Ms. Burcu Surmeli Borovali, former Principal Dancer of the Turkish State Ballet and Artistic Director of the Turkish State Ballet, has constructed a significant portion of our Classical Ballet curriculum. Her contribution to the Junoon Methodology and meticulous training have given us so much to be grateful for. Here she answers some questions that make us proud and humbled to be led by her:
(Translated from the Turkish)
Q1. One word that comes to you when we say the word – DANCE.
Ans: LIFE
Q2. One word that comes to you when we say the word – Junoon.
Ans: Making the world better.
Q3. What was your favourite story to Dance?
Ans: Juliet. Because I am romantic as Juliet.
Q4. What is the one production or story that you think all Classical Dancers must watch? And Why?
Ans: Giselle. I am a Classical Ballet Dancer. And for me Giselle, is one of the richest ballets in the ballet world. Technique, acting, musicality and the story. It is life and a very honest story.
Q5. How would you make traditional art forms relevant to the present day and going forward?
Ans: I think we can synthesize traditional art with the art language we use today and transform local cultural richness into a universal phenomenon.
Q6. What are three values that you would hope The Junoon Methodology communicates to its students?
Ans: The first thing I tell my students is to be a conscientious person first, then a Dancer and an artist. Being an artist is not just about getting that knowledge and working on it, but also working to have all the richness of the soul. Reading a lot, listening a lot…and most importantly working without giving up. Life is a gift given to us and our art is probably the most beautiful gift.
Q7. What, for you, makes a Dancer stand out?
Ans: The Dancer who works hard without being satisfied with her talent and who gives her soul to her Dance is an outstanding dancer for me. The best example for me is Marianela Nunez. Be sure to watch her!
Q8. What is the one most valuable lesson you received from your mentor/s?
Ans: DON’T GIVE UP AND NEVER SAY THAT YOU ARE TIRED.
Q9. Can a Dancer today, with all the creative, artistic, athletic, intellectual, nutritional and functional expectations of her/him, achieve a balanced schedule? How?
Ans: When you plan correctly, you can meet all these desired expectations. Actually, they all support each other, so when you start doing one of them, the rest will definitely come with discipline.
Q10. In a rehearsal or practice session, is the last time ever the last time? 😉
Ans: Absolutely not. The beauty of art is that it never has a result. Every day when I go back to the studio, I go in thinking how I can do it better today than before. I think this keeps the artist fit and energetic. Perfectionism is in the nature of this job and when we use this ambition well, the aftermath comes.
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