(Link to Interview)

https://operalife.it/intervista-a-michal-krcmar/

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAL KRCMAR

by M. Guerrini

Dear readers, today we interview the Finnish Ballet étoile Michal Krcmar. His blond strength and technique make him suitable for any role in the classical repertoire. Before being named étoile in 2015 he was a soloist at the Prague Opera House, then at the Ooppera-Baletti in Finland.

1. Dear Michal, I would like to know if it was clear to you, that you wanted to become a dancer as child?

Absolutely not. I started ballet accidentally in age of eight and I had no intention to do it or even continue.  Sometimes still don't believe that I am doing ballet as my profession and that it has been already 23 years. But now I am very thankful for it, because it kept me going.  Ballet and Art brought me my family and a lot of knowledge.

2. Where did your training take place?

I studied at best ballet school in Czech Republic. Prague State conservatory where studied also Jiří Kylián, Daria Klimentová, Jiří e Otto Bubeníček and many others...

3. From 2010 to 2011 you were a soloist at the Prague State Opera. What experience was it?

It was incredible experience and I am still benefiting from it. I have to mention, thank to my first company Bohemia Ballet as well where I danced so much, traveled around the globe on places like Japan, Cambodia, Colombia, Germany, Hungary, Poland...

In Prague State opera where I danced Principal roles basically in all repertoire. During busy period I did for example: week, where I danced Prince in Cinderella on Monday,  Albrecht in Giselle on Wednesday and Prince in Swan lake on Sunday.  But almost all season was like this super busy which was fantastic start of my career in age of 19/20

4. And in 2015 came the nomination of étoile to the Finnish National Ballet. How did you feel at that moment?

I was surprised of course because in age of 25 it seems very exaggerated to get this title. But I am happy that management and directory saw me that way and I am doing my best so I can honor this title every day of my career.

5. Is there a particular role that you prefer to dance to? And a less favorite?

There are plenty roles that I love to dance and plenty that I like to dance less. There are even few that I hate to do. Couple of my favourites are Solor, Onegin, Spartacus, Des Griex in Manon, Romeo, Konrad in Corsaire, Prince in Swan lake it is real privilege to become these characters and live their lives on stage. I love story telling on stage and I particularly take care of clear and natural portraying of each individual characters. Good dramaturgy from choreographer or director is first step. Than many other aspects of course but the rest is in my hands.

One role is very special to me which is Basilio in Don Quijote. People close to me or who know me would tell you, that I am Basilio in real life. Normal guy who grew up on streets with friends and had always good time with them.

6. Your wife Stefania, also working in Finnish National ballet, is Sicilian. What relationship do you have, then, with Italy?

Since mine childhood I was visiting Italy couple of times in year. I had always loved it there and I had always close connection. When I am in Italy I feel like I am at home. Also Stefania's family embraces me as their own son and I got also many friends and contacts all over Italy. One day I can easily imagine to move there for real. Of course I don't have to mention the best food in the world .

7. How has your professional life changed since you became a dad?

It didn't change much. It almost feels, that training and performing is becoming easier. My daughter is making me better person and better dancer as well. She is our treasure and she is also our big ballet fan.

8. After this hard pandemic period, what was the best feeling when you returned on a stage again after the lock down?

To enter the stage without face masks. We had to continue working and rehearsing everything normally but with face masks like in many other companies. But we were preparing for example brand new Swan lake/ World premiere.  We had run on stage with orchestra it was horrible and I really hope it's over!!!

9. Do you think you have flaws?

I have many flaws and I know about them. The first step to fight those bad sides is to accept them and admit them. It's matter of patience to work on it and get better for people around you and for yourself as well.

10. How do you see yourself in ten years, in 2031?

In ten years I would still love to dance on the highest possible level,  but if I would have to quit tomorrow, I would be absolutely ok too. Key is to keep moving forward and whatever you do, is to do best possible way. To imagine quit today or continue for next ten years and to be ok with both options, gives me very valuable tool which is to be finally artistically absolutely free without any pressure.

11. You're playing Spartacus right now. How did you prepare for this role?

Spartacus didn't require any special form of preparation. You get the steps and dramaturgy  vision from the choreographer Lucas Jervies. We had great time together , cooperation was absolutely fantastic and full of creativity. The extraordinary thing in his ballet were fight sequences supervised by legendary Nigel Poulton who was working in Hollywood and you could see his work for example in Pirates of Caribbean. Right now he is working on new marvel movie Thor Love and thunder. His guidance, coaching, mentoring and teaching ballet dancers how to fight, was one of my best experiences ever. I enjoy it really much.

12. What are your next engagements and where will they take place?

This I have to keep for myself right now, but I might come back to perform in Italy again very soon.

We thank Michal Krcmar for granting us this interview, and wish him good luck for the future.

Mattia Guerrini