18th Annual SAG's!

Another awards night has come and gone. It's always interesting when some surprises throw something extra into the mix and now everyone's going to be guessing what will happen on Oscar Night. I speak of the awards of course. Listed below are some of those surprises as well as some fashion highlights. 

~*~*~*~

Winner of Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

I had my money on "The Artist" to pick this up, but it was interesting to note that on the night, "The Help" took out this award. Congratulations to the cast of this film.

Winner of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Thank you SAG's for acknowledging my under-dog favorite, Leonardo DiCaprio. Unfortunately he did not win, however the winner aptly deserves his award. I speak of "The Artist"'s leading man, Jean Dujardin. Congratulations.

Winner of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Now this would classify as one of those "surprises" that I mentioned earlier which might throw a spanner in the works for Oscars night. Meryl Streep did not win this award....as everyone was pinned that this lady would take out all the awards of this season. Neither did Glenn Close - the second favourite. Neither did Michelle Williams (my pick). Viola Davis starring in "The Help" won this nod. Interesting choice...can't say she rightly deserves it as have not yet seen film!!!!

Alec Baldwin's acceptance speech...

I am an Alec Baldwin fan, however his acceptance speech upon winning the award for Most Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series was verging on George-Clooney-Smug....

He's taken the damn thing out what?-six consecutive years in a row? Is that right? You could at least "act" humble....

On the flip side - Betty White's acceptance speech...

...stole my heart. She is a wonderful woman and has such soul - and quick witt. She dedicated her award to her co-stars on the hit show "Hot in Cleveland" but also in the same note stated she wouldn't let them take the award home. That was giggle worthy. This woman, one of the Golden Girls is a hoot and I hope she continues entertaining us all for more years to come. Good on you, Betty White. (PS - she won the award for Most Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series).

Fashions hits....

Michelle Williams - Best Dressed

Emily Blunt - Runner-up Best Dressed

Natalie Portman - Highly Commended

Fashion misses.....

Tilda Swinton - lost in a sea of material

Shailene Woodley - I don't understand the patterns

I'm not sure about...

Angelina Jolie's black get-up. Love the cut of the dress but don't understand the material and how it "hangs". She looks amazing as always but I'm not so sure about this one. (I LOVE her earrings though)

Rose Byrne's jump-suit. It suits her ('scuze the pun) but then I don't know if its appropriate for this event...or year...

Public meltdown or cunning plan?

Tuesday was a day that baffled the ballet world and stunned one of the most prestigious ballet companies of our time. The Royal Ballet was forced to announce the sudden departure of their rising star, Sergei Polunin. The 21 year old Principle Dancer was gaining marked comparisons between the great Nureyev and Baryshnikov, with a clean and reputable record of showing up to rehearsals and performing without any fault onstage, being a caring and supportive dance partner with commendments made by the likes of Tamara Rojo and Lauren Cuthbertson, it came as something quite out of character - especially for his colleagues whom worked so closely with him over the years. But if you work with someone...do you in fact really know them at all? It is true that you can spend years and years sitting next to someone, working on projects together, hell - dancing together and yet, you may only get a glimpse of their true character.

Was Sergei's actions a result of too much pressure and a symptom of being pushed from a very young age to succeed? Or are they part of a broader more cunning plan?

Some critics are suggesting that Polunin has been poached by a rival company - no one has put their hand up to claim that this is true and why would they? It is almost likened to a faux pas if a company poaches a dancer, especially a Principle Dancer mid-season. Never mind the kid walked out mid-rehearsal and declared he was never coming back. Never mind that Monica Mason, Director of the Royal Ballet had made him the youngest ever dancer to become promoted to Principle in the company's history. Never mind that he was supposed to be preparing for his role as Oberon. Never mind the kid co-owns a tattoo parlour in London. Never mind the kid has openly stated in interviews that he was pushed into ballet by his parents at a young age and the entire family backed his career which was literally paved for him from birth and offered no other option but to succeed. AND never mind the kid has been "tweeting" on his twitter account some bizarre remarks such as "does any body sell heroin?? Need to bring my mood up - pizza will probably do for now"....

