Artist Interview: Era Chorna
Interview By: Aarusha Pushparajah
Era Chorna is a ballet performer who started her journey as a dancer at the National Ballet Academy in Kharkiv, Ukraine. She later went on to join the Kharkiv National Opera and Ballet theatre as a soloist. Through her years as a performer, she has gained many awards and prizes for her talent. After graduating with honors from the Vienna Ballet Conservatory, she joined the National Ballet of Austria. Era has performed in the USA, Canada, as well as China.
As she grew, she followed an interest into the potential of becoming a singer and actress. As a result, she has published two Jazz albums produced by Juno award winner, Bill King. Currently, she resides in Montreal, Canada and is passing on her talent to people of all ages through teaching ballet.
AADN:
How did you get into ballet? What peeked your interest in the dance?
Era:
My father took me to a ballet academy in my home town in Ukraine when I was 7 years old. I had to audition, because in Ukraine not everyone can join ballet training. You have to prove your physical and musical abilities. I was always jumping, singing and dancing as a child and I believe my parents had no choice but to take me to school so they could rest from hyperactive girls at home.
AADN:
How has the road to become a dancer been for you? Are there challenges you have experienced you would like to share?
Era:
To become a dancer you have to be hard working and mentally strong. The world of dance is very competitive.
AADN:
Seeing as though you have experience in both a musical and dance career, is there one you enjoy more?
Era:
I don’t think that I enjoy dancing more than singing or vice versa. They are different chanels of expression. I can only say that because I trained professionally as a dancer, I feel more confident to perform in dance productions than vocal gigs. Yes, my vocal performances are always intuitional. Emotional I can say.
AADN:
Are there any future projects you are looking forward to that you would like to share?
Era:
I have a dream to put together a new young ballet collective, a dance team where young generations of dancers could get a chance to perform as much as possible before they get a job in big theatres and companies. The younger generations need more stage experience.
AADN:
Would you ever venture into visual arts as well?
Era:
Interesting question, because I love exploring my possibilities and potential, but I don’t think I have the talent for drawing and visual arts. But, I love writing poetry and hope one day to publish my book.
AADN:
What was the process of creating your two albums like? Any thoughts / feelings you would like to share about the experience?
Era:
Working on my albums was like getting a new degree. It’s a wonderful and creative process, and new social connections and experiences that build your next steps. I am a very possessive person that had to grow all their life, and making music for me is a big deal! Music gives me peace and satisfaction.
Editor: Ezel Urul
