Alexandra Fern interviewed for "Cupcakes & conversation ..."

Cupcakes & Conversation with Alexandra Fern, Professional dancer, who will shortly be joining the UK’s newest professional ballet company, Ballet Theatre UK.


Photo : Patrick Baldwin

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Getting up and doing a ballet class, a full day of rehearsals and always very loud music (that I can dance around to) and a BIG coffee!!

What are you looking forward to about joining Ballet Theatre UK ?
Touring the country and meeting new people. I am most looking forward to working in a professional company and being paid for your art!

Who would you most like to dance with ?
Good question!! I would like to dance with Steven McRae. I have seen him recently on stage and in a couple of interviews and I think he has a mentality like me (feisty) – so that would be fun and explosive. I would also love to dance with Jeremy Curnier, who is very close to me but I have never yet had the opportunity.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
After the initial preparation – sewing on the ribbons elastics etc, to be honest I put them on before a class, and do constant relevés from half toe to full pointe for a good 5 minutes. I then go to the barre and practice slow rises in parallel and in first position to mould the shoes to my feet. I find this the most helpful for me but I know I will learn many new traits in the new companies I explore!


Photo : Bill Cooper

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
I took a four week apprenticeship with the Balbir Singh Dance Company where I learned Kathak, since then I have been keeping myself fit. I am currently living in my home town of Doncaster - so I use the local gym and I have been going back to my first dance school where I danced for 10 years. I’m getting a good relaxing holiday before I dive back into the dancing world, it seems once you’re in its hard to have a break!

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Eva Longoria, Cheryl Cole, former NBT dancer Jonathan Olivier, Jimmy Carr, Angelina Jolie and Steven McRae. I am sure it would be a fabulous evening – one which I am most looking forward to if it can be arranged?

What would surprise people about you ?
Just how competitive and determined I am! I have my goals and I can’t let myself not achieve them. I think it scares people sometimes – but it was the way I grew up dancing at my local dance school against others in competitions across England.

Who inspired you to dance ?
Well I got into dancing from just going with my best friend to an after school class at the age of 6. After a couple of months she quit and I loved it so I carried on. Later when I was introduced to the professional world I watched the Northern Ballet Theatre with my mum. It soon became my favorite ballet company and we went to every performance in Yorkshire. I soon developed my favorites and always looked out for them in performances; in particular they were Jonathan Olivier, Pippa Moore and Victoria Sibson.

How would someone else describe you ?
People say I’m bubbly and charming, I would say they would also call me very competitive...

What is your best piece of advice ?
Never give up – don’t listen to the people that put you down. If you want it enough and you work as hard as you can – your dream will come true.



Which role has tested you the most & how ?
I would have to say the pas de trios from ‘Le Corsaire’. This is a very classical piece which tested my strengths as a dancer in terms of stamina, performance and mostly technique. I worked so hard on this challenge whilst touring with Ballet Central and I was rewarded with a couple of performances which were well worth all the hard work I had put in. I do have a close second which would be ‘Stars and Stripes’ choreographed by George Balanchine. I performed this solo for my graduation – which was a challenge in itself. I really enjoyed performing this after working on it alone in the studios at Central for months before the event.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
Well...I fell over whilst performing with Ballet Central in Grantham. I was performing a piece called 'When No One Is Looking’ (choreographed by Phillip Aiden) which was based on mannequins in a shop window. They come to life and dance the whole night through, and return to the shop window when the sun rises. The dress I was wearing was a full sequin dress with high black heels. A few struts backwards and my heel got caught in the bottom of my dress and I ended up flat on my bum on stage in front of a full audience!! By this time the other 5 girls I was dancing with were in secret fits – we laughed it up backstage and the video the next day was side splitting! What was funniest though – is that my mum in the audience didn’t even realise!

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I’d love to create my own version of Darcey Bussell’s costume for ‘La Bayadere’ – but in deep purple. I think it is so beautifully classy and stunning. I’d love to perform in something like that! I would have lots of sequins and a gorgeous headpiece that sparkled in the theatre lights!

What are you most proud of ?
Getting into the Central School of Ballet and making it through three years – it was one of my dreams when I was younger!

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
I’d love it to be Eva Longoria. She’s beautiful, successful and she brought herself from nothing to someone I aspire to – I’d hope I could be that inspiration to someone one day.

What is your favourite quote ?
I have a few that keep me going:
‘Practice isn’t the thing that you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.’
‘If at first you don’t succeed try, try, and try again!’
‘Everything happens for a reason’
‘Reach for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars’

Do you have a "signature step" - one that you find easier than others ?
I’m a natural turner and was always told that, but I would say my ultimate signature step would be a grande jeté. I’m very lucky to have good flexibility and a high elevation so this makes this step my favorite. Everyone in class always smiled at me when we would head over to the corner and the teacher would start marking a grande allégro exercise – my face would be beaming all over, I just love it!

