Most little girls dream of becoming a ballerina, but the reality of life at one of the world's top ballet companies is that it takes hard work and serious dedication to live the dream.
With the Moscow City Ballet coming to the UAE this week to perform the most famous ballet of all time, Swan Lake, we caught up with its new prima ballerina Katerina Odarenko, who is from Ukraine and will play Odette, the beautiful princess who has been turned into a swan, and Odile, the Black Swan.
On whether life as a real ballerina lives up to the childhood dream
Yes, my dream has come true: I am dancing the lead part in Swan Lake. I always wanted to have that opportunity to play two characters who are so different yet so similar in appearance.
On why she became a ballerina
I started learning professional ballet at the age of 9. I loved to dance at home for my parents and guests, so my parents decided that studying ballet would do me good.
I was nominated in the International Ballet Competition in Moscow in June and it was a great moment of joy. My heart was full of emotion and I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. It is a great experience when truly outstanding people judge your work professionally and appreciate it.
On the daily grind
My day starts with the ballet class, which lasts roughly an hour. Before each performance one needs to do the ballet class to warm up the muscles. Then we have the rehearsals - they can last from two to five hours. To achieve the desired result, you have to rehearse as much as possible.
Then, depending on the complexity of the part, I need to rehearse my individual part as well as the performance in general. About one and a half hours before the performance, we start doing our make-up and hair. We should not forget also that it takes some time to get into the role and get in the right mood for the performance.
On a ballerina's feet
At times one can use several pairs of pointe shoes during the performance, but normally a single pair can last quite a long time.
From time to time you get some sprains and bruises on your feet. But it all goes away.
On diets
You can eat everything, but in the right amounts. When there is a lot of hard work, one does need strength and power. Therefore we often include nuts and meat. Of course, one should not eat too many sweets or pastries.
On Black Swan's accuracy
This film depicts very strong competition within the ballet company. Of course, there is a healthy dose of competition in our company too, but nothing like what's been shown in the film.
On time off
We don't have much time off. I am trying to use every minute of it with purpose. I like to read and I try to spend as much time as I can with friends and relatives. But even when I have some free time, I cannot help thinking about ballet. I always have some thoughts in my head about my roles, how I can improve things and do them differently. I also try new things in front of the mirror.
On aspiring young ballerinas
Believe in yourself, aim high and never procrastinate. Be grateful to your teachers and try to find your own angle in each role.
On coming to the UAE
This is my first time visiting the UAE. I would love to have an opportunity to see Abu Dhabi, but I won't have much free time. I think I will need it all to recuperate between performances.
. Swan Lake is being performed tomorrow and Wednesday at Emirates Palace Auditorium (02 690 7999). Tickets are available from www.timeouttickets.com. Odarenko will also be performing in the Moscow City Ballet's version of Cinderella at Madinat Jumeirah Theatre, Dubai, from Thursday to Saturday
artslife@thenational.ae
