Dame Darcey Bussell, DBE | Amanda Wakeley Style DNA

In the final episode of Season 6 of Style DNA I go on a style journey with none other than the Retired Ballerina, the President of the Royal Academy of Dance, Presenter, Judge and Classical Ballet Coach at the Royal Ballet Company …the dazzling and divine Dame Darcey Bussell, DBE.
Full disclosure, I have been a fan of Darcey’s dancing for as long as I can remember …not only was she the most technically brilliant ballerina she danced with such a palpable joy and flare that she was mesmerizing to watch. Much of our conversation centred around dance and she talks openly about her body, dancer’s bodies, and I ask her how she went about de-tuning hers after the intensity of training for at least 8 hours a day for 20 years. She admits that having had two children during her career helped prepare her for stopping but obviously nothing prepares you for the full stop and losing the “family” of the Company.
Darcey is the consummate professional, you don’t get to the very top of your field without 100% commitment and she certainly has always had that. She is passionate about the transformative power of dance and is working hard to get it into all schools, as much for mental wellbeing as for physical wellbeing.
We talk about preparing for a show and the inevitable conversation about pointe shoes…fascinating.
We chat about her 7 years as a judge on Strictly and being in control of her own image for that…something she hadn’t been for all her years as a ballerina where you are a complete chameleon to the role you were dancing.
There is obviously so much more and I hope you enjoy this episode available on all major podcast platforms…thank you Darcey, not only for this fascinating conversation but for inviting me into the Royal Opera House while you coached two of the principals…thank you Anna Rose O'Sullivan and Marcelino Sambé for allowing me to be a fly on the wall while you were finessing your duets for the upcoming Cinderella.

[@Diane-jp9jr]

Two classy ladies, thanks.

[@aliampb6949]

Such a relaxed, insightful conversation. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@michelewaterton5982]

Thank you. That was truly lovely ❤

[@suzyg309]

So interesting, I didn’t want it to end.

[@tarunifalconer]

This wonderful interview prompted research on any images mentioned. I see that the Brian Adams photo of Darcy Bussell in the McQueen dress is in the National Portrait Gallery. Oh for a visit to London!

[@gilleancruickshank4434]

Mostly loved it. Dame Darcey is as you say, divine. However I did cringe at the men in tights question. Not that you asked it but that you pursued it. Also the comments about her legs seemed to make her uncomfortable.