How are rehearsals going for Swan Lake? Can you describe them?
We are still in the early process of the rehearsals now. In the beginning, we have separate rehearsals for every role. Later on, when we get closer to performances, we will have full call rehearsals with the entire company.


What is your favorite Act in Swan Lake?
I would say the third Act. Only because I love Black Swan pas de deux and I've done it many times for Galas and competitions! But of course, I love the other acts too!


What is one thing that makes Swan Lake different from other story ballets?
For lead roles, usually the dancer would be telling a story as one person from the beginning to end. But the lead female for Swan Lake is so different. In Act II and Act IV, the dancer is a fragile, fearful person trapped in a swan's body: Odette. In Act III she is the evil daughter Odile. For a dancer in this role, it is very unique to dance and act as two different characters.


Do you like character roles?
There are so many kinds of character roles, so it's hard to say if I like it or not. But, I definitely love acting on stage! I usually think about what the character is feeling at the moment and how I would react to it. It's very deep. You can go deeper and deeper into each character!


Is there a dancer that you look to as a role model?
It's hard to pick one particular person because I like different qualities in many people. But, Larissa Ponomarenko is definitely my role model!

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