Cara Cooper

Cara Cooper is currently a dancer with the English National Ballet.

Candice first met Cara through a LOLAstretch order when she was a dancer with Colorado Ballet. The following is excerpts from an email interview/chat:

CT: When I first came into contact with you, you were dancing at Colorado Ballet. What brought you to make the move to English National Ballet this past summer?

CC: I decided to make the leap across the pond because I wanted to taste some of the European rep available, such as MacMillan and Ashton. I also thought it would add new elements to my dancing as the English style of ballet is very different from the American and Vagonova styles that I grew up with. I also wanted to join a touring company so that I could travel and experience new cultures. ENB has performed all over the world, in places such as Australia, Barcelona, Athens, Madrid, and Taipei. My first tour with the company was to Versailles and we performed Swan Lake in the Palace gardens on a floating stage. I am currently on a seven week tour of the UK and will be going to Beijing in January.

CT: Was it difficult adjusting to tours or longer tours?

CC: Well, touring takes a toll on the body because of new climates and floor surfaces, different schedules, and increased work load. But, so far it has been a blast because you get to experience new cultures and build a closer bond with the other dancers, since you are with the same people for seven weeks, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is also fun to be the visiting act because the audiences are excited to see something new... and only available for a limited time.

CT: What are your favorite roles and/or choreographers? What are you looking forward to doing most in the future?

CC: Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, and Christopher Wheeldon are some of my favorite choreographers. I would love to dance the Odette/Odile role, as well as Lucy in Michael Pink's Dracula. I am looking froward to developing my artistry and interpreting the dramatic roles as I progress through my career.

CT: How do you attack a new role? Do you do any preparation beyond the studio?

CC: I find that I get the most out of watching other dancers and combining the elements that I like from each dancer. Everyone has their own special gift or interpretation to offer and it is the subtle differences between dancers that makes a performance magical. I also ask the more senior dancers for coaching and advice. I write down the parts of pieces that I find particularly challenging and will download the music to my IPod when I am learning a new ballet. To prepare for a character role in a story ballet I try to read the original story and then watch any movies, plays, operas, or other versions of the ballet that are available to get as much texture available to create details of the character.

CT: Now that you are settling in, what differences do you see between London and Denver? culturally? socially?

CC: London and Denver are different in many ways. Denver is a very big 'Sports Town' and London is one of the biggest cultural epicenters of the world. I have experienced a little bit of culture shock just with little everyday things such as different systems of measurement, driving on the other side of the road, public transport, very small living spaces, and difference in cultures, such as all of the shops closing early on Sundays, and not having to tip after meals or in taxis.

CT: Do you get homesick? How do you deal with being in a new place without a support system?

CC: I do get homesick, especially on holidays. I am very fortunate that it is 2007 though because things like SKYPE, Facebook, and Mobile World make it easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home. I also have friends here that are excited to take part in American traditions, such as carving pumpkins at Halloween!

CT: Have you acquired hints of a British accent yet, like Madonna:-)?

CC: I don't think so, but my best friend thinks that I say 'weekend' with a bit of an accent now!

CT: If you didn't follow your dream to be a ballet dancer, what do you think you would be doing right now?

CC: I think that I would either be an actress, or maybe performing on Broadway. I also find Advertising and Marketing exciting, so maybe I would be going to University earning a degree. Luckily though I am living my dream and getting paid to jump, twirl, and pursue my passion. What other career has people applauding for you at the end of every day?

CT: So true! And of course, I have to ask, what is your favorite LOLAstretch leotard?

CC: Asymmetrical sass for sure!

The views expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, LOLAstretch.

Archived Featured Dancer Interviews:

Fall 2007-- Kara Wilkes, North Carolina Dance Theatre
Winter 2007 -- Lia Cirio, Boston Ballet
Summer 2006 -- Yumelia Garcia, Principal with Ballet Florida
Winter 2006 -- April Daly, Joffrey Ballet Company
Fall 2005 -- Amy Fote, Principal with Houston Ballet