Interview: Hannah Bateman

Hannah is a leading soloist at the Northern Ballet in England. She trained at the Sue Robinson School of Ballet and Central School of Ballet. She has danced numerous leading role including Juliet, Mina and Dracula's bride, and Marquie, amongst others. We got the opportunity to ask her a few questions....

How old were you when you first took a ballet class?

I had just turned 3 years old

Is dancing what you always wanted to do?

I wanted to do loads of different things when I was younger but dancing has been the one consistent ambition

What has been your favourite role so far?

Juliet in Romeo and Juliet is a very special role, it was one of my first principle roles and is just a dream to dance. I also loved dancing Hans Van Manen's ballet 'Concertante' and all the ballet's by Kenneth Tindall.

What is your favourite piece to dance to?

The score for Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake are so powerful and played by a live orchestra, I am so lucky that I get to experience that. Outside of work I love to dance to anything from Florence and the Machine to Abba!

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years away is a long time... Hopefully I will be happy with where I am in my career and I will have started my own business, brought two Siamese cats and have a cinema room!!!

What would you say has been your biggest challenge so far as a dancer?

My biggest challenge so far hasn't been a particular role it's been balance my stress levels, dancing on stage night after night is a dream come true but sometimes it can be incredibly nerve racking and it's being able to calm your nerves that is a contestant challenge.

And what do you do when you're not dancing?

I love relaxing at home with some good food and a film, or even spending time in my garden. I also love going to the theatre and watching other people dance.

What advice would you give to young and aspiring dancers?

Make sure it is what you love above all else because it's going to take up all of your time. It's a really special career that doesn't last that long so live in every moment and enjoy your time.

Who are your artistic influences?

My first ballet teacher Susan Robinson, I wanted to be able to dance just like her. Michelle Goyes who was my teacher at Central School of Ballet and my current ballet mistress Yoko Ichino. All three of these women are very different but they are all really strong, passionate women who love ballet and dance, I have learned a lot from them.

What do you believe is the biggest misconception of ballet dancers?

I still get asked, what else do I do for a living? Not everyone believes that there are professional dancers out there. They can't believe that it's my full time job!!!

If you weren't a dancer what would you do?

I wanted to be a hair dresser for years when I was younger, so maybe that or a school teacher, who knows!