Image: Jacinta Cristos.
Photography: James Braund.
Jacinta Christos
Corps de Ballet, The Australian Ballet
Name: Jacinta Christos
Do you have a nickname? Jac or JC
Age: 21
Height: 172.5cm!
Where do you live? East Malvern in Melbourne.
Where were you born? Melbourne.
Best thing about your job:
Being able to do what I love. I also love the overseas tours.
Worst thing about your job:
Sometimes feeling a little homesick because we are away for quite a few months of the year.
Favourite ballet role:
Kitri – Don Quixote and Odette/Odiele – Swan Lake.
Most embarrassing career moment:
Would have to be when I ‘stacked it’ during snowflakes in The Nutcracker. There were about six dancers behind me doing split leaps and I had to get up so fast so I didn’t cause a traffic jam!
Favourite food:
Pastitso – it’s a Greek meal which is similar to lasagne but better!
Favourite music:
A bit of Michael Jackson and jamiroquai are always good but on a softer note I like the soundtrack to the movies Meet Joe Black and Chocolat.
Favourite ballet move:
Fouettes – continuous turns on one leg with the other whipping you around and around!
Grand jetes – Big split leaps. It’s as close as I can get to flying.
Growing up, who was your hero?
My Dad.
Tell us about your first ballet concert:
My first ballet concert was when I was 4yrs old and I did a little tap dance. I had to sing as well but I forgot the words. I was so upset that I sat on stage crying!
Other sports you played / hobbies you had or have still:
I used to play golf, but not so much anymore. I love doing charcoal drawings and am attempting to learn Italian.
Tell us something we’d never guess about you:
I have two beautiful little dogs called Casper and Rambo and I love to spend time by the ocean.
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
I had two slices of toast with a boiled egg, some yoghurt with peaches and a cup of peppermint tea.
Best advice you’ve been given along the way:
No matter what happens along the way, always remember the good things.
What is your advice to young dancers?
Just have fun and enjoy every minute of your dancing.
How many pairs of shoes do you go through in one year OR in one performance?
My guess would be about 50 pairs of pointe shoes per year.