Primrose Bakery support Ballet News
Cupcakes & conversation with Crystal Costa, First Soloist, English National Ballet
What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
To be honest, it’s the prospect of my first morning coffee…
Who would you most like to dance with ?
Fred Astaire by far.
How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
I used to do crazy things to my shoes like take in material from the sides to try to make them look as nice as possible, but now after going through so many, I just do the bare essentials: sew on ribbons, elastics and then darn them.
What is your daily routine at the moment ?
Right now we are in the rehearsal stages before all the touring begins, so it’s that nice feeling of a working process and getting into the roles. So it’s class and rehearsals all day and I’m able to spend time with my friends in London after that.
You can ask six famous people to dinner – who would you invite ?
Baryshnikov, Evelyn Hart, Jamie Oliver (or actually hopefully he’d be the chef), Kurt Browning, David Letterman, and my sister.
What would surprise people about you ?
My mom is Chinese and my dad is Portuguese.
Who inspired you to dance ?
I guess I got inspiration from dancers around me all the time, but especially my first ballet teachers and I’ve always admired Evelyn Hart.
How would someone else describe you ?
Depends who you ask, I’ve heard everything from “you’re actually blonde” to “neurotic”, to “loveable”.
What is your best piece of advice ?
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Which role has tested you the most & how ?
I can’t pinpoint any certain role that has tested me more than others. When I think of challenging roles I’ve had such as Aurora, Odette/Odile, Giselle, I realize how they are all incredibly challenging in their own right and have all given me something different. With every role I’ve done, I always find a challenge to experience something special on stage in the most honest way by being as true and real to the character as I can yet still keeping true to myself.
What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
Well I don’t know if this is the funniest, but it’s something I’ll never forget… When I used to live in Hong Kong, I locked myself out of my flat three times in probably about two months. I got to know the locksmith fairly well and he basically confessed to me that he can just about break in to any flat and kind of suggested that prior to his job of helping people with their locks, he was a very good thief. Oh and I guess if you ask my friends they’d probably tell you the story of my first experience on eBay, where I ended up winning a bid for a used bike for more than I could buy a brand new one for…and on top of that I had to go all the way to Reading to pick it up.
If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
Something very very comfortable that would make me feel free to dance just like I feel in the studio.
What are you most proud of ?
My family.
Who would play you in the film of your life ?
A film of my life eh…hehe, well I guess my sister since everywhere we go people ask us if we’re twins even though I’m four and half years older, and I think she gets my sense of humour more than anyone.
What is your favourite quote ?
I have a lot of quotes I like, but a recent one I’ve added to the list is, “The origin of suffering is attachment.” Guatama Buddha.
Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I can tie a cherry stem into a knot with just my tongue…although come to think of it, a few people might know about that one.
September 18, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Hi Elise-I love ballet- I've always wanted to paint a ballet scene!Thanks for leaving such a kind comment for me, I really appreciate it.Sue
September 18, 2009 at 2:49 pm
so much info in this dancing blog I learn so much every day . God bless and take care dear .
September 18, 2009 at 4:12 pm
really interesting interview for a friday afternoon read!
September 18, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Saw you stopped by, so I thought I'd come "check you out." You have a lovely blog. …I always wanted to be a ballerina but mom said taking piano was enough. [sigh] Maybe I'll just come here and live vicariously!
September 18, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I love reading all of these interviews. I am not a dancer, but they are always so inspiring!
September 18, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I can see your passion (and hers) behind every post.
September 18, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Your blog is wonderful and it's about a subject I hadn't thought about following but I read a few articles, love the way you right I will add you to my list of great reads. Thank you for the visit.Lois
September 18, 2009 at 7:23 pm
What a beautiful blog you have here and it reminded me of my total love and passion for ballet when I was a young girl and those wonderful feelings that come from ballet love! Bravo, wonderful interview and posts
September 18, 2009 at 7:54 pm
BEAUTIFUL!!!
September 18, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Hi EliseThank you so much for leaving a lovely comment on my blog, your words mean alot to me. You too have a beautiful blog and so interesting. I will be back to visit again soon. Until then have a good weekend.Warm WishesJulie
September 18, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I have always been in awe of ballerinas.
September 18, 2009 at 11:22 pm
What a beautiful site and such an interesting profile on the beautiful dancer. I look forward to visiting your site again- and thank you for your lovely comment on my blog!
September 18, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Beautiful interview. Thank you.
September 19, 2009 at 1:48 am
Hi Elise, this post is so beautiful, especially the photos. I just wonder if (aside from being a journalist) you are a ballet dancer, too?
September 19, 2009 at 4:40 am
Your blog is beautiful! Oh how I love ballet! Our daughter danced with the Inland Pacific Ballet (in CA) for a few years. Now she is a mother and teaches ballet! I love the art! I will need to get caught up on your writing!~Maryjane
September 19, 2009 at 5:11 am
Hi Elise,Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such a sweet comment! I LOVE you're blog. I've always loved ballet and your blog is just sweet candy, thank you for sharing this with us.Hugs from the NetherlandsBrigitta
September 19, 2009 at 7:26 am
Thank you for visiting my blog. I also used to do ballet back then. and I kinda miss it right now. school is getting busier so I had to ween off from my extra curricular activities. I also agree. suffering is because of attachment. We need to let go. let go of the things that are bothering us.wonderful post dear@ keep posting =)
September 19, 2009 at 10:56 am
Hi Elise,I just love looking at your blog. Please pop over to mine to pick up a 'friends' award I have nominated you for!LoveLynxxx
September 19, 2009 at 1:09 pm
what a beautiful and inspiring woman she is! i've always admired the dedication and passion it takes to be a dancer, especially a ballerina.thanks for your sweet comment on my blog! i agree — this too shall pass.
