A minute with Nefeli Mak Dancer

Where do you live?
All around the world. Cyprus has been my base for the past couple of years. Right now I’m in Greece and in a few weeks I’ll be in Spain for a dance contract. I live with my mum and brother when in Cyprus and either by myself or with roommates when I’m away.

What did you have for breakfast?
Cornflakes, my go-to!

Describe your perfect day
Quiet and slow morning with my dog, maybe sitting outside. Lunch and quality time with a loved one. Dance training and stretching in the afternoon. Perform on stage in the evening.

Best book ever read?
Essays in Love. Just because something about the way this book is written fascinated me.

Best childhood memory?
Going to the beach is connected with amazing memories, either with family, building sandcastles and eating fruit, or with dance mates, dancing and doing tricks on the sand, I was so innocent and free.

What is always in your fridge?
Chocolate

What music are you listening to in the car at the moment?
Depends on my mood really, but usually pop, reggaeton and afro.

What’s your spirit animal?
The tiger. Raw strength and protection from any negative energy.

What are you most proud of?
Moving to four different countries by myself and making it through. Travelling for your passion is indeed very exciting but it also comes with a lot of struggles that you probably can’t even imagine, unless you do it. Having emotional support from your loved ones is integral to this experience.

What movie scene has really stayed with you?
A scene from The Intern where Robert De Niro said to Anne Hathaway: “You should be able to have a huge career and be who you are without having to accept that your husband is having an affair…”. Basically saying that a woman can and should have it all, a huge career, a personal life, a healthy relationship. Preach.

If you could pick anyone at all (alive or dead) to go out for the evening with, who would it be?
Selena Quintanilla, because she was kind, talented, a hard worker and very creative. I’d love to speak with her. If you don’t know who that is, you should find out!

If you could time travel when/where would you go?
I’m not sure when or where to exactly, but I would want to meet my ancestors and find out whether any one of them was a dancer.

What is your greatest fear?
That time is running out.

What would you say to your 18-year-old self?
Work on your patience, you’ll need it.

Name the one thing that would stop you dating someone
Lack of understanding towards my career goals and the sacrifices that need to be made.

If the world is ending in 24 hours what would you do?
Go back to my hometown. Dance for the last time. Hug my dog, my parents, and my partner tight. Laugh until my belly hurts with my best friends.