Lisa Probert interviewed for "Cupcakes & Conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Lisa Probert

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
The sun is usually enough to get me up in the morning with a smile and the thought of breakfast, class and whatever plans I´ve made for the day ahead.

What are you looking forward to dancing this season ?
Anything that involves new experiences with clever, sensitive, passionate, creative people.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
Sylvie Guillem.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
I sew on ribbons, darn the end of the pointe and 3\4 back breakage. Shellac usually follows after a class -you can´t really mould the shoe if you put shellac in before wearing them. Also I don´t wear elastics as they are bad for the circulation and too time consuming! Rosin on the heel usually does the trick.

Photo :  Daria Klimentová

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
Rise. Take class. Arrange the next day’s schedule as travelling through Germany at the moment. Explore the amazing opera houses and sites of the city that I´m in and then enjoy an evening out eating and drinking and catching up with good friends, then taking some time to reflect and learn from the days experiences.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Assuming a couple of these could pop in if they choose to: Heath Ledger, Anthony Hopkins, Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, Dimitri Shostakovitch and Barbara Streisand.

What would surprise people about you ?
My sense of humour and my strength.

Who inspired you to dance ?
Natalia Makarova inspired me when I was young. Also, watching my good friends perform - for example Douglas Bateman and Clara Barbera.

How would someone else describe you ?
Feet and legs, fairy, funny, caring, sensitive, creative, lovely and apparently a bit messy.

What is your best piece of advice ?
First and foremost follow your heart and instincts but accept that there will probably be obstacles. Not everything happens as you plan, but, keep your faith and integrity and trust that you’re on the right path. If not, have the courage to change it. Life is too short, enjoy it!

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
The role of Gerda in Snow Queen. My first three act ballet. Out of the other roles that I’ve learnt and performed it requires the most stamina.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
I´ll only mention on stage! Falling flat on my face and coming on for a fairy entrance too early, feeling a bit foolish as I tried to convince the other fairies to join me.

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I used to wonder what an all in one made out of tubey grip would feel like to dance in for support. But seriously, something that I could move freely in. Something flowing, graceful and loose around the ribs!

What are you most proud of ?
I´m proud of people who´ve had difficult life journeys. People who are less fortunate than others and don´t give up on being good people. People who are honest and kind.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Me, but if I didn´t get the part, Natalie Portman.

Photo : Daria Klimentová

What is your favourite quote ?

Andy Warhol - love everyone.

Do you have a ‘signature step’ – one that comes naturally to you ?
I don´t really have a favourite but most steps feel good when you´re in shape. Especially développé à la seconde or an arabesque.

A phrase I use far too often is ... ?
I´m cold!

What’s been your best on-stage moment so far ?
The feeling you get when conveying an emotion or telling a story to an audience can be amazingly fulfilling and freeing. These are very special moments. Also last curtain calls of the season are very satisfying occasions as well as taking a call for a special role with someone you´ve really enjoyed dancing with.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I can play the piano. I have also channelled people.