Persevere 03
Persevere with Performance || Xander Parish
This episode is a call to action. Even when weary and feeling disconnected, are you still looking for the opportunities?
Welcome to Episode Three in our series entitled “Perseverance” - Persevere with Performance.
Xander Parish was the first Western Principal Ballet Dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre and has been honoured by the Queen with an OBE. His commitment to his art form is extra ordinary - his focus, work ethic and singularity of purpose is more than inspiring, it’s a call to action.
Image Credit: Darian Volkova
This episode covers a great deal of ground. We begin with Xander’s early years in Yorkshire playing cricket and dancing. We hear about the circumstances that led him to join the Royal Ballet School and then the Royal Ballet Company. Then we move onto Russia and the Mariinsky. One wonderful twist after another. So many of you wanted to hear about life in Russia and Xander paints the most wonderful picture. He shares about life under Covid and his hopes for the future.
Throughout the episode Xander’s talent, faith and perseverance shine through. His single minded attitude is quite wonderful and certainly shakes us from our day to day.
The thread that runs throughout his story is that we should all strive to see the opportunities and the chances, whatever the circumstances. So if you have ever enjoyed the ballet or simply marvelled at the expertise, strength and musicality, then you will really enjoy this. And be moved to discipline…at least for the rest of the day.
Image Credit: Svetlana Avvakum
“In the arts, we know that creativity thrives under pressure. So make sure to open your eyes and look for the chances. There are always opportunities everywhere. How can you be the one to solve a problem?”