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I am very creative in arts and crafts. I make cards for only my closest of friends and I guess they are the only ones who know how much I enjoy creating things. When I was younger I designed my own label and clothes – I’d love to do it for real someday.

Mara Galeazzi interviewed for "Cupcakes & Conversation ..."

Cupcakes & Conversation with Mara Galeazzi, Principal, The Royal Ballet

The Royal Ballet Company opens the Autumn season with Mayerling on 8th October at the Royal Opera House. Galeazzi is cast as Mary Vetsera on 12th & 16th October at 7.30pm and as Countess Larisch on 29th October & 2nd November at 7.30pm (please note that casting is subject to change).



What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Start a new day.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
With a partner who respects me and has emotion on stage.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
Sowing quickly and break them quickly.

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
Class at 10.30am until 11.45, then rehearsals from 12.00 until 6.30pm - on the day of the show sometimes until 5.30 - and then the performance from 7.30 .... home at 11.00pm.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Mandela, Obama, Aung San Suu Kyi, DiCaprio, Audrey Hepburn, Dante Alighieri.

What would surprise people about you ?
That I'm interested about other people.

Who inspired you to dance ?
My mother.



How would someone else describe you ?
That I'm a giving person in my art and life.

What is your best piece of advice ?
Victory goes to the one who has not thought of himself.

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
Anastasia from MacMillan (Sir Kenneth MacMillan)....everything that a woman has experienced in life.

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
A beautiful white chiffon dress.

What are you most proud of ?
My family and my husband.



Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Audrey Hepburn.

What is your favourite quote ?
Respect and loyalty.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I don't have secret because I'm myself.

BALLET THEATRE UK

I wanted to let you know about the UK's newest classical dance company - Ballet Theatre UK, who have just announced their first tour with The Nutcracker.

The Company have been established for almost a year and there are ten professional dancers (six female and four male), some of whom have performed with major UK and European ballet companies. The dancers are lucky to have a sports therapist on the team, to provide the highest working standards.

I will be writing more about the Company in due course.

PRESS RELEASE

The Nutcracker

Where Tchaikovsky’s most loved and unforgettable musical score combines with magical choreography, exquisite costumes and breath taking scenery that together creates an atmosphere of fantasy and illusion.

Our NEW production will premiere in October 2009 before beginning its Autumn tour of the UK, covering over twenty regional venues, and incorporating 3 spectacular sets and over 60 beautifully hand crafted costumes.

The Nutcracker Features such favourites as The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Waltz of the Flowers, The Russian Trepak, The Dance of the Reed pipes and the world famous Waltz of the Snowflakes, to name but a few.

2009 Tour Schedule

Oct 24 Loughborough Town Hall 2.30pm 7.30pm 01509 231914
Oct 27 Paignton The Palace Theatre 7.30pm 01803 665800
Oct 28 Exeter Barnfield Theatre 2.30pm 7.30pm 01392 270891
Oct 31 Redhill Harlequin Theatre 2.30pm, 7.30pm 01737 276 500
Nov 1 Sevenoaks The Stag Theatre 2.30pm, 5.30pm 01732 450175
Nov 3 Nottingham Arts Theatre2.30pm, 7.30pm 0115 9476069
Nov 7 Andover The Lights 2.30pm, 7.00pm 01264 368368
Nov 12 Tamworth Assembly Rooms 7.30pm 01827 709618
Nov 13 Solihull Arts Complex 7.30pm 0121 7046962
Nov 15 York Joseph Rowntree 5.00pm 01904 623568
Theatre
Nov 19 Wimborne Tivoli Theatre 7.30pm 01202 885566
Nov 21 East Grinstead Chequer Mead 2.30pm, 7.30pm 01342 302000
Nov 26-28th Newbury Arlington Arts 7pm, 7pm, 2pm, 7pm 01635 244246
Nov 29 Nuneaton Abbey Theatre 2.00pm, 5.00pm 07722 389943
Dec 5 Powys Wyeside Arts Centre 7.30pm 01982 552555
Dec 6 Harlech Theatr Harlech 7.30pm 01766 780667
Dec 10 Milton Keynes Stantonbury Campus 7.30pm 01908 324422
Theatre
Dec 11 Henley-on-Thames Kenton Theatre 7.30pm 01491 575698
Dec 19 Hinckley Concordia Theatre 2.30pm, 7.30pm 07910 707825

Elisha Willis interviewed for "Cupcakes & Conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Elisha Willis, Principal, Birmingham Royal Ballet


Elisha Willis by Peter Tiegen

Elisha will be performing the lead role (first cast) of Roxane in David Bintley’s Cyrano. She is also dancing in David’s new E=mc² and Garry Stewart’s The Centre and its Opposite in the triple bill Quantum Leaps – in Birmingham and throughout the autumn tour.


