Dance Interview with a Professional Ballet Dancer

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Table of Contents

INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSIONAL DANCER – ABIGAIL OLIVEIRO (FROM BALLET MANILA)

In this interview, we’ll ask professional ballet dancer Abigail Oliveiro a series of questions, to help you with your dance career.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A BALLET DANCER?

This is a bit of a complicated one. I have always loved to dance, even before I started learning how to dance at age 3.

It truly brought and continues to bring me so much joy. I can even remember my much younger days when being late for ballet would already make me teary (I hated missing class).

I wanted to further my training to be a professional dancer at the age of 15 when most of my classmates were also auditioning for full-time pre-professional schools. However, my parents insisted that I complete my education first before doing so.

Since I would graduate at 17, a year earlier than most, I thought it would be okay and that I would have the time. But by then, the career options available to me were so vast that I decided to go the University route as I thought that was the meaning of success.

It proved otherwise though. Right around 19 years old, I had a clear vision of what I wanted. I had to work through a lot of challenges to make me realise that being a professional ballet dancer was what I truly wanted to do with my life.

This turning point was inspired by two people – my ballet teacher, Ms Jane Moore, and my Dad.

Ms Jane encouraged me to take a chance on dance – To make the most of our gifts as our body doesn’t last forever. At least trying would remove the element of regret in my life.

Along with all of this, my Dad has always seen how much dancing meant to me. He reminded me how pursuing a passion and making a career out of it, is not an opportunity that comes by for all.

It would not be an easy path, but it would be very meaningful and worthwhile. And he was right.

Professional ballet dancer Abigail Oliveiro dancing with male partner in white costume — _{Image credit: Mark Sumaylo}

DID YOU EVER THINK YOU MIGHT NOT BECOME A PROFESSIONAL BALLET DANCER?

Vividly, and more than once too! It’s a journey of ups and downs for sure. It took a lot of perseverance and hard work to keep ploughing through.

But I was determined, maybe a little stubborn too.

But I knew what I wanted to achieve, so I would assess the situation and decide where to go from there.

I chose to learn from my experiences and let them guide me.

I think what helped me most was understanding that not everything needs to happen the same way, at the same time for everyone. There’s no actual rule or exact timeline as to how and when things should happen.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ROLE AND WHY?

Oh no! This is hard! Honestly, the best part of my job as a ballet dancer is that I get to play different characters all the time!

With a wide range of personalities too which I have been very fortunate to have been able to do so.

It’s too difficult for me to pick a favourite role!

My favourite ballets are story ballets for sure though. The more dramatic, the better!

Ballet Dancer Abigail Oliveiro dancing on stage with other dancers — _{Image credit: Erickson Dela Cruz}

With every role I’ve performed, I’ve left behind a piece of myself. I could tell you a story or a lesson from each one.

I think what makes a role so special too is when you get to perform it over and over again, growing with it. Because then it develops layers and you can go beyond what you think it should be, and just be.

I’ve also been very lucky to be able to work closely and perform with my husband who has been my most constant partner. I don’t have to think when I perform with him.

When I’m in the moment, I dance free. That always makes for a special performance.

WHAT’S A COMMON MYTH IN THE DANCE INDUSTRY THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD DEBUNK?

That ballet is about twirling pretty and that ballet dancers are fragile creatures.

On the contrary, it takes an enormous amount of effort and strength to do what we do, day in and day out. Both physically and mentally. To show up every day, even if our bodies are sore and creaky.

On top of our daily classes and rehearsals, we do extra conditioning to either prolong our career or take care of any pain. All of this is not for the faint-hearted.

A performance that goes on stage is not something that is prepared overnight. It’s rehearsed constantly to make it look the way it does on stage.

Even performances aren’t performed with ‘fresh’ bodies. Not only are there multiple shows in a week, but in a day too! Plus rehearsals before a show.

This art form heavily involves the body, mind and spirit. But having much love and respect for it makes me nothing but happy and determined to put in the work.

WHAT STYLE OF POINTE SHOES DO YOU WEAR AND WAS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND THE PERFECT PAIR?

YES! I love pointe shoe talk!

So I currently wear a brand from Energetiks. The style is called ‘Stella’ and in a medium shank. I have a narrow foot and I love the look of a tapered shoe with a V cut.

It wasn’t too long a road thankfully but I distinctly remember thinking I’d found my shoe (based on a fitter’s opinion).

However, by the end of my first year with the company, I was kindly asked to find a replacement for my ‘boat shoes’.

The term makes me giggle today because it did look like that.

I weighed the factors of knowing how I wanted to feel in my shoes, what I was going for aesthetically and what would last in the tropical heat of Manila.

After trying several brands and makes, I was able to narrow it down to the ‘Stella’ from Energetiks. I believe I have been wearing them for 9 years now.

Experience is the best teacher!

WHAT STYLE OF DANCE DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST, AND IS VERSATILITY IMPORTANT?

I would say Neoclassical style as I’m able to articulate what I’m trying to portray with more nuanced movement, to even bend the rules.

But there is just something about Classical Ballet that draws me in.

The challenge is both exciting and oh-so-satisfying! To excel in the technical and artistic demands of Classical repertoire requires a lot of finesse as the style is strict with discipline.

Ballet Dancer Abigail Oliveiro performing Swan Lake in white tutu — _{Image credit: Ocs Alvarez}

I think it’s important to be a versatile ballet dancer.

It’s a very useful skill to be able to step into different styles as you never know what a choreographer or director will request.

Another advantage is that different styles have unique qualities that you might not get from learning just one particular style.

So it not only makes you stronger but it’s another way to keep exploring and developing movement.

WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO ASPIRING BALLET DANCERS?

Commit and give it your all, ALWAYS.

Everyone has something unique to offer.

Direct your energy towards making that shine. Usually, that’s the aspect of dance that we just adore and keeps us coming back to the barre for more.

Work twice as hard on the things that make you feel uncomfortable.

The information is all there for you to become a ballerina – the classes, teachers, videos, audition advice. But the information is not enough, it’s the discipline of study.

It’s an investment in yourself to put in the work. Have purpose in what you do and everything will follow through.

Abigail Oliveiro on stage in a red costume — _{Image credit: Daniel Trinidad}

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVELY INSPIRED AS A BALLET DANCER?

I have a rather imaginative mind and I believe imagination can take you much further than reality.

Alone time is so important, especially in the studio. It’s important to learn to listen to yourself and your body to understand it.

Music! I love discovering music that speaks to me.

I am also a very emotional person. When I’m struck with an overwhelming feeling, it sticks with me and it inspires me to put it into my dancing to make it more personal.

Moving forward is also important to me and I always look for ways to do so. I’m always thinking of new ways to dance a role – like how can I make it more musical or maybe I can accentuate something further.

Abigail Oliveiro with partner performing arabesque in red and black tutu — _{Image credit: Mark Sumaylo}

ASIDE FROM DANCE, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I don’t get a lot of free time as a ballet dancer.

We have one day off which is more than enough for me. But I love going home to my dog, Louie, who is a tiny Shih Tzu. He has the best personality and I think he is very expressive so we have long talks and cuddles.

I love listening to music – particularly pop, R&B and classical. I enjoy thought-provoking podcasts when I’m doing the dishes.

Oh.. actually, I love shopping!!

Can I say online shopping is a hobby of mine? It’s mostly window shopping though (I think!).

When I’m back home in Melbourne, which is usually during holidays, I am always on the piano.