This week’s profile on Nicola Lynde comes all the way from Denmark! Check it out and make sure you visit Nicola’s blog, http://nicola-lynde.blogspot.dk, too!
When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
I took the odd class in my early 20’s, but not regularly, and started dancing properly at 26.
Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
I was a rhythmic gymnast as a child and took ballet lessons in conjunction with that. I had a base knowledge of a lot of the movements, but realized just how much I was missing, particularly the terminology, when I started ballet again.
Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
I have always wanted to dance en pointe. Hasn’t every little girl? I decided to try and achieve this before my 30th birthday.
Where do you take classes?
I dance at Sceneindgagen, in Copenhagen Denmark. They are a primarily modern Dance studio, but offer ballet classes as well. Luckily they are very international too, so about half my classes are in English. (http://www.sceneindgangen.dk/
What is your favorite part about ballet?
Dancing en pointe. In the past couple months I’ve gotten to the stage where I feel comfortable, like the shoes are a natural extension of my leg. There’s just such lightness to it, like you are floating.
What is your least favorite part?
Frappés. Hands down. My brain hates them, and they are a constant struggle.
Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
I don’t have one particular inspiration, but draw it from multiple sources. Living in Copenhagen I can see the Royal Danish Ballet preform once in awhile, which is an amazing experience, not least of all because of the amazing Royal Theatre. I also get a lot of inspiration from watching the full time students at my studio, who are training towards a career in dance. They are young, full of energy, and very fun to watch, and to try and keep up with. I also find inspiration in others stories, which is why I like visiting blogs about other adults who dance.
What motivates you to keep dancing?
Improving my ability. I can see such a large improvement from the year I’ve been back dancing and I constantly want to see this.
Do you take any other dance classes?
I take one modern class a week. The modern teacher at my studio is fantastic, and her classes have an amazing energy that I have to be a part of.
What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
I blog, knit, cook and take pictures. I’m a fulltime student again, as of September 2013, so my time is a bit more flexible now than it was while working full time. I’m generally pretty busy, but enjoy that lifestyle.
Be patient. Don’t compare yourself to others, only to yourself.
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