Anais Chalendard

I got a phone call from Eric Gauthier at night on September 9, 2009. It is not normal to get a call at home, and from Eric, quite rare…I answered cautiously and he said: “Do you want to go to Miami to perform in a gala?” After a second to think if he was kidding, I said yes of course. He continued “Great! You leave in 2 days”. My jaw dropped. I had never been to Miami before. The whole scenario was unreal. I basically had enough time to pack, have one intense rehearsal and then I was off. This moment stuck in my head, because I had to fly on September 11th.

I first saw Anais in class at the XIV International Ballet Festival of Miami. Normally, I pay more attention to the men in class but this time, what actually stole my attention was the way Rosalie O’Connor’s camera always gravitated toward Anais. “Beautiful” she said as her camera snapped away. After class, she went through some of her steps for the gala performance. I try to never judge a dancer by the class…(I also try to never say never). That was my chance to take a good look… and like any respectable dancer, I sat down in a corner of the studio and pretended to stretch. Anais was gorgeous. Such elegance… she sucked me in. My side eye turned into a full out stare… Watching Anais at that moment was like a breath of fresh air. I never forgot it. When I met her during the days of the festival she was so easy to get along with…which adds so much more to a dancer. Nothing beats just being a nice person. She was still fresh at the English National Ballet, but you could see already that she was on a good way.

Anaïs Chalendard trained in Marseille with Dominique Khalfouni in the Ecole Nationale de danse de Marseille Roland Petit. She has studied in Germany in Düsseldorf with Youri Vamos, Berlin with Vladimir Malakov, and Karlsruhe with Birgit Keil.Anais premiered the leading role in Terence Kohler’s Anna Karenina and Gamzatti in his La Bayadère. She also enjoyed the creation of Ray Barra’s Carmen as Carmen and many choreographic workshops from Renato Zanella, David Bombana, and Terence Kohler. Anais left Karlsruhe to join the English National Ballet in 2008 where she was promoted to first soloist following performances of Manon and Dying Swan. She has also appeared in Carlos Acosta’s show with a pas de deux (Young Apollo) especially created for her and Junor de Oliveira Souza by the choreographer Adam Hougland. In 2009, she received the “Emerging Dancer Award” after dancing Nikiya’s death.

In 2012, Anais appeared in Russia during the Nureyev Festival as Giselle with Principal Jozef Varga from Het National Ballet, and appeared as Odette/Odile in Dereck Dean’s Swan Lake with English National Ballet. She has been listed in the 100 best dancers in the world by Dance Europe Magazine. In June 2013, she was invited to dance Erik Brühn’s La Sylphide with Friedemann Vogel (principal with the Stuttgart ballet) and Rolando Sarabia (international guest artist) at the Theater dell Opera di Roma. Her repertoire includes Anjelin Prejlokaj’s Annonciation (Maria); Peter Wright’s Giselle; Marius Petipa’s Paquita; George Balanchine’s Tarantella, Tchaikovsky pas de deux, and Apollo (Polyhymnia and Caliopé); Kenneth Macmillan’s Romeo and Juliet (Juliet); Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo and Juliet; Wayne Eagling’s The Nutcracker; Christopher Wheeldon’s Swan Lake (Odette/Odile); Roland Petit’s Carmen (Carmen), and Le Jeune Homme et La Mort; among others. Anais joined Boston Ballet in 2013 as a Second Soloist.

I kept in touch with Anais over the years and followed her success. I have become a fan! Believe it or not… this was not the last time I had a surprise call like that. This exact thing happened to me again the next year, except a different country… but I will save that for another interview.

Thank you Anais for believing in this series.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

I was interested in a lot of things. I also loved to study and was OK if I had to face the life of a student in economical and politic science, or Literature. But, being a ballet dancer has always been my dream. It was hard to keep all my expectations satisfied … because I wanted it all: being successful in my studies and to get my first contract.

Anais’s Favorite Things

Favorite Things to eat?

McDonald’s…. just kidding.. I love my Mum’s food. I can’t explain what in particular because I just love eating in general. Also, it’s about the moment. I think eating is a very satisfying feeling . And I’m french… we give a pretty important place to that “Moment” .

Favorite Books?

I love books about crimes and investigations/ thriller type of books

Favorite Movies?

I’m not really into movies. I’m more into shows…if I watch one it should be scary or make me laugh. Not the stupid ones, but just how the actors play sometimes, is enough! For example, I loved “Horrible Bosses” !! I need to relax when I watch a movie… Has to be a nice time… I hate to cry and feel sad after watching a movie.

Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

My favorite dance piece, is a classic: it’s Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet. I had the opportunity to dance the part of Juliet, and I just simply didn’t want the ballet to end… I enjoyed every second of it. I had no fear and couldn’t wait for the moment to step on stage. It was the same feeling as when I was 6 years old waiting to open my Christmas presents … and well, the story of course is beautiful, but the music is what drives me. I remember the first time I’ve been tought the scene in the Crypt, when Juliet discovers Romeo dead , I was so emotional… I think I was overwhelmed by the scene, and the music and the honor of dancing this part.

I like dancers who…

…Are generous with their dancing, living the music. I like dancers who are able to tell me a poem with their arms, their legs, their hands, even if there is no story. I like dancers who are honest.

I am afraid of…

…not living long enough to enjoy everything I want in Life.

Not being able to express myself.

A dance piece should…

Inspire you, make your heart race… move you.

Something you like to do in your spare time?

I’m so busy all the time, that when I do have free time,  I just like to not do anything, watching shows or just hanging out with my friends.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Haha!!! I really don’t know what to pick! Being a ballet dancer is full of embarrassing moments everyday !! First of all, standing in pink tights and leotard is not always cool!!! I guess there are worst things in life! Well… I just get on with it!

One of the hardest things about your job?

To face your image everyday… the mirror is a horrible thing.

One of the happiest moments in your life?

When I got a little sister. We have 16 years difference, same mum and dad.

One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

Went to see whale watching… I was amazed…It was like observing the most wise creature in the entire universe. I felt almost ashamed to disturb their quiet world…I felt I was in the presence of members of the royal family of the Oceans …. haha!

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

My parents. Why ?…. Because they were here from the start and absolutely never failed in supporting me. I would never have achieved what I did without their trust and will, to give me courage and strength in the hardest moment of my life and career. They really are my Heroes.

Do you have any goals you still wish to achieve?

Yes! I’d love to start teaching and coaching to share my experience of stage and roles I’ve worked on, helping youngest to improve their artistic skills. I would also love to be a Mum one day…

A question you want to know the answer to?

what’s next ?????!!!!!!!!!!

Dear aspiring artists,

be YOURSELF, tell the TRUTH to yourself and your audience. WORK… there’s no other way.

Photo Journal

Have you worked with Anais? Have you seen her perform? Help me say thank you by sharing your stories in the comments below. Thank YOU for reading!

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