1. What did you want to be when you were 16?
To be honest, I don't think I had a clue (which is normal) but I knew I wanted to dance and take it seriously. I also decided to move to the UK at the age of 16.
2. What does your job entail?
I perform, tour, teach, choreograph, continue my dance & professional training (some of these are safeguarding qualifications) research, manage my website - which is like an online CV and first point of contact, write applications (lots of them), work with other artists, musicians, choreographers, facilitate conversations between artists, producers, directors within organisations, instigate change within the landscape of movement and dance whenever I can...Every day juggling!
One of the most important part of my 'job' is also to check in with myself every now and then - what are my priorities at the moment, where do I want to get to in a year, three, five, etc, what are my goals, what makes me happy, am I resting, eating well, and if so, great, if not what am I doing to improve it...
3. What's your favourite thing about your job?
I am doing what I love!
4. What would you be doing if you weren't a dancer?
Hmmm...Probably in the arts somewhere!
5. Did you go to uni?
Yes, I did. I enjoyed it. I met some of my closest friends from uni. However, uni is not for everyone like many things in life. You need to decide whether it is for you and you only!
6. What advice would you give to someone who is unsure about what to do after school/college?
Ask yourself questions: what do I enjoy doing most outside of school and college? Why? Does it make me happy even when it's hard at times? Can I make it into a career? Talk to people around you that you respect / look up to. Ask them how they got to where they go to. Ask them whether you can shadow them at work for a day or two. See what it's like...
7. What's the worst interview you've ever had?!
I had an interview once after an audition. so I was so sweaty and hot! I asked to have a few moments to gather myself before speaking and took a few breaths before they asked me anything. It HELPS!
8. Which person, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
My grandmother who passed 5 years ago
9. What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of myself for curating a portfolio career that I enjoy which is also a privilege in itself.
10. If you were stuck on a desert island with one book, boxset, game or CD, what would it be?
It would be the entire series of Doraemon (a Japanese animation I grew up with).