Elisha Wiliis as Roxane with Iain Mackay as Christian in Cyrano
Photo : Bill Cooper

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
I have to admit I’m not a morning person. The fact that I love my job makes it easier for me to get out of bed in the morning. But I do struggle.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
I’ve had the chance to work with some of the most wonderful partners in my career including Steven Heathcote, albeit only a very small part. If I could turn back time I would have loved to have performed a full length ballet with him, Manon or Onegin would have been a dream, he was exceptional in both.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
I am fortunate enough to have my shoes made for me by Bob Martin, which are made perfectly for my feet. All I have to do is sew on the ribbons and go !

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
I don’t really have a daily routine as every day is different.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Eddie Vedder, Ian Rankin, Dave Grohl, Billy Connolly, Shirley MacLaine, Hugh Jackman.

What would surprise people about you ?
I’ve always been a bit obsessed with Mount Everest. I would love to climb it one day, or at least make it to Base Camp.

Who inspired you to dance ?
There are so many people that inspired me and still do, but if I had to pick one it would be Miranda Coney. I grew up watching her, I was always more excited when I saw her name on the casting. I was lucky enough to join The Australian Ballet Co while she was still dancing. She is such a wonderful person and the most fearless performer I’ve ever seen.

How would someone else describe you ?
Honest, independent and a little bit bossy !

What is your best piece of advice ?
Always try to find the positive in every situation.


Elisha Willis as Lise in La Fille mal gardée
Photo : Bill Cooper

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
Odette in Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake – it’s technically and physically demanding but the main test is the epic emotion needed to perform it. It always took me hours to recover after the performances.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
I can’t think of a funniest moment but my husband and I always have a laugh.

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I absolutely love chiffon empire line dresses. I think they’re flattering, delicate and don’t restrict your dancing like boned bodices do. It would have to be something like that.

What are you most proud of ?
My relationship with my friends.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
A little unrealistic perhaps but Cate Blanchett. I think she’s an exceptional actress.

What is your favourite quote ?
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I’m not sure it’s a secret skill, but I’m a pretty good swimmer.

Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani interviewed for "Cupcakes & Conversation ... "

Cupcakes & conversation with Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani, First Artist, The Royal Ballet



What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Knowing that I'm able to be a part of one of the best companies in the world, performing to the most incredible audiences, surrounded by such nice people...

Who would you most like to dance with ?
Carlos Acosta (sorry Charlotte), Federico Bonelli (sorry Hikaru)

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
I sew on ribbons and elastics, then I begin a ritual of ....haha, just joking...


Tara in Sylvia

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
At the moment anything goes! We are presently on holiday, but there's usually a swim at some point during the day.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Unfortunately a couple of them are no longer with us, but I think I'd invite Mahatma Gandhi, Michael Jackson, Karen Kain, Barack Obama, my boyfriend and someone funny like Jack Black. I think that's a good mix, eh?

What would surprise people about you ?
I've been doing an annual 5km swimathon for the past eight years, raising money for charity. It always falls in March or April, in the thick of our season, so there's no training involved. In fact I usually haven't swum since August of the year before!


Tara in Mayerling

Who inspired you to dance ?
Initially it was simply the joy of dance from when I was very young (and still is of course). Then when I began to learn a bit more about ballet and all throughout my training, it was Karen Kain who inspired me to dance. Now I think Sorella Englund is such an inspiration to so many dancers including myself - she's an incredibly beautiful artist and person, inside and out, and has so much to give.

How would someone else describe you ?
The way someone else would describe me is probably very different from the way I would describe myself, so you better ask someone else!

What is your best piece of advice ?
Many people take so much for granted nowadays. I wish that they/we could learn from people who have so little... They manage to do so much and be so happy.

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
I was only understudying it, but I'd have to say the Queen of the Wilis (from Giselle). An adagio solo with millions of bourrées, back to back with several allegro solos of all types - all the while looking poised, elegant but evil, and in complete command of the forest and Wilis...

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
I don't know actually...I laugh too much everyday to be able to narrow it down to one thing.



If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I'm afraid that's top secret right now...

What are you most proud of ?
At the moment, I'd have to say my boyfriend. He's helped thousands of Africans have better lives, amongst many other incredible things...

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
When the time is right, I think you better ask the casting director and then I'll 'okay' her (or not)...


Photo : Roger Stayte

What is your favourite quote ?
I've got many, but here's one of my favourites, by Mother Teresa:
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I do have a secret balletic skill which I do on pointe, but I wouldn't be doing it justice if I described here - you have to see it for yourself ;)

Désirée Ballantyne @ White Lodge, The Royal Ballet School

I recently interviewed Désirée Ballantyne, a Soloist from English National Ballet, for my "Cupcakes & Conversation with ..." series.

Désirée studied at the Royal Ballet School (White Lodge, in Richmond Park - at almost 2500 acres, it is the largest Royal Park in London and is home to around 650 free roaming deer).

I caught up with Désirée again to talk about her student days.



