Mariana Rodrigues

Mariana was born in Lisbon, Portugal and joined Northern Ballet in 2012 from the Royal Ballet School.

Learn more about Mariana

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal.

Where did you do your dance training?

I trained at the National Conservatory Dance School in Lisbon and at the Royal Ballet School.

What made you want to be a dancer?

My family asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up - at the age of 3 and my answer was a dancer and an actress. I don't really remember what triggered that decision, but the truth is I started to take dance lessons at the age of 4 and I haven't stopped ever since.

What would be your dream role to dance and why?

My dream role would be Cleopatra. I've always been fascinated by Ancient Egypt, especially by Cleopatra and the mysteries around her reign. Portraying such a complex character and bringing her to life would be fascinating.

If you could adapt one work into a ballet what would it be?

I feel like there are a few works I want to study before answering that question :)

Who are your artistic influences or heroes?

Pina Bausch, Kenneth MacMillan, Jiri Kylian, George Balanchine, Marianela Nunez, Altinay Asylmuratona, Dorothe Gilbert... There are so many!

Describe your perfect Sunday morning.

Taking a yoga class and watching Eckart Tolle TV on my computer.

What was the first album you bought and what was the last album you bought?

The first album I bought was Cranberries' The Cranberries and the last album was Sara Bareilles' Kaleidoscope Heart.

What would be your luxury item on a desert island?

A Kindle.

What are you favourite places in Yorkshire?

The only place I've been to in Yorkshire is Northern Ballet - when I auditioned for the Company I only stayed in Leeds for one day so I didn't get to see much of it.

More about Mariana

Read Mariana's 'Student to Star' interview on BalletNews.co.uk