Meet Michela Meazza
We caught up with long-standing company dancer Michela Meazza to find out a little more about her. Read the interview below to find out where dancing first began for Michela...
Beautiful music always makes me want to dance! It’s the way I express myself.
Michela Meazza
When did you first realise that you were going to pursue a career in dance?
"After attending ballet classes in a private school in Piacenza, until I was 18. I realised I wanted to go somewhere where I could get professional training. I auditioned for London Studio Center and got in. It was quite a change going from classes 3 times a week to dancing every day 10 to 6, but that’s when I realised how much I wanted to do it as I was very committed and would stay late to go over steps or practice in front of the mirror."
Where did you first start dancing?
"I went on holiday at a mountain place in Italy and an older girl in the group of friends I made there decided to put on a dance show for the parents. I was 8 and she noticed I was gifted so she told my parents I should try ballet. I am still in touch with her, she is now a dance/theatre director. She is very pleased I followed her advice."
Why is dance important to you?
"I feel inspired by many people: too many to mention. A great source of inspiration is music because it has the ability to move us emotionally. Beautiful music always makes me want to dance! It’s the way I express myself. It always challenges me physically but also mentally: I like challenges!"
What is your earliest memory of being on stage?
"The end of year performance in Piacenza: a beautiful old theatre! I still remember its smell in the wings and the dressing rooms."
What was your first dance job?
"I joined Matthew Bourne’s production of Swan Lake on its first West End run at the Piccadilly Theatre. I didn’t know that was the beginning of a long-standing relationship with this company!"
What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
"My foot came out of my high heel shoe, but only half of my toes so I could walk properly: I had to limp off stage, trying to look elegant [Play Without Words]."
How do you want the audience to feel when they see you perform?
"I’d like them to have fun and get absorbed by the story and the character and forget their worries for a couple of hours."
Watch the interview below as Michela discusses her journey with New Adventures and her experience returning to the role of prima ballerina, Irina Boronskaja in Matthew Bourne's 2019/20 National tour of The Red Shoes.
Note: Michela gave her final performance in our 2019/20 National Tour ofThe Red Shoes at New Wimbledon Theatre.
Catch Michela on a screen near you