Can you tell me about your time at White Lodge ?
I will always remember my first day so clearly, standing at the foot of my bed in the dormitory and looking out at the faces of all the other 11 year old girls who were just like me, all with the same hope and dream, to become a ballerina. Standing there, I felt like I was at the beginning of a journey.

The 5 years I spent at White Lodge were information packed and so much of what I learnt invaluable - in fact, the lessons I learnt at White Lodge have become fundamental to who I am now. I remember being told one day that everyone I would meet during my time in the school would become people I would end up working with professionally. It is so true! I now work with many people I went to school with!

What did you enjoy about performing at the Open Days outside on the lawn ?
Performing first and foremost, and also I was always so proud to be able to show the endeavours of that year’s hard work to my parents.

How did you feel studying in such an historic building ?
Not only was it a great privilege to study in a building with such historical significance, but also inspiring to think of all the great dancers who had trained here before me and to hopefully be following in their footsteps.


Désirée Ballantyne dances The Nutcracker

What did you like about being based in Richmond Park ?
It was incredible to be able to study in the midst of such beauty and wildlife. There was nothing like waking up every morning to such magnificent views and hope to catch a glimpse of a deer in the distance.

Did you get the opportunity to visit Richmond and the surrounding area ?
Yes we would often go for walks in the Park and we were allowed to go to Sheen on weekends as of 3rd year; by the 5th year we were allowed to go to Richmond.

What did you dance at the Richmond Fair on The Green ?
I can't remember in exact detail but I performed in various historical and National dances.

Did you ever meet anyone famous ?
Darcey Bussell stood out among other prominent figures of the ballet world. Darcey came to the school one afternoon to talk to us about life as a dancer, it was very inspirational.

What do you remember about your audition to White Lodge ?
I remember the studio we were auditioned in very clearly, even though as a Junior Associate I was used to going to Barons Court. It was almost as if that day the studio had a certain weight to it, it was where I wanted to be. Also I remember the nervous wait for the interview where we'd hear the result of the audition!

Any advice for aspiring ballet dancers ?
It is an incredible opportunity for anyone in their lives to be able to end up doing the job they want to do and love, hence my advice for any aspiring ballet dancer who really wants to succeed is to make every second count in the studio because it is that culmination of every drop of sweat, blood and tears that will get you to where you want to be.

You can read more about the Royal Ballet School students dancing at the Richmond May Fair here.

Here is a report on this year's Open Day, held on a blazingly hot day to full capacity.

Incidentally, the exquisitely beautiful and delicate sculptures of dancers by Richard MacDonald (pictures in the report) are still at White Lodge, if you want to see them (see below for details of the Museum).

White Lodge Museum and Ballet Resource Centre
Entry to the White Lodge Museum is free of charge, but visitors must register in advance. Normal opening hours during term time are Tuesdays and Thursdays 13.30-15.30, with alternative times available for groups or special visits. Please call 020-8392 8440.

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S AUTUMN SEASON 2009 AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

One of the reasons I admire and promote Birmingham Royal Ballet is because the Company does what I try to do here, and is “a world leader in ensuring that classical ballet has relevance for the future”. The Company is based at Birmingham Hippodrome & tours extensively throughout the UK and overseas.


The Centre and its Opposite - Dusty Button and Aaron Robison
Photo by Bill Cooper

Quantum Leaps performs from 23 – 26 September and consists of three contrasting ballets offering a lively evening of entertainment. Stanton Welch’s Powder, is danced to Mozart’s clarinet concerto and celebrates beauty, nostalgia and joy. David Bintley’s new ballet E=mc² is set to music by Australian composer Matthew Hindson and The Centre and its Opposite is a work by contemporary choreographer Garry Stewart, Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre. Set to a rhythmically powerful electronic soundscape by Huey Benjamin The Centre and its Opposite premiered during the company’s mid-scale tour earlier this year.


The Centre and its Opposite - Dusty Button and Aaron Robison
Photo by Bill Cooper

David Bintley’s production of Cyrano performs at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 30 September – 3 October. Choreographed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Director, David Bintley, Cyrano has a specially commissioned score by Carl Davis with sets by Hayden Griffin and lighting by Mark Jonathan. David made his original version for The Royal Ballet in 1991 and reworked the piece for Birmingham Royal Ballet’s premiere in 2007 with the new score and choreography. Set in 17th-century France this heartbreaking ballet tells the story of one man’s truly self-sacrificing devotion. A pyrotechnic design company assisted with a dramatic scene in the production that takes place on the front line of a large battle.


Elisha Willis as Roxane and Robert Parker as Cyrano
Photos by Bill Cooper

Principal dancer, Iain Mackay returns to the Company as a Guest Artist and performs the role of Christian de Neuvillette, the role he created for the 2007 premiere. Iain performs the role in Birmingham, Belfast and Plymouth.


