
© Karolina Kuras. (Click image for larger version)
English National Ballet dance Raymonda at the London Coliseum from 18 – 23 January 2022.
More details at www.ballet.org.uk br>
It’s an incredibly busy time for Shiori Kase as she dances the lead role in the long awaited premiere of Tamara Rojo’s Raymonda next week. We had 5 questions, but not to overly impose, the kicker was that Shiori could answer each in short order – often in just one or two sentences…

© Laurent Liotardo. (Click image for larger version)
Q: So, what’s it been like creating the leading role in a new ballet under Covid? How long have you been working on Raymonda?
SK: The lockdown brought its own set of challenges to the creation process but It was so lovely to still be in the studio working on a production.
How do you prepare for a new dramatic role?
For me, the motivation behind the character’s action is most important thing. Once I have a good understanding of this I feel much more confident becoming the character.

© Laurent Liotardo. (Click image for larger version)
Do you have any pre-premiere or pre-show rituals?
My whole preparation before the show is a ritual. If I don’t follow this routine, I start to get nervous.
What’s your earliest dance memory, and what would you be if you weren’t a dancer?
My first time dancing a solo in pointe shoes. I danced Cupid from Don Quixote, it is a very hard solo for a first attempt. I remember my teacher told me to do lots of pointe work and so I stole my mums kitchen to do tonnes of relevés at home.

© ASH. (Click image for larger version)
I love the idea of travelling to countries for a job so probably something that would allow me to do that.
Who are your dance heroes and what’s your motto or mantra in life?
I have always tried to be thankful for what I have and the people around me.
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