1. Last month you joined the company as the newest Principal Dancer. What are you enjoying most about this company so far?

I’ve only been here a few weeks, but so far I feel that the atmosphere is more relaxed here. I have wanted to come to Canada for awhile now and I am enjoying the city of Toronto so far and the chance to practice my English.

2. Prior to coming to Canada you were a Principal Dancer with Prague National Theatre Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet. What are the biggest differences between The National Ballet of Canada and the European companies, from a dancer's perspective?

Like the European companies, The National Ballet of Canada has great repertoire and strong dancing, as well as a great reputation with Karen Kain as Artistic Director which is something that appealed to me. The National Ballet does not tour as much as Stuttgart Ballet unfortunately, but instead focuses on Toronto-based performances.

3. Where have you been in Toronto so far, and what are your first impressions of the city?

I like this city’s energy and the fact that it is very cosmopolitan. I have been to a few restaurants – mostly Thai and Indian. I also went to see Full Bloom at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts recently and I really like the Distillery District. My wife Aneta and I like Toronto so far.

4. You are cast to dance the lead role of Siegfried in Swan Lake this March. What have you found to be the major differences so far in dancing this version by James Kudelka and the John Cranko version you danced at Stuttgart? What new aspects will you bring to your role of Siegfried in this version of Swan Lake?

In John Cranko’s version, the Act I choreography is very hard for the prince and Act IV is quite calm. In James Kudelka’s version, it is the opposite. I haven’t danced Swan Lake in more than six years, so we’ll see what happens! I’m glad I will have enough time to prepare for it.

As for what I will bring to the stage – my Czech heart!

5. Which performances or roles are you most looking forward to in the rest of the season and why?

I’m looking forward to performing Onegin because I’ve never danced it in North America and it’s a role I’m well-known for in Europe and Asia. Singing in West Side Story Suite will also be interesting. I love music and I enjoy singing but I have never sung in public.

I don't know if I'll be in the new Jorma Elo premiere but I danced in his Slice to Sharp in Stuttgart and I enjoyed it immensely.