Elisha Willis as Roxane and Robert Parker as Cyrano
Photos by Bill Cooper

AUTUMN 2009 TOUR DATES:

Birmingham Hippodrome:
Quantum Leaps
Powder | E=mc² | The Centre and its Opposite
Wednesday 23–Saturday 26 September
Cyrano
Wednesday 30 September – Saturday 3 October

Box Office: 0844 338 5000

Belfast Grand Opera House:
Cyrano
Tuesday 13–Saturday 17 October

Box Office: 0289 024 1919

Theatre Royal, Plymouth:
Quantum Leaps
Powder | E=mc² | The Centre and its Opposite
Tuesday 20–Wednesday 21 October
Cyrano
Thursday 22–Saturday 24 October

Box Office: 01752 267 222

Sunderland Empire:
Quantum Leaps
Powder | E=mc² | The Centre and its Opposite
Wednesday 4 & Thursday 5 November
Cyrano
Friday 6 & Saturday 7 November

Box Office: 0844 847 2499

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London:
Quantum Leaps
Powder | E=mc² | The Centre and its Opposite
Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 November
Cyrano
Thursday 12–Saturday 14 November

Box Office: 0844 412 4300

Rym Kechacha interviewed for "Cupcakes & conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Rym Kechacha, Apprentice, Northern Ballet Theatre

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
On Mondays I always feel nice and rested from the weekend; so the thought of a whole new week where there’s loads of new stuff to learn and literally anything can happen, is exciting!

What are you looking forward to dancing next season ?
I’m looking forward to performing A Christmas Carol, because it’s so much fun and so festive! The music’s great and the movement of all the group dances are really involved and challenging.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
Fred Astaire. He was magic and in all his films he looks so elegant and glamorous.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
I don’t think I really do that much. First, I cut the satin off the toe, to give a better grip on the floor, then I sew ribbons and one elastic on each shoe. Then I’ll take the top nail out of the shank so that the shoe bends with my foot, and work the sole with my hands to make it a bit more flexible. It takes about 45 minutes for a pair, I think. Then, I use shellac on the inside of the soles - it makes them keep their shape longer.

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
I get up at about 7.30, get ready and walk to NBT’s studios for class. I warm up for about an hour, then do class. Then there are various rehearsals until about 6.30. Then I walk home, make some dinner and either write emails to my far away friends and browse my favourite websites for a bit, or watch an episode of TV shows I’m addicted to!

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
It’s going to be hard to only invite six - but I think it would be: Isadora Duncan, Jim Morrison, Coco Chanel, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare and Rudolf Nureyev. And I’d have Frank Sinatra and Edith Piaf there too, serenading us!

What would surprise people about you ?
I have a huge fear of being late. I keep my watch five minutes early, and I am never ever late for anything. Usually I turn up a good half an hour early, just to be on the safe side!


The NBT girls as fairies in David Nixon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Who inspired you to dance ?
When I first started seeing ballets when I was younger, every single show I saw inspired me. I’ve been really lucky to have incredibly inspiring teachers all throughout my training, and someone that always inspires me every time I see or speak to her is my friend, the American ballerina Naomi Sorkin.

How would someone else describe you ?
I think people would mostly say that I’m funny and bubbly, I always seem to be making people laugh in one way or another! I think they’d also say that I’m quite curious, always asking questions about all sorts of random things - sometimes it can exasperate my friends!

What is your best piece of advice ?
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Though I’m still working on taking that advice myself!

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
Being a swan in David Nixon’s Swan Lake was tough, because the choreography is hard, it goes on forever, and you get cramp. You’re also trying desperately to stay in line and be in the correct spacing. Plus, there’s the voice of the little girl inside you saying ‘we’ve always wanted to be a swan and dance to this fabulous music, don’t mess this up!’ so I felt a bit pressured! In third year at Central School of Ballet I performed Christopher Gable’s Fireside pas de deux from his Cinderella. I loved it, but it tested my maturity and dramatic powers. I learnt a lot from that role.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
I am a notoriously clumsy person, so every day I have an amusing mishap. A silly thing that happened once was that I woke up and found that the fridge in my flat wasn’t working, it was completely warm. I rang up a repair man, and kicked up such a fuss. When he came, he found the switch and switched it on - I’d turned the switch for the fridge and freezer off by mistake. I felt very, very small.

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I love costumes with tons of drama, so I think I’d have a dancer in a dark flowing cape, with a hood covering her head, which trails behind her as she runs across the stage- I’m seeing Juliet running to Friar Laurence...!

What are you most proud of ?
It’s nice to feel proud of everything you’ve achieved, professionally and personally, even though I hope I’ve got more to go! I’m proud of overcoming obstacles in my life and still having a sense of humour. I’m also proud of being financially solvent and independent from my parents, even at the relatively young age of 19. That’s a big thing for me!

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
I’d love to say Penelope Cruz, I think she’s just beautiful! But I’ll go for Ava Gardner, if she’s being funny and not too tragic. Possibly Juliette Binoche, she’s quite cool.

