Mr. Leader on Mr. Leader

Catching up with Mr. Leader is a difficult thing to do, especially when you live on the other side of the world! In the short time I've know him, I've discovered that he's extremely friendly and funny, and he really loves what he does - help dancers discover their creative passion. The following is the result of a Q&A session with him...

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Europe.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? No.

WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR? My humour and pirouettes.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVITY? A sense of giving, expression and humour.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START TO WORK WITH DANCE IN A SERIOUS MANNER? Around my mid-teens I realised the seriousness of the career between The Royal Ballet School and Rambert.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM? Ground Hog Day and the Japanese movie, Departures.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO INVITE FOR A DINNER AND WHY? My deceased grandfather who had been a dancer.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPOIL YOURSELF? Relaxing at Broadwater Haven where I am out in the nature with my dogs.

WHAT IS THE NICEST COMPLIMENT YOU'VE RECEIVED FOR YOUR CREATIVE WORK, AND FROM WHOM? A famous Opera singer who didn't hand out compliments at all, but who couldn't believe how I could do certain technical feats.

WHAT IS A HAPPY LIFE TO YOU? Being able to live with positive energy from people, and humour.

WHAT DOES A REGULAR DAY LOOK LIKE TO YOU? Early morning teaching, a break, then teaching from midday to evening. I also work other jobs in Brisbane and here on the Coast.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DREAM PROJECT? Being able to give to people/dancers/students who need my help.

WHO IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE MODEL/INSPIRATION? A combination of most of my past teachers. Richard Gladstone, Ronald Emblem, Patricia Linton, Clover Roope, Christopher Bruce, Ross McKim, and Jochen Ullrich.

WHICH IS THE ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT? My pets.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Positive energy from people.