 Venus was born in Havana, Cuba and trained at the Alicia Alonso School and Teatro alla Scala Ballet School before joining The Royal Ballet and later Vienna Staatsoper. Joining English National Ballet in 2006, Venus was promoted to First Artist last season in 2008 after performances as Clara in The Nutcracker, the title role in Alice in Wonderland and one of her favourite roles, Swanilda in Coppélia. Having performed in the Star of the Century Gala des Etoilles, Venus has shown much promise as a future star of the Company.  For the Award's Evening Venus danced a piece from Bizet's Carmen created especially for her by fellow dancer Yat-Sen Chang. Venus has always wanted to dance the role of Carmen and took the opportunity to perform something outside of the Company's repertoire.
How does it feel to be nominated for the Emerging Dancer Award?
It’s exciting, I wasn’t there when the nominees were announced and found out by email which was a surprise, then I began to realise how important it is. It is a really nice project for the dancers, it’s about more than just the awards evening but the whole lead up, performing well on tour and always improving.
What do you think the Emerging Dancer should be?
Ambitious perhaps, the award is something to encourage the dancers to be the best you can be.
Why do you think you have been nominated?
I have no idea why people have chosen me but I’m very happy about it! You’d have to ask them! I was able to perform last year a lot - Swanhilda was my favourite part last season, it’s a great part, you get to show your technique and tell the story and have fun, so maybe they saw me in that or just in class working hard. And I really enjoyed Alice, it’s not very difficult but I like to act this part – there is a lot of fantasy in that ballet and there is definitely a little child in me, so it’s a wonderful story to tell!
Do you know what you will be dancing at the Awards evening?
I have a variation from Carmen in mind, I would really like to dance this particular role as I adore the music. Massimo Moricone is going to be the choreographer.
Will you be dancing differently this Autumn knowing people may be voting for you?
Of course, for sure, you are dancing for the people!
What will you be dancing in Giselle this Autumn?
I will be dancing the title role of Giselle with Anton Lukovkin.I have danced the Peasant pas de deux before, but dancing Giselle is going to be something very great for me, it is one of the most beautiful ballets that there is for a female dancer to do, one of the best. It’s also nice to be dancing the different styles, and how the character changes between the two acts is very interesting. For me the character of Giselle is particularly important, I was just rehearsing and was very ‘into it’ you can get very carried away in the character. When you play someone like Giselle, you have to tell the audience the story and I love to do that, I like to act proper characters but then I like to show-off the technique as well.
What do you think you can learn from the other nominated dancers?
All of them are great dancers, they all have their own talents and that’s why they’ve been nominated I think- because they are different to me and each other. I think Junor in particular shows a lot of promise for the future because he is so young. But I think we are a good group – we all have great personalities!
What do you do in preparation for a show?
I spend lots of time doing my make-up as it is very important for the character. Depending on the role I have my own little warm-up, I don’t have a routine it depends on what I am about to do; I then prefer to be alone somewhere nice and quiet so I can concentrate and prepare. Because I wear Gaynor Minden shoes I don’t need to find a good pair of shoes, I always have them prepared already.
What makes English National Ballet special to work for?
It’s the people, everyone is very motivated in this Company and that helps everyone else stay happy and focused, especially because we have so many performances. It’s nice to be in a Company with so many different kinds of dancers.
If you won the award what do you think you would do with the prize money?
Oh God I don’t know, I don’t even know if I will win!
What did you do over Christmas?
I was very busy dancing and rehearsing, so I didn’t manage to squeeze too much else in. I am looking forward to finishing soon and taking some time out with family and friends.
Have you made any new year’s resolutions?
Yes, to buy a dog! What sort of dog I’m not sure exactly, I would love a puppy.
Looking back how do you think the Autumn tour went?
It has been ok, I have been injured during parts of the tour and so for me personally it hasn’t been as amazing as I would have hoped if I was dancing, but I have really enjoyed seeing the Company perform well.
Have you finalised the details for your Emerging Dancer performance?
No not yet, I haven’t really been able to think too much about it as the performances and rehearsals have been my main focus. But I know I will need to finalise the details very soon, there’s not long to go now.
How are the performances going at the Coliseum?
I think they are going well and it’s a very nice and exciting programme for us to do, performing all three ballets. My Mum and Grandma have come over to stay and see my performances in the Peasant pas de deux with Juan tonight, so I hope to make them feel proud.
This is an exciting year for the Company as it celebrates its 60th birthday, what do you hope to achieve before celebrating your 60th birthday?
Ooh I’m not sure, it seems like a long way off right now.
|