Never mind....

There's the rub.

From where I am sitting what I see painted is a picture of someone who was born incredibly gifted and someone who had every chance to succeed and become a ballet dancer. I see someone who did not like dancing as a child, but did it to please their parents. I see someone who didn't mind dabbling in dance but then got caught up in the competitive nature of what gaining a career in ballet so often entails. I see someone who was never given the opportunity to be "a kid", someone who never fully "grew up". Basically, what I see is behaviour that is symptomatic and typical of someone who never had the childhood they greatly desired and as a result has thrown an all-mighty tantrum, throwing all their toys out of the cott figuratively speaking in order to regain some sort of semblance, some sort of control over their life. I'm not saying ballet is bad and ballet takes away people's childhood. Not at all. Ballet can deliver so much love, joy, passion and can be undeniably rewarding. But I think only if you want it to be...

I doubt Polunin has been poached by another company. Does he want to dance? Maybe not, if he had a sudden change and decided to walk out mid-rehearsal. Maybe he just wants to control his life and enjoy himself in another avenue? Maybe he felt trapped? Hard to imagine someone who is so successful and has his whole career ahead of him to feel as though he is not free???

Who knows, we may never know. What is evident however, is the Royal Ballet has left their doors open should the talented dancer decide to return....but will he???

Sad loss for the ballet world as I imagine many fans out there would have wanted to see more of his dancing and I imagine his colleagues may miss his dancing too?



Fright Night

I am guilty yet again for seeing a remake without having first seen the original...surprise surprise. After seeing the 2011 release of "Fright Night" (and loving it) I will no doubt eventually get my hands on the 1985 version. For now however and for the purposes of this exercise, we will have to look at the 2011 release of "Fright Night" as a stand-alone film.

"Fright Night" (2011) directed by Craig Gillespie stars Anton Yelchin, Toni Collette, "Doctor Who's" David Tennant, Imogen Poots and of course, Irish bad-boy Colin Farrell. Initially, when I had heard that they were making a re-make and had announced that Farrell was to be playing the infamous vampire, I had doubts (as I always seem to do and as per usual am proven completely entirely wrong). Farrell makes a very good vampire and as I mistakenly type-casted him as just something kinda nice to look at, he portrayed quite the foreboding character.

A scene from 2011's "Fright Night"

The story line at first glance appears to be quite simplistic and teetering on the very edge of what one would brush aside as a typical cliché teenage fantasy gothic horror type film without any real depth and so shallow of character development it wouldn't even be worth viewing this film to appreciate it as something lesser than every little boy's horror-fantasy. I am guilty of initially reading the plot line having not seen the original film and initially thinking that yes, I will go see this film, but no I don't think I will end up enjoying it for what it's worth. Wrong! What's different about "Fright Night" is that aside from the suburban setting and the story predominately taking the perception of a teenage boy's quest to save his girlfriend (and mother) from his vampire neighbour is that it is truly entertaining. The CG is not over-the-top, the script is well written without too many lines which make you sit there in angst and roll your eyes at how corny it is, the acting is solid, the action sequences well timed, the horror element is well-honed and the music is complimentary. The dialogue was superb and I felt that the actors were well cast. 

David Tennant plays Magician, Peter Vincent 

Casting is paramount. Period. You could do this film with a different set of actors and if those actors were not well suited to the roles then you would not have the same end result. I won't spend this paragraph gushing over how good Colin Farrell was as Jerry Dandridge...yes...Jerry the Vampire...terrible name but it worked - and this corniness was played on throughout the film, which is what made it all the more affective. Rather, I was more blown away by that English dude who plays Doctor Who in that Sci-Fi TV show that is called - oh that's right, "Dr. Who". David Tennant plays a Magician slash Vampire Guru and he does it so well. Of course, his character is drunk as a skunk for majority of his screen-time and in between bickering with his exotic temptress of a stage assistant girlfriend, he offers some good and some not so good advice to the frightened teenagers, and even gets a slice of the action at the end. His character was probably one of the major highlights of the film. It was so ridiculous that it fit in with the ridiculousness of the story.

