Mihael Belilov: "My body protects my soul"
This Bulgarian-born dancer is a pleasure to watch during rehearsals and on ballet stage. We decided to get know Mihael better by discussing with him some universal concepts of beauty, love and art in an interview for our magazine. We hope you will enjoy reading.
What is your greatest inspiration in life?
Life itself and everything that’s alive. Love inspires me in a very powerful way as well.
What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?
I think about things I said or did wrong the day before and I think how to fix them and give people and myself another chance. Basically, how to be a better person!
Are you an owl or an early bird?
Hard to say, since I like going late to bed but love getting up early.
Is it difficult for you to be disciplined in your daily routine?
It can get difficult, but it is always manageable. Different every day.
How did ballet change your life?
Well, ballet became my life, so I guess that’s how it changed it.
What is the most important thing ballet taught you?
One of the most important things ballet taught me so far is probably discipline and self-caring and respecting!
Do you believe that the beauty of appearance reflects the beauty of the soul?
Not always I would say. True beauty mainly comes from inside! “The cover you might fix and change but the content stays untouched”.
Why are all ballets about love and death?
Well, maybe, because that’s what real life is all about in the end of the day as well. We all love and we all die, it makes sense.
What is your body for you?
Interesting question. I respect my body very much and try to treat it in the best way I can. My body protects my soul in a way, so to keep my soul protected I need to keep that body in shape.
What is the purpose of art?
In my opinion, the purpose of art would be to make others experience feelings they couldn’t experience before, to motivate others to make art as well. Art can be a huge relief to many too, and maybe help to develop and educate the humanity in a way that nothing else can!
What is the best definition of beauty for you?
It will be PERSONALITY.
Photos by Anna Shalina taken for Voci dell'Opera