I’ve always believed that the facts about dancing are more interesting than the myths, and this was a great chance for me to explore how the human body does such incredible things.
So experience of other dance forms is a good idea.
At the moment I’m enjoying a new challenge at the Royal Opera House, but I’m also keen to pursue my interest in television and particularly in science.
So if the dance is five minutes long, make yourself run for perhaps eight minutes. That way, you over-train and the dance will seem easier...
I enjoy the freedom of modern dance as well as the constraints of classical dance.
I think the shape of our bodies has as much to do with the shape of our parents as it does with training.
As you get older, the physical abilities decrease, which is particularly frustrating because your brain gets so good! So as you are becoming less technically or physically able, younger dancers are emerging who need the space to perform.
People often argue about this. Obviously one of the skills in performance is acting, and you can’t expect every Romeo to really be in love with their Juliet!
I have lots of interests, but it’s true that dancing is a very full-time job.
I get to the theatre in plenty of time; I prepare my shoes in advance; I eat and drink the right things at the right time. The rest you have to leave to luck!
I do take class because I still dance, and yes, I do slip into class with the Royal Ballet from time to time.
I always recommend a sensible diet, including lots of carbohydrates and avoiding too much fat. Dancers don’t need different fuel from other people – they just need more of it because they use more energy.
Dancing’s not always stressful, but I always make sure that I’m prepared as I can be, both physically, mentally, and practically.
I think it’s useful to experience other types of dance and other cultures, and the life of a classical dancer these days is certainly not all tutus! So experience of other dance forms is a good idea.
You can’t reduce lactic acid, but you can increase your tolerance to it. I do this through running or cycling, but it’s a good idea to match your training bout to the type of dance you do.
It’s another myth that dancing distorts or destroys your feet. If you have the right shaped foot to start and a good, strong technique, your feet should be fine.
It’s not magic! It’s physics. The speed of the turn is what keeps you upright. It’s like a spinning top.
But you do have to start young as a dancer if you’re going to achieve the physical skills necessary.
Dancing is a tough career, but I’m glad I spent it at the Royal Ballet.