A mouth full of teeth...

I am overly critical and very picky with my vampire films. I think I have mentioned in a previous post how important it is for vampire stories to stick to tradition - or try to remain faithful to it as much as possible. That's another element which I like about this film. A tradition that is not commonly utilized in vampire films until recently (Swedish film "Let the Right One In" being one of them) is the notion that in order to enter one's house a vampire must first be invited in. In the past this has been rarely touched upon, but for "Fright Night" this old tradition was present. Of course you have your token garlic, wooden stakes, crucifixes and holy water - all of which make an appearance in this film. It's those gothic elements that make the myth of the vampire what it is. So kudos for maintaining tradition.

All in all, I think if you're looking for something fun to watch on a Friday evening, or a DVD night, without having to invest too much thought and brain power, and you just want something to give you a thrill then "Fright Night" shouldn't disappoint.

I give this film a solid 7/10.

Happy viewing!

The 84th Annual Academy Awards

The time has finally come. Nominations are out for the 84th Annual Academy Awards. The winners will be announced on Sunday February 26th 2012.

Listed below are the nominees in their respective categories. Highlighted in red are the nominees that I believe deserve and should win an Oscar (and hopefully will). Also highlighted are favorites to win and some side notes.

Let's get excited the Oscars are almost here!

Best Motion Picture of the Year

Nominees:
The Artist (2011)
The Descendants (2011)
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)
The Help (2011)
Hugo (2011/II)
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Money Ball (2011)
The Tree of Life (2011)
War Horse (2011)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Nominees:
Demián Bichir for A Better Life (2011)
George Clooney for The Descendants (2011)
Jean Dujardin for The Artist (2011)
Gary Oldman for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Brad Pitt for Money Ball(2011)

....on a side note - where is Leonardo DiCaprio's nomination???? Yet again, snubbed. I have lost count. That is name that clearly should be (and more than deserves to be) on the list!

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Nominees:
Glen Close for Albert Nobbs (2011)
Viola Davis for The Help (2011)
Rooney Mara for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady (2011) popular to win
Michelle Williams for My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Sad day for Australians.... I would like to pose the question as to where is Mia Wasikowska's nomination for her title role in Carey Fukanaga's "Jane Eyre"? She was faultless in that performance and deserves at least a mention. Sad to say her name was left off all the nomination lists this year....better luck next year??

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Nominees:
Kenneth Branagh for My Week with Marilyn (2011)
Jonah Hill for Moneyball (2011)
Nick Nolte for Warrior (2011)
Christopher Plummer for Beginners (2010)
Max von Sydow for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

Nominees:
Bérénice Bejo for The Artist (2011)
Jessica Chastain for The Help (2011)
Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids (2011)
Janet McTeer for Albert Nobbs (2011)
Octavia Spencer for The Help (2011)

Best Achievement in Directing

Nominees:
Woody Allen for Midnight in Paris (2011)
Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist (2011)
Terrence Malick for The Tree of Life (2011)
Alexander Payne for The Descendants (2011)
Martin Scorsese for Hugo (2011/II)

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

Nominees:
The Artist (2011): Michel Hazanavicius
Bridesmaids (2011): Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo
Margin Call (2011): J.C. Chandor
Midnight in Paris (2011): Woody Allen
A Separation (2011): Asghar Farhadi

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published

Nominees:
The Descendants (2011): Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Hugo (2011/II): John Logan
The Ides of March (2011): George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon
Moneyball (2011): Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Stan Chervin
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011): Bridget O'Connor, Peter Straughan

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

Nominees:
A Cat in Paris (2010)
Chico & Rita (2010)
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Puss in Boots (2011)
Rango (2011)

Best Achievement in Cinematography

Nominees:
The Artist (2011)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Hugo (2011/II)
The Tree of Life (2011)
War Horse (2011)

Best Achievement in Editing

Nominees:
The Artist (2011)
The Descendants (2011)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Hugo (2011/II)
Moneyball (2011)

