Featured Dancer Anabel Kutay

Posted by Danzia on Wednesday, 10 May 2017

FEATURED DANCER: ANABEL KUTAY

 

Tell us a little about yourself...

My name is Anabel Kutay. I am based in London. I have been dancing professionally for 15 years for companies such as Matthew Bourne's New Adventures and The McOnie company. I have also danced in dozens of West End musicals ranging from Phantom of The Opera to Flashdance to Guys and Dolls. 

I've danced for Madonna, Beyoncé, Florence and the Machine and was a top 14 finalist on So You Think You Can Dance in the UK

 

How long have you been dancing for?

I started lessons when I was 3 and never stopped!

 

What styles of dance do you specialize in?

I trained originally as a Ballet dancer and thought that would be my path, but upon graduating from ballet school my eyes were opened to the wide variety of dance styles I could adapt to. I think solid ballet training is a great basis for all styles.

I have morphed into a contemporary, musical theatre dancer and commercial dancer over the years. I even learned Latin and ballroom for my time performing in Dirty Dancing in the West End.

What made you want to start dancing?

I am a very emotionally expressive person but I can be quite shy sometimes and I was even more shy as a child. Dancing was my way of expressing myself without words.


 

Photos by @_alexfine



What has been your greatest accomplishment on your dance career?

The opening night of a quirky little show called DRUNK for The McOnie Company.  We created the show from scratch and it was so highly acclaimed despite being a tiny fringe show. It will always hold a special place in my heart.


What has been your most memorable moment?

The LA premiere of my first movie.

I played the role of April in HIGH STRUNG MOVIE. I was so determined to be in a dance movie before I retired from dance- a movie is eternal after all! It was such a perfect stepping stone into my acting career.



What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge has been moving away from my dance career over the past few years and establishing myself as an actress. 

It was hard to convince the film industry and convince myself that my dance experience was relevant to acting! 


What advice would you give to other dancers?

Determination and perseverance are key. Passion and drive can trump talent sometimes but being the very best you can be and always pushing yourself for that extra pirouette will stand you in good stead. I am a great believer in healthy competition and observation too. When I was at ballet school I used to mimic the very best people ... I would copy and copy until I was better than them ... and when I was better that's when i began to create my own style and become the artist I dreamt of being!



Be sure to follow Anabel on Instagram and Twitter 

Twitter: @anabelkutay

Instagram: @anabelkutay

As well as subscribing to her blog which is filled with insight and adventures in the world of dance and acting.  

https://anabelkutay.wordpress.com/