if I can be involved in an organisation which offers this to others then I feel an immediate connection. Sharing the love of a platform of expression which has given me immense joy and fulfilment is invaluable.
8. Favourite ballet to watch?
Another tough one to answer because ballet to me is so much more than the visual and the steps. Music makes up so much of a performance, so does connecting with your character and audience. Because of that I have to love the music as much as the choreography, therefore most Tchaikovsky ballets are my favourites.
9. If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?
The advice I would give myself is to give more thank you’s and gratitude along the way. So many people helped me achieve my dream and I would go back in time and thank them all individually.
10. You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?
teach it to dance!!!