Best Achievement in Art Direction

Nominees:
The Artist (2011): Laurence Bennett, Robert Gould
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2(2011): Stuart Craig, Stephenie McMillan
Hugo (2011/II): Dante Ferretti, Francesca Lo Schiavo
Midnight in Paris (2011): Anne Seibel, Hélène Dubreuil
War Horse (2011): Rick Carter, Lee Sandales

Best Achievement in Costume Design

Nominees:
Anonymous (2011/I): Lisy Christl
The Artist (2011): Mark Bridges
Hugo (2011/II): Sandy Powell
Jane Eyre (2011): Michael O'Connor
W.E. (2011): Arianne Phillips

Best Achievement in Makeup

Nominees:
Albert Nobbs (2011)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
The Iron Lady (2011)

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score

Nominees:
The Adventures of Tintin (2011): John Williams
The Artist (2011): Ludovic Bource
Hugo (2011/II): Howard Shore
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011): Alberto Iglesias
War Horse (2011): John Williams

Unfortunately Dario Marinelli misses out on a nomination for his haunting score for "Jane Eyre". I would've vouched for him had his name been included on this list....

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song

Nominees:
The Muppets (2011): Bret McKenzie("Man or Muppet")
Rio (2011): Sergio Mendes, Carlinhos Brown, Siedah Garrett("Real in Rio")

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

Nominees:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Hugo (2011/II)
Moneyball (2011)
Transformers: Dark of the Moon(2011)
War Horse (2011)

Best Achievement in Sound Editing

Nominees:
Drive (2011)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Hugo (2011/II)
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
War Horse (2011)

Best Achievement in Visual Effects

Nominees:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Hugo (2011/II)
Real Steel (2011)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Vale Rudi van Dantzig

It has been a sad week for the ballet world, with the announcement that choreographer and former Artistic Director of the Het National Ballet, Rudi van Dantzig has passed away, age 78.

van Dantzig lost his battle with cancer in the morning of Thursday 19th January 2012.

A talented choreographer whom delved into issues such as environmentalism and homosexuality within his works, he was also a writer - his most famous literary work "The Lost Soldier" (1986). The English translation to the autobiographical novel was released in 1996 and there was also a film created based on the work.

He will be greatly missed.

British Academy Film Awards Nominations 2012

The nominations are out and it is interesting to see a couple of snubs, whilst many that have been nominated that have already won at the Globes will be hoping to replicate their success at the annual BAFTA's (or British Academy Awards)...

The nomination list is below - highlighted in red are my "picks" to take home the award, included are side notes of those that will most likely take home the award (but are not my chosen winner - all based on various different reasons).

The awards will be announced on Sunday 12th February 2012!

BEST FILM

The Artist (Thomas Langman)

The Decendents (Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor)

Drive (Marc Platt, Adam Siegel)

The Help (Bunson Green, Chirs Columbus, Michael Barnathan)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Robyn Slovo)

OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM

My Week with Marilyn (Curtis, Parfitt, Weinstein, Hodges)

Senna (Kapadia, Gay-Rees, Bevan, Fellner, Pandey)

Shame (McQueen, Canning, Sherman, Morgan)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Alfredson, Bevan, Fellner, Slovo, O'Connor, Straughan)

We need to talk about Kevin (Ramsay, Roeg, Fox, Salerno, Kinnear)

 

 

OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER~

 

Attack the Block (Joe Cornish - director/writer)
Black Pond (Will Sharpe - director/writer; Tom Kingsley - director; Sarah Brocklehurst - producer)

Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes - director)

Submarine (Richard Ayoade - director/writer)

Tyrannosaur (Paddy Considine - director; Diarmid Scrimshaw - producer)

 

 

BEST FOREIGN FILM

 

Incendies

Pina

Potiche

A Separation

The Skin I Live In

 

 

DOCUMENTARY

 

George Harrison:Living in the Material World (Martin Scorsese)

Project Nim (James Marsh, Simon Chinn)

Senna (Asif Kapadia)

 

