CUPCAKES & CONVERSATION is Ballet News’ flagship interview series with professional ballet dancers globally. For more than a decade, Ballet News has been asking the questions you want answers to.
Cupcakes & Conversation with Mackenzie Brown, Soloist, Stuttgart Ballet
This time, it’s the turn of Stuttgart Ballet Soloist, Mackenzie Brown, whom you may recall from the Erik Bruhn Competition in Canada.
Mackenzie, congratulations on winning The Erik Bruhn Prize. Can you tell us about your experience ?
The experience was wonderful. Everything was very well organized and it was my first time going to Canada making it even more exciting. I really enjoyed the process and it honestly did not even feel like a competition. Of course, there were maybe a bit more nerves than a typical performance but overall, all the people were very welcoming and kind. It was also nice to meet with such talented artists and share the stage with them!
What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Well, fortunately, I do not start work until 10:30 am. I know, some people will be quite jealous (but do not worry, we make up for it on other days finishing super late!). But with that considered, I am still an early riser. I find the morning such a beautiful time where the environment is quiet and peaceful and I can even hear the birds chirping which is lovely. As far as the motivation, I believe each day is a God-given gift and I want to steward it to my best ability and live my life to the fullest.
If ballet chose you, as many dancers say it did, what is it that has made you stick with it?
I would not say there has been one specific thing that has made me continue to pursue ballet, but perhaps multiple different factors. Having an incredible support system has really been an extremely vital key to my career. My family and loved ones are incredibly supportive and are always cheering me on. I also just have a pure love of dance. Dancing truly fills my spirit with joy.
What are you looking forward to dancing this season & what are the big challenges likely to be for you ?
We still have many different programs and ballets to come this season. Some I have already danced and others I have not. We are currently preparing for Onegin, where I am dancing ‘Olga,’ as well as Taming of the Shrew where I will be dancing the role of ‘Bianca.’ They are both beautiful roles that I have the privilege of revisiting, and working on making them both technically and artistically better. We are also revisiting The Lady of Camellias which we revived earlier this season where I danced the role of ‘Prudence’ that I enjoyed very much. Last but not least, we are preparing for a world premiere by choreographer Vittoria Girelli and I am really enjoying that creation process.
Who would you most like to dance with, what would you dance & where would you perform ?
Goodness, this is a hard one. I would love to dance with Tiler Peck. Watching her dance just makes me want to get up and dance with her. Her dynamic, musicality, and technique are impeccable. As for the repertoire, just something very fun and upbeat and it would be awesome to dance in New York!
How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
Pointe shoes can be a ballerina’s biggest dream or worst nightmare. I have been on the search of finding the perfect shoe for a long time, but I am really enjoying the kind I currently wear. They are custom Freeds and I do quite a lot to prepare them to be worn. I usually start by using shellac on the inside of the box and let it sit for a day or two. I cut off about 1/3-1/2 of the shank inside and tape down the extra fabric. Then, I darn around the toe, but just on the front side not all the way around. After all that is finished, I will sew my ribbons and elastic on and shave the bottom of the shoe to make it more flat and voilà, they are ready to be used.
What is your daily routine at the moment & how do you prepare for a show?
My daily routine starts relatively early (as I said before, I am an early riser). I like to get my day started on the right foot. I usually have breakfast while reading my Bible and have a quiet time of prayer. I do any chores around the house and then head off to work. Typically, I work from 10:30-18:30 if I do not have a show and then I head home. I make some dinner and get started on any school work I have. In addition to dancing, I am taking college classes online so I keep myself very busy. I sometimes use any extra time to research new recipes since I enjoy cooking and living healthy. I also prepare my pointe shoes, catch up with friends and call my family. I am pretty good at multitasking so that helps. Then, it is off to bed to get some much needed rest.
I believe I have a quite normal routine when preparing for a show. I usually get to the theatre early (but not too early) just enough to give myself time to get ready and have some quiet time. I like to go over and visualize my steps and how I want to execute them. I like to try a few things on stage before or with my partner if there is partnering and give toi toi toi hugs to all my wonderful colleagues.
Would you like to see any improvements in ballet, and if so what are they?
Overall, I really enjoy seeing dancers enjoy performing. It is so mesmerizing to watch someone who plays with the audience. You can immediately see that they love what they are doing. So, I would say that dancers should just express their genuine love and joy for dance more!
You can ask six famous people to dinner – who would you invite ?
There are many women from both far and recent history that I would love to invite over for dinner starting with Anne Frank. I have always been fascinated by her story. Then, from a similar time, Maria Von Trapp. I love The Sound of Music, but to hear stories from the real ‘Maria’ would be incredible. Next, I would invite Princess Grace. Having had the honor of training at the Princess Grace Academy, it would be very fitting to have her at my dinner table to say a proper thanks for creating a wonderful school for young dancers. Next, I would invite Helen Keller and Malala Yousafzai. Both of these women, overcame incredible odds in their lives. Lastly, I would invite Kerri Strug, an American gymnast who won gold with a nearly broken ankle and Shawn Johnson who was someone I loved to watch as a young gymnast.
Who inspired you to dance ?
There was not one specific person who inspired me to start dancing. Actually, it was my mom who decided to put me in dance classes when I was 3. I get inspired when I watch other dancers, especially when I see them enjoying themselves. All I want to do it get up and join them because it looks like so much fun.
What is your best piece of advice ?
This is a hard question because there is so much advice and encouragement that people have given to me that has meant so much. My advice right now would be to surround yourself with people who will love and support you through it all. Through your hard and ugly seasons and the beautiful and great ones too. Find people who are not afraid to speak the truth when you are wrong and point you back into the right direction. Life is not meant to be lived alone!
What do you look for in a dance partner ?
A good work ethic is a big one for me. I enjoy working with people who love to work hard and achieve good results. Also kindness! And you have to be able to handle some smiles and laughter because I am full that!
What is your favourite quote ?
I do not necessarily have a favorite quote at the moment, but I really love this verse from the Bible.
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:10
It reminds me that God is always with me and guiding me through life so when obstacles come, I do not have to fear because He is holding my hand through it all!
Do you have a ‘signature step’ – one that comes naturally to you ?
Hmmm, I love to turn, but I also love big jumps. I love being able to travel across the room and fly in the air!
In terms of your ballet career, where would you like to be in a year from now ?
Honestly, whatever God’s plan is for me, I am all for it. I would love to have some more experience in different repertoire especially with the classics even if it is just for galas and dancing the grand pas from them. I find them to be a great challenge and wonderful learning experience to grow technically and artistically.
Who would you like to have a conversation with ?
Maybe Queen Elizabeth, though she sadly has passed away. I would have loved to sit down and have a conversation with her about her life as I find it so fascinating. Her story of becoming queen at such a young age and the devotion that she gave to her role is remarkable.
What is your exit strategy, for the time when you stop dancing, and how did you plan it ?
Considering my career has just started, I do not have an exit plan. As I mentioned earlier, I am taking online college classes, one class at a time, while being a professional dancer. In the US, my friends and most young adults my age are attending college full time. While it is not always easy, I get to do both. I am currently studying classes associated with elementary education to perhaps one day become a teacher or to use what I am learning in some way to work with young children. Before leaving home to attend Princess Grace, I had the opportunity to use my passion and love for dance to meet, encourage, and be an advocate and voice for children fighting cancer. Their bravery and determination is such an example to me, and what a special honor it was for me to learn to live every minute that I am given to the fullest. So while I may not know what my long term future may hold, I do believe that the stage has my heart for quite some time. The stage is home for me.
