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The next day it was straight on to stage to prepare Requiem for Thursday's first night. Requiem is one of those ballets that has become part of my body, so not having time for too many rehearsals - because of my busy schedule - wasn't a big problem. It was just over a year since we'd last performed it and, although it's a beautiful piece to dance, it does make me angry. The ballet's about anger at death, anger at the loss of all those young lives.
I then spent quite a bit of time rehearsing Giselle on my own which sounds slightly strange, but Roberto could only make it over the week before our show. Of course there was lots for me to rehearse but, with the Opera House closed on Good Friday, we only had four days' rehearsal before our first show.
At the end of April I went off to New York to do two shows with David Makhateli. We performed the Act 3 pas de deux from Manon at the Youth America Grand Prix 2006 Gala. This Gala is put on every year: the first half is danced by students taking part in the competition; the second half is performed by professional dancers. Irek Mukhamedov's daughter, Sasha, was one of the competitors and Christopher Wheeldon was the Master of Ceremonies.
I have also done a lot of press work for my DVD. Of course I've done similar work for the Royal Ballet over the years, but never all at once! I did interview after interview for 3 days (this was after my regular working day, of course), sometimes 6 in a row. That made me realize that I couldn't sell myself again. It must be really tough for actors who have to go through this time after time to publicise their latest movie. (I can now understand why you sometimes read strange comments about actors' behaviour at times like that.) After that experience I don't think I'll be bringing out many DVDs in the future - although I'd love to do one about ballet.
I've also been doing a bit of press, for the 75th anniversary of the Royal Ballet - it's also 50 years since we were given our Royal Charter. There are lots of exciting things going on for the anniversary since it's such a special one.
It's been so busy lately that I'm looking forward to taking it easier over the next month. I thought I would get a bit of a break during February or March but it didn't work out that way. (As well as dancing and doing my DVD, I also managed to move house.) I don't know how much rest I'm going to get, though, as I have my next Pilates Book to photograph during May and will be rehearsing for my last 3 shows of the season.
Thank you again to everyone who has sent cards, letters and gifts to me at the Opera House; I really appreciate your support. Sorry for the delay in replying to some of them - I am still working my way slowly through the pile, so if you haven't heard from me yet, you will soon. Thanks also for the comments regarding this site but unfortunately I'm unable to offer any personal advice.
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Please come back again to see what I have been up to.
Enjoy your dance.
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