 

ANIMATED FILM

 

The Adventures of TinTin: The secret of the unicorn (Spielberg)

Arthur Christmas (Smith)

Rango (Verbinski)

 

 

DIRECTOR

 

The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)

Drive (Nicolas Winding Refn)

Hugo (Martin Scorsese)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Tomas Alfredson)

We need to talk about Kevin (Lynne Ramsay)

 

 

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

 

The Artist (Hazanavicius)

Bridesmaids (Mumolo, Wiig)

The Guard (McDonagh)

The Iron Lady (Morgan)

Midnight in Paris (Allen)

 

 

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

 

The Descendants (Payn, Faxon, Rash)

The Help (Taylor)

The Ides of March (Clooney, Heslov, Willimon)

Moneyball (Zaillian, Sorkin)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (O'Connor, Straughan)

 

 

LEADING ACTOR

 

Brad Pitt (Moneyball)

Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)

George Clooney (The Descendants) - will more thank likely take this home - a favorite to win...

Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Michael Fassbender (Shame)

 

Also a side note - where on earth is Leonardo DiCaprio's nomination? A snub - yet again for this oh-so-under-rated actor. He has proven time and time again, how he deserves recognition for his work - someone whom I believe continues to get better with age. He brings a maturity to his performances now that deserves some recognition. A disappointment he has been left off this list...

 

 

LEADING ACTRESS

 

Berenice Bejo (The Artist)

Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) - a favorite to take this out as she deservadly won the Golden Globe

Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn)

Tilda Swinton (We need to talk about Kevin)

Viola Davis (The Help)

 

Oddly enough Glen Close has been left off this list for her performance in "Albert Nobbs" - apparently the film did not make the cut in this year's award ceremony due to its release date in the UK...maybe next year???

 

 

SUPPORTING ACTOR

 

Christopher Plummer (Beginners)

Jim Broadbent (The Iron Lady)

Jonah Hill (Moneyball)

Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn)

Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Ides of March)

 

 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Carey Mulligan (Drive)

Jessica Chastain (The Help)

Judi Dench (My Week with Marilyn)

Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids)

Octavia Spencer (The Help)

 

 

ORIGINAL MUSIC

 

The Artist (Ludovic Bource)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Reznor, Ross)

Hugo (Howard Shore)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Alberto Iglesias)

War Horse (John Williams)

 

 

CINEMATOGRAPHY

 

The Artist

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Hugo

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

War Horse

 

 

EDITING

 

The Artist

Drive

Hugo

Senna

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

 

 

COSTUME DESIGN

 

The Artist (Mark Bridges)

Hugo (Sandy Powell)

Jane Eyre (Michael O'Connor)

My Week with Marilyn (Jill Taylor)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Jacqueline Durran)

 

 

VISUAL EFFECTS

 

The Adventures of TinTin: The Secret of the Unicorn

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

Hugo

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

War Horse



The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Highlights....

The fashion "hits"

Angelina Jolie takes out best dressed at this year's awards - stunning cut and colour designed by none other than Versace. If anything, coupled with an accessory like Brad Pitt - perfection.

Natalie Portman ever the grace and beauty, she makes pink elegant and oh so sophisticated for a lady and not a little girl...

Claire Danes in J.Mendel couture...one word - stunning.

The fashion "misses"

Sarah Michelle Gellar and her waves...

Charlize Theron drowned out not just by colour but by her skirt and Roman-esque head piece..oh, and stepping on her train!

Emily Watson's lack of shape, colour and imagination....and looking oh so uncomfortable in what she has chosen to wear. 

The Awards "Hits"...

Ricky Gervais returning to host second year in a row.

Michelle Williams winning Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her role as the unforgettable Marilyn Monroe.

"Downton Abbey" winning Best Mini-Series.

The Awards "misses"

I say it every time...I needn't elaborate - Leonardo DiCaprio missing out yet again despite being nominated!!! This time, losing out to George Clooney....