What is your favourite quote ?
‘Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.’ And Oscar Wilde said some lovely things, but my favourite is ‘We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.’

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
It’s not much of a skill, and everyone knows about it, but I write a blog about life at Northern Ballet Theatre. I enjoy doing it and people tell me that they actually read it, so that’s nice!

Angelina Ballerina's SPECIAL OFFER

Photo : Patrick Baldwin

Angelina Ballerina’s Big Audition

Holland Park
22 – 30 August

The English National Ballet press office have asked me to highlight a specal offer to see Angelina Ballerina's Big Audition.

Special offer
Up to 3 children can go FREE with 2 full paying adults,
book now* or call 0845 230 9769.
*Offer not available online

Watch Angelina perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy at her audition for the prestigious Camembert Academy where she meets new friends who can hip-hop, flamenco and disco dance!

Angelina is not only nervous about her audition but leaving her friends Alice and Henry in Miss Lily's ballet class. Cheer her on at London's fantastic undercover theatre in Holland Park.

Call 0845 230 9769

Performances
Saturday 22 August 12pm, 3pm, 6pm
Sunday 23 August 11am, 2pm, 5pm
Tuesday 25 August 3pm, 6pm
Wednesday 26 August 3pm, 6pm
Thursday 27 August 3pm, 6pm
Friday 28 August 3pm, 6pm
Saturday 29 August 11am, 2pm, 5pm
Sunday 30 August 11am, 2pm, 5pm


Photo : Patrick Baldwin
Tickets
2 adults and 2 children £60
Groups 10+ £12.50 per ticket
Discounts not available online

More pictures can be found here.

Temps développé* : Rachel Ware

Rachel Ware, a 17 year old ballet student, is about to embark on the next phase of her vocational training, in Boston, USA. Rachel has entered the Great Britons competition run by British Airways in connection with their sponsorship of London 2012. The programme offers free flights to upcoming British talent in the run up to the Olympics. Being very close to her family, it is important to Rachel that she is able to fly home for Christmas and holidays, which is why she entered the competition.

I am following Rachel’s fortunes and caught up with her recently.

I began by asking Rachel about her time at White Lodge (the Royal Ballet lower school based in Richmond Park). “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at White Lodge. I was continually pushing myself harder to improve and achieve my personal goals. I was always watching the older years and challenging myself to achieve their level. The days were long and intense but would always fly by so quickly, you never had a spare moment to get bored!

When I look back at my time at White Lodge, the greatest memories that always come into my head are of the ballets at The Royal Opera House that I have been fortunate enough to take part in. Firstly in Year 7 there was The Sleeping Beauty in which we were Garland dancers wearing lovely pink and green corseted dresses. Then in Year 8 came Swan Lake, we were baby cygnets who got the opportunity to perform on stage with many famous principal ballerinas such as Darcey Bussell, Tamara Rojo and Sarah Lamb to name but a few. In Year 9 I was fortunate enough to be a party child in The Nutcracker which was probably my most magical Christmas so far.

Another special memory I have is when in Year 9 I was lucky enough to be selected along with four other girls in my year, to take part in a BBC documentary with Darcey Bussell called ‘The Magic of Swan Lake’.

My five years at White Lodge passed so quickly but I am forever grateful for the wonderful training I had there, not only from the highly committed ballet staff but also from the supportive academic staff as well.”


What did you enjoy about performing at the Open Days outside on the lawn ?

I really enjoyed them as it was something very different. We once performed on the tennis courts at White Lodge but mostly on a purpose built dance floor on the lawn. The Open Days were so special with parents all pulling together and helping out on the numerous different stalls, such as the memorabilia stall, ballet stall, card stall and the ever popular cake stall! As I was a Junior Associate I was lucky enough to take part dancing in the open days for seven years running.



How did you feel studying in such an historic building ?

We were very fortunate to be studying at White Lodge. It was always very inspiring training in the same studios that many famous ballerinas have trained in. White Lodge from a distance in the Park looks like a magical dolls house.


What was your first pointe class like ?

My first pointe class in Year 7 was very exciting although quite painful at times!


What did you like about being based in Richmond Park ?

I loved White Lodge being in the middle of Richmond Park as every day when I drove into school I got to see the deer and the wonderful setting that surrounded the school. It definitely made me feel very lucky and privileged to be a part of something so special.



Did you get the opportunity to visit Richmond and the surrounding area ?

Being a day pupil I got to visit Richmond and the surrounding areas frequently. The boarders could go into town at the weekend.


What did you dance at the Richmond Fair on The Green ?

Performing at Richmond Fair on the Green was great fun for us all, especially in Year 9 when some of us were chickens from La Fille Mal Gardee wearing a big padded body with feathers, yellow tights and a red face piece! Somehow my mum still managed to spot which one I was!


Who inspired you at White Lodge ?

My inspiration at White Lodge was Darcey Bussell.