September 19, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Good shots! Enjoyed looking at your blog~always.
September 19, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Hello Elyse!I love the elegant bodies in your pictures..if only I could dance!The fluffy flowers you saw on my blog are sunflowers.Hope you're having a good weekend!
September 19, 2009 at 2:55 pm
fantastic interview. so interesting to hear about a world i know nothing about. i love her black tutu.xwww.tittees.blogspot.com
September 19, 2009 at 2:59 pm
laurenfaythe – I hope you do – let me know !phonelady – you must be an expert now !AuoraRose – thank you !tera – Please doLisa – I agree, the dedication and sheer hard work of the dancers is indeed inspiring and I hope to show that through these interviews – glad to hear you are enjoying themcorine – thank you for your compliment – too kind !A Beaded Affair – thank you for the compliment and welcome. Delighted you are following ballet nowValGalArt – thank you so much !Fifi Flowers – thank youPussycats and Angels – thank youYolanda – thank you for your commentLori Saul – welcome and thank youmissbmckay – thankyou ! Very kind of you to say so. Of course, having a great subject for an interview makes it very easy !Hi! I'm Grace – thank you for the lovely compliment. No, I'm no dancer ! But I have spent a long time studying it…Maryjane – How lovely to have an expert in the family. Welcome !Brigitta – welcome and thank youabby – thank you for such kind wordsLyn – thank you so much, very kind of youjulie king – thank you, I'm sure Crystal will appreciate your compliment
September 19, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Anncoo – thank you !Michela – thank you for clarifying. I thought so but I've never seenthem look so fluffy !
September 19, 2009 at 4:45 pm
She is stunnilgly beautiful and I love her answers. You don't honestly feed ballerina's cupcakes though do you? xx
September 19, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Hej Elise,First: thank you for visiting Bellavien!, i don't know so much about ballet, but i like the beautiful dresses, i keep den all from my dother, when so loves ballet!Greeting from Sweden
September 19, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Hello Elise,Thank you for dropping by my blog and leaving a comment. Happy weekend to you!
September 19, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Thank you for your comment on my blog. What lovely photos and interviews you include on yours! blessings x
September 19, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Thanks for visiting my blog. I came for a look at yours.I don't know anything about ballet but I do love to watch the way the dancers move and what they can make their bodies do.So much energy, movement and bright enthusiasm. Loved the builders.
September 19, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Hi Elisethank you for the surprise visit. You are a talented and interesting young woman…thanks for the lovely read this morningHappy days
September 20, 2009 at 1:41 am
Thank you for dropping by Elise. Lovely blog, I will have to send the link over to one of my daughters….who studied ballet for many years.
September 20, 2009 at 3:58 am
Beautiful blog you have here Elise! Lots of work you have put into it…clearly!
September 20, 2009 at 7:56 am
Ahoy!!! And my mother is Chinese!!! Now I have a new favorite Ballerina!!!
September 20, 2009 at 8:06 am
Very informative & have enjoyed reading all that was shared:) You are talented & very interesting too! Much luck to you with all that you do:)
September 20, 2009 at 10:34 am
Sensational!! your blog is fantastic, loved my visit over here…many thanks~Gail ~
September 20, 2009 at 12:10 pm
You have such a nice and interesting blog! Faboulous photos! Your world is so new and charming for me!Wish you a nice Sunday afternoon!Vale
September 20, 2009 at 1:21 pm
What a great post and so wonderful pictures!!!! And thank you so much for your nice comment………have a wonderful sunday (here in bavaria its very hot today), Jade
September 20, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Hi Elise, thank you so much for visiting my blog, this is my first visit to yours & I have to say I find it just amazing…. When I was quite young my dream was to become a ballet dancer one that was never fullfilled sadly but at least now whenever I visit you I can dream again, simply loving it….Lyn xxx
September 20, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Hi sweetie!What a great blog! I am not a dancer, but love the information that you share….thanks so much for droppin' by the Yaya and if you are ever down here on the bayou…just let us know and we will have a cold one waitin' for ya!xo..deb
September 20, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hi Elise,Thanks for coming by. Glad you enjoyed the Piglet scene.I enjoyed this post. Even though I don't know anything about ballet I find it interesting to read what motivates the dancers and what their lives are like. And I learn something everytime I come by.Hugs,Dawn
September 20, 2009 at 2:27 pm
What a wonderful post! I just adore ballet. I still have my ballet shoes from when I was a wee one
Thanks for popping by for a visit today my dear.LuLu~*xoxo
September 24, 2009 at 12:10 am
Love the second last picture.
September 24, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Ash Fox – thank you it's great isn't it ?Diane – Well.. now that would be telling !!!Bellavien – welcome and delighted to hear itpebbledash – you are very welcomeAngela – thank youlinda may – welcome ! hope you continue to enjoy your visitsDelwyn – I'm sure Crystal will appreciate your commentShabbyfufu – hope your daughter enjoys reading these interviews as much as you haveEve – thank you very much; it is true but it never seems like work when you can do something you loveC – great !Kim – thank you, I am sure Crystal will enjoy reading your complimentGail – thank you very much, you are too kind !Les Cotrions – thank you, hope you continue to enjoy !jade – thank youMy Pink & Cream Cottage – you are in very good company here – lovely to meet youThe Junkin' Yaya – thank you so much !Dawn – lovely words, thank you !Coastal Sisters – welcome and thank youGlowing Doll – thank you for your comment