Vale Paul DeMasson ~

Paul DeMasson in "La Fille Mal Gardee"

It is with sadness that we farewell former Australian Ballet Principle Dancer, Paul DeMasson. My deepest condolences to his wife and family. The Australian ballet world mourns the loss of a great artist, whom passed away on Thursday, January 12th at the age of 57.

Paul continued to appear with the Australian Ballet in character roles

Perth-born, Paul was trained by Kira Bousloff and danced with the West Australian Ballet. He also danced with the Ballet de Marseilles and London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet). In 1976 he joined the Australian Ballet, where later in 1980 he became Principle Dancer. Paul also shared his knowledge and love of dance by becoming Ballet Master at several companies - the Australian Ballet, Hamburg Ballet and Singapore Dance Theatre. 

He will be greatly missed...

Paul DeMasson with Fiona Tonkin rehearsing "Giselle" (The Australian Ballet)

Eight Questions ~

With....

JURGITA DRONINA

Principle Dancer, 

Het National Ballet

1. What is your daily routine during the working week?

I wake-up after my alarm rings for the 5th time... J Then I eat breakfast, read some daily news and leave to work. I do a good warm-up followed by daily class that starts at 10am and rehearsals.. If I have time I usually have a light lunch, or otherwise just a snack to keep me going through the day. Then I continue rehearsing till 1800hrs. On the day of a performance, I work till 1600hrs and then I have a good lunch + a 1 hour nap. Then it is time to go back to the theatre for make-up, warm-up and performance. On top of this I usually also work for guest performances, and have to stay after working hours, or use any "gap" I find during the day, to avoid late rehearsal hours. After a hard working day- I like to just go home, have dinner and take advantage of the time left, as much as possible.

2. What do you like to do on your day off?

That depends on the level of my "exhaustion" - sometimes I can sleep all day long! But usually I like to go out, walk in fresh air, go to see a movie, meet with a friend or take a day-long trip somewhere abroad, just to change the surroundings and get inspired by an exhibition or a concert. Living in Amsterdam makes traveling very convenient!

3. How do you stay in shape during an extended holiday?

I am trying to include a few guest performances during every holiday, so that I keep busy and "in shape". So far the most free time I have had- was 10 days off, during which I still keep active by swimming, hiking, running and etc. Honestly, I don't enjoy passive holidays, I get bored very soon. My rule number 1- is to listen to the body and mine doesn't like to stay still, so I always find something to explore, to make the holidays fun and still give my body some recovery from ballet.

4. What do you eat before a performance?

Breakfast - consisting from lots of protein. And my lunch is always salmon sushi - great source of energy and doesn't make me feel "heavy"during the performance.

5. How do you divide your time between the Het National Ballet and the Royal Swedish Ballet?

The reason why it is everywhere written that I belong to both theaters is because when I took leave of absence from the Royal Swedish Ballet, I thought I will go back as a guest artist as much as possible, therefore I kept "promoting" the company's name by using it everywhere I go abroad. But since I have never been back performing, I don't use the Royal Swedish Ballet as one of the current companies, even if I still have the so called "life contract" . I now use only the name of Het National Ballet, where I currently work.

6. Touring and travelling from destination to destination can be very tiring in itself – do you have any tips for dancers on how to combat jetlag and general “airline tiredness” so that the next day in class isn’t so strenuous?

I pack only hand luggage, so I don't waist any time checking-in my luggage. And I check-in online as well, so when I arrive at the airport, I go straight to the security check up. During the flight I always use "flight socks" they prevent my feet and calves from swelling. Drinking plenty of water and trying to sleep on the plane. I am very lucky that I don't have any jet-lag , EVER! So I don't need to worry about sleeping pills or anything else. If it is light outside where I land- I am awake. If it is dark- I just go to sleep, not depending on the time. Can't complain!

7. What do you like most about being a ballet dancer?

The main "drug" - is the stage. Performance itself. Some kind of "euphoria" while performing for the audience..But I also like the everyday discipline -  like training in the morning and being able to have control and awareness of my body.

8. In another life, if you could not be a dancer what other profession do you think you would have been?

Since childhood, I wanted to be a surgeon.