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: INSPIRING
Q3. What was your favourite story to Dance?
Ans : Alice in Wonderland and equally The Nutcracker.
Q4. What is the one production or story that you think all Classical Dancers must watch? And Why?
Ans: I think probably Swan Lake. It’s the one that everyone (even non ballet people!) know. And for a good reason. Pure classical ballet, the history, the great wealth of companies and dancers who have performed these iconic roles.
Really important to see the use and power of the corps de ballet in creating the story telling and atmosphere.
The very high level of artistry alongside technique required to dance even the smaller roles.
The music!!! The most iconic and beautiful score.
A must!
But there are so many more!
Q5. How would you make traditional art forms relevant to the present day and going forward?
Ans: Personally, I think it’s vital to maintain the past, the history, the legacy. Of choreography, productions, dancers, directors, set design. So much that has shaped our art form. I feel sometimes people feel it needs to be changed or modernised to make it more accessible but it can sometimes lose the fundamental principles, the story, what made it so beautiful and interesting. Some things are, to me, sacred and should be preserved and respected. If performed with integrity they are just as relevant today.
However, I do also love a new take on a piece when it’s done intelligently and for the right reasons!
Making the arts accessible to everyone is the way forward. It doesn’t necessarily need to be changed just open to all! My godson is with the Norwegian national ballet and at the moment my dearest friend from my year at school is there staging Kenneth Macmillan’s Manon. Issac said it is so wonderful to learn from someone who understands and knows the ballet so deeply. He said it is bringing it to life!! Legacy …
Q6. What are three values that you would hope The Junoon Methodology communicates to its students?
Ans: Sharing, enabling others to have the opportunity to learn and create and dance ( your leaders are doing this so beautifully!)
Respect for themselves and others and of course their art form.
Discipline, nothing comes if you don’t desire it and work for it! A gift to take into their life whatever path they choose.
Q7. What, for you, makes a Dancer stand out?
Ans: So tricky, but that magical artistry, the ability to take you somewhere, on their journey, into their world. Of course with an exquisite, unforced technique and ability to be at one with the music. Personality!!!!
Q8. What is the one most valuable lesson you received from your mentor/s?
Ans: To breathe! Maria to me, darling why aren’t you breathing?!! Me, I didn’t know I should!
To be yourself ( I tried!) it’s your best quality.
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: I think it is the duty of those creating schedules for younger students to be aware ( as I know you are) of time tabling the required breaks, rest times. It is imperative that they have down time, to be silly monsters and normal kids! Then they will be much more open and willing to get back in the studio and work! I remember when I taught at English National ballet school the students were exhausted and time table was ridiculous, injury after injury.
If they are taught well then those behaviours become the norm and they will then have the tools, knowledge and confidence to manage themselves.
Q10. In a rehearsal or practice session, is the last time ever the last time? 😉
Ans: Never! Sometimes you have to put it away for that day, but there is always more to find. Not necessarily making it better but learning to play with things, different interpretations as things evolve! Always learning, always seeking to improve, always wanting more!!
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