Claire Calvert interviewed for Cupcakes & Conversation ...

Cupcakes & conversation with Claire Calvert, Artist, The Royal Ballet



What motivates you at 8 am on a Monday morning?
To be honest I am not really a morning person, but once I am up and have had a coffee, it doesn't take me long to get ready.

Who would you most like to dance with?
There are many dancers that I would love to dance with, however I would love to find a partnership of my own like Sir Anthony Dowell and Dame Antoinette Sibley or Tamara Rojo and Carlos Acosta because there is something really special when you watch two dancers together who have a great connection on stage.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes?
Before I joined the company I did very little to my pointe shoes, but since then I have learnt many different ways to prepare my shoes with darning, cutting, shaving and shellacing.

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
At the moment I am on holiday, so my routine isn't much of a routine. I try to get up not too late, may be around 10 and every day is a little different. I work out to stay in shape and spend time with my family as there is little time during the season to see them - and rest up for the coming season.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite?
Alan Carr, Beyonce Knowles, Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Johnny Depp and Gordon Ramsay.

What would surprise people about you?
That I am quite stubborn.



Who inspired you to dance?
Having started JA's (Junior Associates) of the Royal Ballet in Bristol at the age of 8 Karen Paisey was a big inspiration in my decision to audition for a place at White Lodge. At White Lodge the first dancer I was introduced to was Darcey Bussell and her story of her determination to succeed became a huge inspiration to me. Whilst at White Lodge I was very fortunate to have watched many other dancers that have also inspired me in so many different ways.

How would someone else describe you?
Hard working and reliable, but always up for a good giggle.

What is your best piece of advice?
Always give the best you can give and never give up on your dream.

Which role has tested you the most & how?
Since joining the company dancing in the corps de ballet has not been a walk in the park. Learning to dance in a line with 24 girls is something that takes a lot of time and dedication, however I am really looking forward to some more challenging roles.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?
I had some of the funniest times in my life living with my three closest friends in our first flat in central London, but you had to be there to find them funny.

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create?
I always loved tutu's and was always asking my mum to buy me one, so I would design a tutu that not only looks stunning on stage, but is comfortable to dance in too.


Photo : David Bailey

What are you most proud of?
Getting my photo taken by David Bailey.

Who would play you in the film of your life?
I really enjoy going to the cinema and I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to be in a film, so if given the chance I would probably like to play myself.

What is your favourite quote?
Everything happens for a reason.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about?
I used to be quite good at long distance running before ballet become my focus.