Spot on Maya Schonbrun, First soloist at the Swedish Royal Ballet

Congratulations to be nominated First Soloist at the opening of Cinderella 29 November. You danced the role of Cinderella with Kentaro Mitsumori as Prince.

Thank you! Yes I am so lucky to be dancing Cinderella with Kentaro as my prince, he’s incredible and it’s been amazing working with him.

You got your dance education at Master Ballet Academy, in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Yes I went to school at Master Ballet Academy.

When did you do your first dance steps?

I started dancing when I was 3 in a competition dance (tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, etc..) and then started learning and training ballet at 13 when I attended Master Ballet Academy.

Did anyone encourage you to dance or did you find out it by yourself?

Dance has always been my own choice. My parents put me into dance when I was young and after my first class I always begged my mom to go back and since then it has always been my choice to go everyday and to continue dancing.

Do you have siblings who are also dancing?

I have two brothers and neither of them dance!

Is Stockholm your first contract after your education?

Yes, Stockholm was my first contract and company experience. I came here straight after graduating from Master Ballet Academy.

What roles have you danced in Stockholm?

Since joining RSB I have performed as Cinderella (Askungen), Odette/Odlie (Swan Lake), Sofia Albertina (Gustavia), Queen of Dryads (Don Quijote), Spring (Askungen) and Sisters (Askungen).

Did you have any favourite role?

I’ve loved every role I’ve gotten to perform and am not sure I’d be able to choose a favorite however Odette/Odile will hold a special place in my heart since it was my first principle role. I’d be so happy and lucky to get to perform any of these roles again and really do love all of them.

What has been the most challenging thing to do in Cinderella?

I think the most challenging thing about Cinderella is making sure to portray the right idea and thoughts that go through Cinderellas head in every moment. The story is revolving around Cinderella and what she is experiencing, so I think it’s really important to make sure that every move, gesture, and reaction is telling the right story and the right idea for that moment in the ballet. Cinderella has been such a fun ballet and character to portray and I’ve loved getting the opportunity to do it.

How is it to live in Stockholm?

I love living in Stockholm! It’s such a beautiful place to be and live. The hardest part is definitely the harsh winters especially compared to Arizona but there’s still so much beauty in that as well. I’m very grateful to be living in Stockholm.

Cristian Hillbom
Stockholm