What do you remember about your audition to White Lodge ?

I remember my audition for White Lodge as though it were yesterday. I had a large number 2 pinned on the front of my leotard and I remember us dancing in the Margot Fonteyn Studio Theatre. There was a large panel with lots of the ballet staff on. I was very nervous and anxious but found the class very fun and enjoyed every minute of it!


Any advice for aspiring ballet dancers ?

Ballet can be such hard work and not always rewarding but if you want it enough and work hard enough then there is every chance you will succeed.


*Temps développé – Time developed, developing movement.

Celisa Diuana interviewed for "Cupcakes & conversation..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Celisa Diuana, Artist, The Royal Ballet


Photo : Bob Moore

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Everyday gives you new challenges. These challenges give me motivation to start the week every Monday morning.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
Among all male ballet stars, Carlos Acosta is definitely one that I’d love to dance with; he’s such an amazing dancer and person.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
After sewing the ribbons and elastics I like to cut the satin off the end of my pointe shoes, then I shave with a Stanley knife and scratch the sole (on the outside of the shoe). It takes me half an hour. If I don’t have the time to do all that to my pointe shoes, I can still dance in them but it doesn’t feel as good!

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
At the moment I’m on holiday. But my daily routine at the Royal Opera House starts at 10.30 with a company class for one hour and 15 minutes. Then rehearsals starts at 12 and go on till 5.30 when I have a performance on that evening then the show starts at 7.30, or 6.30 when I don’t have a performance. So on my break I’d have something to eat at the Opera House canteen, it’s always nice to catch up with some friends that I work with or sometimes I like to go out to get some fresh air.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Johnny Depp, Woody Allen, Lula (Brazilian president), George Balanchine (if he was alive) Sylvie Guillem and HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

What would surprise people about you ?
I love watching cartoons.


Photo : Ryoichi Hirano

Who inspired you to dance ?
I have had many people who have inspired me since very early until now. One of them was Lesley Collier dancing ‘La Fille Mal Gardèe’ on a video lent by a friend from my ballet class in Rio de Janeiro when I was about 11 years old.

How would someone else describe you ?
Well…people say that I’m generous, reserved, kind, fun and good company.

What is your best piece of advice ?
Always do something that you love or if you don’t love what you do try to find ways of loving it!

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
The 3rd shade solo in ‘La Bayadère’. It was the most scary experience that I ever had on stage because after a hard (technically and stamina wise) entrée, I had to do a technically very difficult solo and then the coda. I really enjoyed it after the first show. It was worth taking the challenge.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
There are many funny things that have happened to me on stage. One of them was falling off a knee seat on stage during the waltz in Act One in last season’s Swan Lake. I was completely on the floor with legs in the air. I couldn’t stop laughing till the end of the dance.

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I love pretty costumes. I’d design something simple but pretty like a classical tutu with pearls and sparkles like diamonds and glitter. Also it needs to be flexible so that it wouldn't restrict my movement.

What are you most proud of ?
My father.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Audrey Hepburn.

What is your favourite quote ?
You make a better world by making yourself a better person.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I bake a carrot cake as my specialty; I usually bake it for my friend’s birthdays.

Elisa Badenes : From Student to Star

I am delighted to show another specially commissioned drawing by Sarah, a naturally talented artist, to introduce this latest interview series. Sarah’s brief was to depict the dancers’ progression from student to professional, and the resulting sketch perfectly represents that transition.

From Student to Star is a series of interviews featuring Graduates as they begin their professional careers, and will be following them regularly.

Last month I reviewed the Royal Ballet School’s Summer Matinee performance, which included Frederick Ashton’s The Dream, where Elisa Badenes, a Graduate of the School this year, danced the lead role of Titania. Her astounding technique drew roars from the spell-bound audience & her dancing is exquisite - Ashton's very English style does not suit every dancer. You can read the review and see more photographs here. Badenes joins Stuttgart Ballet later this year.


What are you most looking forward to about joining the Company ?

I think the Company can give me more self-confidence, which I think is really important when you dance. I would also like to learn different repertoire which I’ve never done before, and of course have an amazing experience.


How do you think Company life will differ from your student days ?

The work is going to be very different. In the school you have classes and some rehearsals but in the Company you just have rehearsals. You work every day towards the performance, not for yourself. You have more responsibility, you have to work on your own.


What are your best achievements as a student ?

I think this year was incredible for me! I was new in the graduate year and at the beginning of the year I was scared to join in the last year and I didn’t know anyone. But they gave me the opportunities to dance and I went with a school friend to the YAGP 2009 in New York which was an amazing experience. After all the competitors I won the Gold medal in the Senior Women’s category, and the Special Award of Outstanding European Dancer. That was really rewarding after all our hard work. But I think the most amazing experience was dancing the role of Titania at the Royal Opera House in the end of year performance. Apart from the great feeling you have when you are up on the stage with the lights, costumes and this incredible stage, it was really hard but incredible too. All the rehearsals with my school friends and the good teachers and staff really helped me when I finally danced the performance.


