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Kara McLaughlin - Ballet Dancer
Kara created history by going straight from Dance School to join the Scottish Ballet in 1996. She is from Irvine, Aryshire North."You must be willing to work very hard, be determined, focused and don't give up easily."
My favourite Scottish meal has to be good old fish and chips, eaten out of the paper, sitting
outside on a crisp, cold day - anywhere in Scotland with a clear, calm view.
I love any food that my Mum cooks for me, always delicious.
My favourite place is Irvine Harbour as it still has that old-fashioned feel about it and good fresh air. Looking out to the Arran Hills on a clear day is very therapeutic.
I'm very proud to be Scottish. It's a beautiful country that I never tire of. The scenery and nature is breathtaking and constantly renews my lust for life.
We have a very laid-back and friendly attitude that is renowned outwith Scotland. The country caters for every need: a thriving city for shopping, culture, restaurants and bars along with a beautiful countryside just a drive away to escape the hustle and bustle.
I'm most proud of being where I am today, a professional with Scottish Ballet in my home country. Also making the transition from the Dance School of Scotland into Scottish Ballet.
Dancing has brought so much to my life. Travelling all around Britain and abroad, meeting new
people from all over the world, socialising and invitations to many glitzy receptions, making
great friends
Also learning all different types of choreography to some amazing music, an understanding
of fitness and health of the body and most of all it has given me the biggest adrenalin rush
- both before the performance begins with nerves and anticipation and then elation as the curtain
goes down.
Nothing describes the feeling of bowing to an audience going crazy with applause and cheering - it's wonderful!
My parents were in the foyer before a performance one evening, looking at bronze statues that
were for sale of myself and some of the other dancers.
A lady pointed at mine and commented that she thought I was a lovely dancer and also a lovely
person (I had spoken with her a few times). My Mum took great pleasure in saying I was her daughter.
That was a great compliment to me.
The best thing about being a dancer is the satisfaction of the performance after all the hard
work of rehearsing. It's very rewarding to struggle at something for so long and then just change
something so it works.
The feeling on stage is wonderful, as is the feeling of a family unit as a company and we are
all out there together rooting for each other.
The worst thing is probably the tiredness, especially when travelling, but you get used to
it and get into a routine.
Dancing is a very hard and competitive profession to be in, however it is also very rewarding.
You must be willing to work very hard, be determined, focused and don't give up easily.
At the same time, you need to be able to switch off and relax and have other interests. It's
healthy to put your mind on other activities and come back fresh for your dancing.
I loved watching Tamara Rojo perform Romeo & Juliet with Scottish Ballet. She was wonderful both as an actress and a dancer. She is someone who can really put across the story and look like she is living her role without over-acting. She brought a tear to my eye.
I've learnt so much from all of my colleagues and guest teachers in the Company. The people who have been with me from the beginning of my career offer the best advice, as they know me as a dancer.
They enable me to enhance my performance and push the boundaries and may see things I'm doing with my body that could be better - things I won't see.
The best advice I've ever been given is from my Mum and Dad: to always believe in myself and not forget why I dance - because I love the feeling on that stage
If I had to do any dance with anyone it would be ballroom with Fred Astaire. I'd love to be another Ginger Rogers. I love everything about their dancing and that era.
I can't do without the support of my family. They are everything to me. They help me to shut
off from the intensity of the dancing profession and then help me to believe in myself and be
the best I can be in dancing and in life.
They remind me that life is for living and help me get the most out of it. I also have a passion
for music, good food, reading, movies and magazines.
If I had to do a reality show, it would be Strictly Come Dancing (surprise, surprise!) I'd love
to know all those different styles and get those glitzy costumes on. I'm actually thinking of
going to lessons.
I think it's healthy to open all the avenues of dance and challenge the mind
and body as well as doing classical ballet everyday. I just love dancing!
To find out more about Kara please see Scottish Ballet
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