The Movement of Fashion design: an exclusive Q&A with royal ballet dancer Anna Rose O’ Sullivan
By Lydia Lawrence
Anna Rose wearing @Aimeejoycelondon
Anna Rose O' Sullivan, current principal ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet began her dancing career at the age of just only two years old. Since then, she has had a striking and remarkable journey while debuting in lead roles such as Cosette in (Les Misérables), Chitty Chitty bang bang, Odette / Odile (Swan Lake) and many more.
Drawing upon years of stage experience and artistic growth, Anna Rose shares her personal insights into what she believes defines a successful ballerina.
At Aimee Joyce London, we interviewed Anna Rose on the importance of seamless movement within both dance and fashion design. She emphasises how the world of fashion and dance collide, explaining how the right costume enhances the ways in which a ballerina moves and expresses raw emotion.
How do you carry on when things get tough?
“For me it’s the sense of joy that I’m giving an audience of people an experience in which they can escape. It’s that end result of the performance and having that exchange with them.”
So, that’s definitely what is in my mind when feeling tired or sore.
What do you think is the most important quality a ballerina needs to succeed?
pc : @Sarahdriscoll
Being a ballerina comes with many challenges, a lot of hard work, tenacity and grit.
"Though, if you ultimately love what you do, you’re halfway there.” Passion and tenacity are the most important, I think.
I think also wearing something that makes you feel empowered and allows you to feel most comfortable, lets you really sit in your ability to trust.
When I’m wearing something that I feel strengthens me, I hold myself better. My shoulders are back, my posture is better and I trust i’ve got this. It allows a sense of pride and confidence in yourself.
Does what you wear influence your style in movement?
Yes definitely, on a personal level when I’m performing a role and the costume might flow behind me, it can give a sense of spiritual and ethereal movement.
This definitely impacts the continuation of the movement and it’s important when effecting the ways in which we flow in dance.
What does your body have to go through to create that sense of effortlessness and grace?
I’m constantly realigning my body and putting it back together. You always return to class the next morning, being ready for the day of rehearsal. There’s lots of mental preparation aswell, so this incorporates visualisation. Putting on music, thinking through each step of the ballet without actually physically doing it. This certainly does help.
How does it feel to wear Aimee Joyce London?
“I always feel empowered beautiful, feminine and strong, when these qualities are put together it’s a real force. It’s an elegance that is understated yet fully aware of it’s ability.”
Wearing Aimee Joyce London feels amazing, whenever I put on her clothes I always feel that little bit taller and I feel authentically myself as her creations are supporting me.
Watch the full video here @AimeeJoyceLondon
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