Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
Ballerina who became Royal Ballet principal ballerina at 19 after lead role in 'Prince of the Pagodas'.
On the island
Eight records
Instrumentally, I think it's unique and it's a good feeling song, and I like it.
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
This is a magical part for me. It's one of probably the best padders. And it's basically where we first really, really meet, where we connect me and Romeo and Juliet and Romeo. And it's very special.
My parents played a lot of The Beatles, obviously. And I don't think they're ever gonna age, basically. The songs are just magical and it's one of my favourites.
Academy and Chorus of St Martin in the Fields
I got all into this classical music and found a lot of requiems that I just was addicted to. And I'd stay in my room, and I think my poor mother would say, you know, you're home for the weekend, you can go out, you know, and visit your friends. And I'd stay home listening to requiems.
Josef Sakhanov and the London Festival Orchestra
I actually had this played at my wedding and it was so magical in the church. I mean it is a magical piece anyway, the violin, uh solo, it's just superb
And the nice thing about him is he just comes across incredibly passionate about what he does. In his voice, it's this wonderful, like, I really mean every word I say.
BBC Philharmonic and the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
I did this when I was very first in the company, and it's a beautiful piece of music. And I think to dance to a piece where you have vocals, it is magical.
Virtual InsanityFavourite
I've always loved this guy. I think he's incredibly theatrical himself. And I think he's a bit of a choreographer.
In conversation
Presenter asks
1:30Why do you know [the decision to retire] is right?
I think just because of trying to cope with the pressures, and I have two gorgeous children, and I feel like sometimes, you know, I love my work and I love every bit about it, but I can't always do both.
Presenter asks
4:22Was [being made principal ballerina at age 20] completely unexpected?
Totally, totally unexpected. I mean, you usually do quite a few principal roles before you're made a principal. And I mean, I'd done a couple before pagodas. And no, I was no way expecting it. And that was a big shock.
Presenter asks
10:38Were you determined then to go right to the top?
Yes. Oh no, I only wanted to do it if I was going to be at the top. It was that awful thing where you kind of have this set in your mind and I see all these dancers destroyed when they're told that they're not going to make it
Presenter asks
21:32The keepsakes
The book
Well I suppose biographies you get bored of very quickly, but Audrey Hepburn I suppose, only'cause she's always been my idol. So she'd keep me going, I think. And she wanted to be a dancer as well, so I relate to her really well.
The luxury
I don't know. I've really got attached to my eyelash curler. ... I have to curl my eyelashes every morning.
How much support has [your husband Angus Forbes] been?
And he's been an amazing support, even having the kids and knowing how they mean so much and how I don't want to lose that connection with them just because I'm a dancer.
Presenter asks
24:53You were 32 weeks pregnant with your first child... and that evening you were rushed to hospital. What went wrong?
I didn't know, because I didn't know anything about preeclampsia and it was very strange, because I just I had pains in my back. It's amazing actually, because my doctor was brilliant because you can die of this... My liver and kidneys all started to pack up, and that's why I was getting such back pain
“I would love to finish well, you know, and feel really good about myself.”
“Technically you don't have to worry about too many steps. The girl can get totally involved in the role, and I can forget that anybody is out there watching me, and I can cry and I can oh, everything.”
“If I'd been any weaker as a human being, then no, I might have not survived. Very lucky I'm here.”