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So much has happened since I last spoke to you. Of course, the most exciting news was released by the Opera House in September: that Angus and I are expecting our second child in February. Coming back after the birth of a child isn't easy, but I know what to expect now and feel sure I can deal with it. It's great, however, that so many of my colleagues have been dancing on after their maternity breaks - as they'll know exactly what I'm going through!
I was so pleased to be able to dance my last shows (Apollo and Raymonda Act III) even though I was in quite a lot of pain. Dancing in pain means your mind is a little preoccupied with the injury and you also feel slightly limited; but the adrenaline from doing both shows on my last night certainly helped. I loved that triple bill and Raymonda Act III is one of my favourite ballets. It's such a stylised piece and so wonderful to dance - it was a shame Inaki and I only had two shows. I think it's probably one of the most beautiful solos, so it's very rewarding. It's fab. I hadn't danced it very often before, so I took the opportunity to watch lots of different people in the part - amazing just how many different interpretations there were. One of the best pieces of advice I had was from a coach from Paris Opera Ballet who said that every time you clap to go into a bourrée it's as though you've had a glass too many (well, it is a celebration) and you lean before you move: a perfect idea to hold in your mind. Although I don't think an actual 'glass too many' would be any help to you!
I also really enjoyed dancing Apollo with Carlos Acosta. If you watched the documentary about him, then you may have caught glimpses of us working together. Funnily enough, I found Raymonda easier to dance than Apollo (the pain in my ankle was less when I was on pointe.) In fact, my foot was so bad that I had to pull out of Romeo and Juliet and had the operation a week or so after my last Apollo and Raymonda. Originally the plan was for Keyhole Surgery which would have enabled me to be back on stage for the Russian Tour in June /July, but there were a lot more bone spurs than originally thought and they had to open up the ankle. Thankfully the operation was a complete success, but - although I was back on pointe again by July - I wasn't able to make the tour. It would have been wonderful to dance in Moscow and St. Petersburg (I've already danced in St. Petersburg as a guest) but not so wonderful to test my foot on the old raked floors of the Russian stages. Giving myself this extra time has really helped - it feels as if I have a new foot now and it is wonderful to dance without any pain whatsoever!
Although I haven't been performing lately, I have been to see Swan Lake - the new Barbie Swan Lake recently released by Mattell. I was asked to help promote the DVD and took a ballet class for 30 children in Holland Park. I taught them some of the simpler movements from Swan Lake, which was fun. I was also invited to a première of the DVD at the Odeon in Leicester Square and Phoebe came along as well. It was her first trip to the cinema and she really enjoyed the experience. Dancers from New York City Ballet were used for the dancing scenes and were filmed with sensors on their joints so that their movements could be copied and the characters superimposed when creating the dance sequences. The DVD is a great introduction for children to Classical Ballet.
I felt very honoured to meet Her Majesty the Queen again recently. I was invited to attend the opening of the 'Women at War' exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. Joanna Lumley, Dame Vera Lynn and a few other actresses were also present - we've all been involved with the Museum and it was an exciting afternoon. The exhibition tells the fascinating stories of servicewomen, nurses, land girls, factory workers, secret agents, pilots and peacekeepers from the First World War to the present day.
Being invited to fly back from New York on the last Concorde service was a big surprise. I hadn't expected them to want a ballerina in the fifth month of her pregnancy! (Of course, I checked with my doctor before accepting this amazing offer.) It was a very emotional experience for all those who've worked on Concorde over the past years. From what I heard, most pilots' highest ambition was to fly Concorde and it must be hard for them to have their ultimate goal taken away. For the passengers it was easier and we were well looked after on the flight, despite the four film crews wandering the aisle. Though we did have to make an early start for the airport (meeting in the hotel foyer at 4:00 a.m.), it was fun to have an opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping in New York the day before. Living under the flight path for Heathrow has meant I've had the chance to watch Concorde many times. I shall miss it. Phoebe had even started pointing it out to us, this summer, as it flew over. It's sad that she may never have the opportunity to fly in it when she gets older. Though there is talk of British Airways perhaps keeping one for special occasions, so Phoebe may still get her chance of the Concorde experience.
I was excited to learn that Bussell and Taylor stoles are now being sold at the Royal Opera House Shop and hope you'll take a look the next time you're there. Lindsay and I are extending the Bussell and Taylor range by adding some linens with hand embroidery.
Thanks 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. I have had quite a few requests for new photos on the site but unfortunately there won't be that many until I resume dancing. Johann Persson, however, has published a book with backstage photos of the company and I'm sure you'll enjoy looking at these.
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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