Fernanda Oliveira interviewed for "Cupcakes & Conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Fernanda Oliveira, Senior Principal Dancer, English National Ballet

Fernanda & Fabian

Oliveira can be seen dancing Giselle (with her husband Fabian Reimair, whom I recently interviewed), in Manchester on 24th September at 2pm & 26th September at 7.30pm, Liverpool on 30th October at 7.30pm, Bristol on 3rd & 7th November at 7.30pm, and in Oxford on 21st November at 7.30pm

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Knowing that there are no delays on the District Line.

What are you looking forward to dancing next season ?
Giselle, which I have done already three times, and every one is different.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
I have already, and it was with my husband. (Fabian Reimair – First Soloist with the Company)

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
That is a secret!!!

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
Getting up 8.30am, going to work about 9.15. Class starts at 10.30 until 11.45 and from 12.00 rehearsals continue until 18.30.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Eva Longoria, George Clooney, Nigella Lawson, Stewie Griffin (Family Guy), Dali, Hugh Laurie

What would surprise people about you ?
I'm very clumsy, VERY!!!!!

Photo :  Amber Hunt

Who inspired you to dance ?
My friends at school when I was 6 years old, but then to become a professional Cecilia Keche ( Principal Dancer of Municipal Theatre in Rio de Janeiro).

How would someone else describe you ?
Very focused.

What is your best piece of advice ?
" You have nothing to lose."

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
Aurora (from The Sleeping Beauty). It is very technical and difficult to cover up any mistakes.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
I was at home on the computer with my wedding shoes on (my house is all wooden floors). When I went to get up, my heels tripped me up. I didn't find it very funny at the time.

Photo : Daria Klimentová

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
A costume like the ones in Les Sylphides.

What are you most proud of ?
My wedding day. Me and my husband planned it all and handmade most of the decorations.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Eva Longoria.

What is your favourite quote ?
Never say never.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I can do Cross Stitch.