Please provide a short introduction about yourself.
I am a former Principal Ballerina with English National Ballet. I was with the company from 1990 to 2009.
Please tell us about the highlights of your career.
I have many great memories from over the years. Of course, having my daughter was a wonderful moment in my life but other highlights centre around dance.
One highlight has to be taking part in the Concert for Diana in 2007 at Wembley Stadium. It was an unusual setting to be performing ballet, one reason being the stage itself but also performing in a line up with rock stars and pop stars. Over 60,000 people were watching, plus those watching on television.
Another special memory is receiving the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance for Wayne’s McGregor’s piece 2 Human, choreographed for me and Thomas Edur CBE. We considered ourselves very classical dancers but this piece was unique and created a new movement style for us. I enjoyed dancing the piece, so to win the award too was extra special.
Finally, I would say performing in the Royal Variety Show for the late Queen and late Prince Philip stands out to me.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
I was once performing Swan Lake and during the second act I fractured my foot on stage, meaning I could not finish the performance. It is not such a happy memory but always sticks out to me as an eventful moment in my career!
Why do you believe dance and the arts are important?
Dance and the arts are what I call “soul food”. They are so important to help carry us through life; they help us to create dreams and provide some magic in our lives. Creativity allows us to feel alive.
Where do you find inspiration?
In dance I am inspired mostly by music, it is truly what makes us dance. I am also inspired by other dancers and their personalities.
When I teach, I am constantly inspired by my students. When they are curious to learn and I see progress, it is so joyful. Seeing students find their own motivation is magical.
If you could share some advice with young dancers, what would it be?
Be open minded with your dance training. If you only train in one dance style it is important to be curious about other styles and be open to learn from everything. Having this open mind helps you to be motivated too.
Do not be afraid to show your feelings; if you have a dream do not give up on it. There is a lot of attention around technique in dance but the emotion and love for it is what really creates an artist.
Please share your thoughts about being a Patron for bbodance.
I was invited to be a Patron by John Travis in 2004. I remember attending dinners at Woolborough House in my early introductions to the organisation. I am really happy to still be able to see the organisation grow and stay up to date with what is going on internationally. The organisation is doing extremely well and the work has developed so much, meaning the audience is growing and more people are getting involved.
So many different teachers and students have the support they need under the umbrella of bbodance.
Can you describe bbodance in 3 words?
Nurturing. Love for dance.
What are your hopes for the future of dance?
From being in a Classical Ballet world, I hope for the soul in ballet to remain. It has become very technical meaning the artistry sometimes risks being lost. Development is wonderful but it is important to preserve the storytelling and personality that must be embedded in the artform.
Do you have any advice for dance teachers?
See the individuality of your students, you must be able to see the unique traits of each student within a busy class. Do not box them in and treat the whole group as one, every student has their own personality and dreams.
Why is it important for dance teachers to train and gain a qualification in dance teaching?
Qualifications are important to ensure teachers understand relationships between physique, music, body and soul. If someone has not been trained in teaching, how do they understand the foundations of professional teaching practice? New students also look for qualifications in order to be inspired by their teachers and know their teaching is reputable.
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