Christopher Hinton-Lewis: Interview

Christopher was interviewed in February 2004's issue of our Friends publication Northern Exposure. Below you can read some of the edited highlights. For more information on our Friends organisation, and to find out how you could recieve Northern Exposure 4 times a year, click here.

“… Jonathan Ollivier and Christopher Hinton-Lewis as the two men both dance their many solos with impressively brilliant stamina, leaping about like mad things.” The Independent

Congratulations on the success of the role of Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Did you feel as though it was a turning point for you at Northern Ballet Theatre?

Definitely. I was more shocked and surprised than anything else when David announced the roles, it was a bit nerve-racking at first, but it was a lovely part to create and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s nice for someone to have a bit of confidence in me and to give me an opportunity to show what I can do. I knew if I messed up I wouldn’t get another chance, but it went well and now I get to play Simon in Swan Lake which is really good.

You had some great reviews from the critics. How do their comments affect you and your performance?

It was really nice to see my name in the paper for the first time and it was a big boost for my parents and my old dance teacher. But I don’t let the reviews affect me because you’re only as good as your last performance. And I’m lucky enough never to have had a bad review so until I get one, which may happen in the future, I really don’t know. It might affect me a lot more than I think.

It was an extremely physically demanding role – did you find that it took its toll on your body?

I had a blood blister on my toe that burst and which then became infected. I burnt my right shoulder in the dress rehearsal on one of the lights on the train and that had to be bandaged up and I was just covered in scabs and bruises, so I suppose it did take its toll. My legs are already cut up and bruised from the Swan Lake rehearsals because I tend to throw myself around a lot. That’s just the type of person I am – I’d jump off a cliff and then think ‘is this a good idea?!’

Above: Christopher dancing with Pippa Moore in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

How do you cope with the gruelling regime and unusual lifestyle?

We’ve had six weeks to put the show on as well as rehearsing for Jardi Tancat and Midsummer so it’s pretty tough. Being on the road can also be a bit tedious – it’s nice if you’re in a good city and you’ve got great digs, but if you don’t have a good place to stay and the city’s a bit of a dive it’s just horrible. I’m looking forward to going to Edinburgh, we always manage to get a really nice flat there and I love the city.

Is there any point in rehearsals when you just think I can’t do this?

Usually at about 5.30 when I’ve still got an hour of rehearsals to go. I’m more mentally tired at the moment than I am physically, but I’ve come up with a way to get over that. Drink lots of water during the day, which was Desi’s advice, then go home, have a nice dinner, a couple of beers and watch some TV. Do what you have to do to relax, have a bath, ice your feet, but most importantly make sure you have a beer!

When did you realise that you had a special talent and that you wanted to dance professionally?

I was always going to be a policeman or a fireman or something totally different. I got 11 GCSEs, but my mum and dance teacher had been talking about me taking my dance further. My parents have never believed in pushing me – they push me in a psychological way – they let me think I’ve made up my own mind when really they’ve given me a nudge in the right direction!

So I went off and did some auditions and ended up at ENB’s school. It felt like home as soon as I walked in. Everyone was pleasant and nice, there was a relaxed atmosphere and it didn’t seem very pressured – it was my kind of school. It was a lot smaller than the Royal Ballet School - there were only five boys in my year and eight boys altogether. We used to do class in the morning and once we’d finished the company would come in. We would sit and watch them and it would give us a real sense of what we were aiming for.

What are you looking forward to most in the season ahead?

My holiday in Italy! No, really it will be nice to get the season started and the première of Swan Lake out of the way. I’m also looking forward to the London season – it’ll be really good for me and will be interesting to see what the London audience think of Midsummer.

Above: Christopher with Jonathan Byrne Ollivier in Swan Lake.

Do you always feel that way about premières?

No, because when it comes up to it I want another month to get it right! In Midsummer the pas de deuxs were so acrobatic with big jumps and somersaults I felt like I needed another couple a weeks. I did get really nervous about that and wanted a bit more time, but once it was up and running I was fine.

Do you usually suffer from first night nerves?

Yes, very much so. If I don’t get nervous before a show it’s going to be a bad show because it means I’m not psychologically ready or motivated enough. When I get nervous I start to yawn - If I’ve yawned I know I’m going to have a good show – if I haven’t then I know I’d better start concentrating!

What does the future hold?

The future at the moment is my work here. I’ve been given great opportunities, so I’m going to make the most of them. I would like to work abroad again at some point, but if I’m honest I’m happy where I am at the moment.

And beyond my dance career – I’d happily go and teach kids to play football – I can’t see myself sitting in an office. I got an AS level in Business Studies and that was enough for me!

I’m just a big kid - I like to go and play and this job allows me to play. If you take it too seriously you’ll just crack up, but if you take it with a laugh and a giggle, but still nail down and do your work you’ll have a great time.