What do you think you will bring to the Company ?

I don’t know apart from one new face. I think I’m one of the younger people in the Company so I think what’s good is that I have time to improve and get a stronger technique.


How do you imagine your first day going ?

I will be really lost and scared but so excited too.


Which role would you most like to dance ?

I think the best thing is to have the opportunity to dance different roles, with different techniques and different characters. This year I had the opportunity to dance the Don Quixote pas de deux and it was a fantastic role which I enjoyed so much because I was really comfortable with it, but it was really good too dancing the role of Titania, which was another different style. Apart from these roles our class danced one neoclassical piece "Piano Concerto" where we could try different movement.


What would you say to those students entering their Graduate year now ?

Enjoy every moment because the year is really short and will pass ever so quickly.


Where would you like to be this time next year ?

I don’t know how my life will be in Stuttgart Ballet. I hope it is really good but I also wish to meet all my school friends again and have more experience together.

MEET THE STARS

Meet The Stars Who Wear Grishko at Dancia International London


Daria Klimentová
Senior Principal Dancer
English National Ballet

On Saturday 12th September, you have a chance to meet English National Ballet Senior Principal Daria Klimentová, First Soloist Fabian Reimair and Soloist Désirée Ballantyne in London. Other special guests will be at this ‘Meet The Stars’ event which is presented by Dancia London and ballet wear makers Grishko.


Fabian Reimair
First Soloist
English National Ballet

The ballet stars will sign autographs for you at Dancia’s flagship Covent Garden shop from 3.30pm.

Klimentová has worn Grishko pointe shoes for fifteen years; “They are made especially for my feet, so I don’t have to do much, except sew the ribbons, the edges of the actual pointe shoe, and later on I use shellac to make them even harder- but they last forever.”

(excerpt from interview with Daria Klimentová by kind permission of Elise @ The Royal Ballet)

Dancia London, which is the capital’s premier Grishko pointe shoe stockist, is offering 15% off Grishko products all day and customers spending £50 or more will also get an exclusive free gift.


Désirée Ballantyne
Soloist
English National Ballet

Dancia Director Beverly Kirkup says: “We are incredibly proud to give Dancia London customers a rare opportunity to meet and be inspired by some of the world’s greatest ballet stars this September.”

Dancia London is located at 168 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5QA. Tel: 020 7831 9483. For more information, visit.

Désirée Ballantyne interviewed for Cupcakes & Conversation...

Cupcakes & conversation with Désirée Ballantyne, Soloist, English National Ballet


What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Trying to do a better job today than I did yesterday.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
Rupert Pennefather - the future of British ballet and someone I've known since White Lodge.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
I darn the ends, sew ribbons on, elastics for performance and then spray water onto the block and insole to soften them so that they mould to the contours of my feet.

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
I have a quick hot bath to get my body moving and coffee. I force myself to eat porridge in the morning even though I don't like it as it's the only thing that truly gives me energy for the day, quite frankly though I would rather be starting the day with an almond croissant! Once I'm at work I do a Pilate's warm up to keep my body strong and balanced.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Lincoln Kirstein, Sylvie Guillem, Igor Stravinsky, Benazir Bhutto, Nelson Mandela, Elizabeth I.

What would surprise people about you ?
I have a secret ambition to be a stand up comic.

Who inspired you to dance ?
No one person in particular but music. When I was little any time there was music playing I would just start moving. For me dance is the expression of music and thus a constant source of inspiration.



How would someone else describe you ?
Probably quite family orientated as I am and fun - you can't get through the peaks and troughs without a sense of humour! I always try to take my work seriously, but never myself.

What is your best piece of advice ?
Look at setbacks as speed bumps along the way.

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
Probably Clara (from The Nutcracker) which I performed at Christmas. It challenged me because there was very little time to prepare and rehearse, but ultimately it was a great learning curve. One always wants to be so prepared and rehearse the minutiae but when there is little rehearsal time you just dance and then begin to realise that actually you can just do it.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
Being on stage and trying not to corpse as a Courtesan in Manon. It was during Act 1 and I caught sight of the legendary Michael Coleman as one of the harlots going across the back in the cart. It was absolutely hilarious and all the funnier because he was so convincing!

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I've had the privilege of wearing and had made for me some absolutely stunning costumes however it would have to be a tutu. I would design one which doesn't restrict ones arabesque as for some reason no matter how beautiful they always do.

What are you most proud of ?
My father who has recently been awarded an honorary doctorate for services to film education. He has a wonderful initiative called Film School in a Box which teaches children in under privileged areas about filmmaking with the most recent event taking place in Malawi.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Posey Parker.

What is your favourite quote ?
A Nelson Mandela speech, however this line from it in particular: "And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I am a great mimic and good at impersonations.