2. What would you have done as a career if ballet hadn't come your way?

If I went with six-year-old Tene’s career choice, I would be a marine biologist. I recently finished an introduction course to Environmental Law so adult Tene’s choice would potentially be in that field but still something to do with the environment.

3. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment performance-wise?

That would have to be when I was nine years old and competing in my first ballet competition. My classical solo was changed just prior to this and I completely forgot the ending. Instead of improvising as most people would have done, I was so nervous that I pretended to cough a couple of times and then finished in a pose on the floor. I still have a very vivid memory of that moment.

4. What is your work philosophy?

I would say take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. I believe that if we take care of our mental health by listening to positive, constructive self-talk and learning when to rest and when to push ourselves, we can develop into healthier and stronger artists with a greater appreciation for both ourselves and the art from.


5. How do you handle criticism?

I am learning how to deal with it better. We are given feedback to help us become better artists and I owe it to myself to listen and apply the feedback so I can learn and grow.
 

6. Do you have any habits or superstitions before you perform?

I always give the person in the wing with me a hug and wave to the person across the stage from me. My favourite is during The Nutcracker, all the women in the snowflake scene tap the tutus of the other dancers before we go onstage for good luck. We try to time it with the orchestra’s buildup of the score so it’s more dramatic. 

7. What's your definition of a successful ballet dancer?

For me, two things go into being a successful dancer. One, your ability to show artistic freedom and make people feel something and two, feeling a sense of overwhelming peace and joy when you’ve achieved number one. I don’t know if it's a singular moment or if once experienced, whether it lasts the rest of your career but I am still striving to for it

 

8. What’s the best thing about being a dancer and what’s the worst?

Worst would have to be sewing pointe shoes. Some dancers find it therapeutic but I don’t enjoy it. The best part is seeing all the hard work come together. Those first steps onstage feel like coming home. When the curtain rises, the orchestra is playing, the sound is so full and you’re transported into something truly beautiful.

9. What's your guilty pleasure song that'll make you rock out no matter where you are?

Any song by Lizzo. She always gets me dancing.

10. What are three random things most people don't know about you?
 

• My background is Sri Lankan, African-American and Cherokee Indian.
• I used to play the saxophone because I wanted to be like Lisa Simpson (from The Simpsons).
• I’m learning to speak Dutch.