Cover Amber Lewis in ‘The Nutcracker’
Amber Lewis in ‘The Nutcracker’
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Newly promoted soloist Amber Lewis discusses her life on and off stage
What is your favourite ballet you’ve performed with the HKB?
Don Quixote. [The heroine] Kitri was my first principal role in a full-length ballet with the HKB. The role requires a strong level of technique, high energy and plenty of personality.
What is the one thing you always have in your ballet bag?
Nuun electrolyte tablets. Hydration is so important, especially when you’re on your feet sweating for eight hours a day.
How did you become a ballet dancer?
My mum was a bit of a tomboy growing up. She didn’t want her little girls to follow in her footsteps so as soon as my sister was old enough, at four, she put her into ballet. At two and a half, I so badly wanted to be with my sister in the studio that our ballet teacher at the time reluctantly allowed me to join the class. Twenty-seven years later, I’m still dancing.
See also: Hong Kong Ballet Makes a Glittering Return With George Balanchine's Masterpiece, ‘Jewels’
What do you consider your signature movement?
Maybe pirouettes? But I’d say my greatest strength as a dancer is my ability to move from step to step with fluidity and speed. I love a challenging sequence in a ballet. There’s something so rewarding about pushing your body to the limits and enjoying it at the same time.
What snack keeps you going through the day?
Every morning before work I’ll make a smoothie. Usually, it will have some frozen berries, banana, peanut butter and a supplement powder. Another snack is mixed nuts. These are easy to eat between rehearsals and super nutritious.
Do you have a secret talent?
Is making ridiculous facial expressions a talent? If so, then that’s it!
See also: Brazilian Dancer Daniel Camargo is the New Star of the Hong Kong Ballet
Zabrina is the Senior Editor, Arts and Culture of Tatler Hong Kong. She specialises in performing arts, visual art and film. Her wanderlust was first fuelled by the Mighty Rovers Antarctica Expedition 2010. Over the years, she has interviewed A-list artists and filmmakers, including Oscar winners Chlóe Zhao and Tim Yip, Golden Horse winner Sylvia Chang, In the Mood for Love cinematographer Christopher Doyle, Pachinko author Min Jin Lee, and Coachella’s first Chinese solo singer Jackson Wang. She won gold at the WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards for her 2021 feature on the waves of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
