Ms. Deleary-McDonald will dance with the Europaballet St.Pölten this season for performances in Vancouver and Saskatoon. A graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada, this Canadian-born dancer dreamed of working in Europe since she was 17. This New Year's Season, she returns to Canada to dance for the first time since moving to Europe!
What do you get out of doing a concert series like Salute to Vienna?
This is my first concert series in my career. In school I did galas, so I can project that with these performances will come an enriched experience that allows me to work with new choreographers and dancers from different countries.
What took you to Europe to dance?
It was when I had the opportunity to dance with Semperoper Dresden in Aaron Waatkin’s production of Sleeping Beauty, during my last year of school.
How do you spend your time when you aren’t working?
When I am not working, I love to do anything outdoors. During the holiday when I am in Canada, as I live by the water, I make it a habit to go to the lake every day with my book, rain or shine.
What’s your favorite city to work in?
During my final year of school, I traveled quite a lot for auditions and one of the cities I fell in love with was Copenhagen. Not only was I staying with a dear friend, but also the entire city always felt upbeat, happy, fresh, and welcoming. As I love water so much, it was also a treat that there is a canal through the city that I dared to jump in.
What’s next in your career?
Right now, I am in my second season at Opera Nationala Bucuresti. I have many goals for the long term, but right now I am working on strengthening my technique and developing my artistry to push myself for more challenging roles.
What’s the greatest thing you have learned, living as an expat?
The greatest thing I have learned has been to not stress about the little things as much.
What do you miss about home?
I miss my family and friends the most. I also miss everything about Toronto.
Who is your favorite person to travel with?
I love to travel with my mother because we have very similar interests in historical and artistic monuments. However, I find traveling by myself also rewarding, as I can manage my own time and find places that bring me peace. I find traveling alone to be a chance to self-discover and reflect.
How many years have you performed in Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concerts?
This is my first, I am very excited!
Favorite musical composition?
Rêverie, L. 68 by Claude Debussy or anything Prokofiev.
Languages?
English.
Favorite journey?
San Francisco.
Currently Reading?
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Favorite food?
Melon or mangoes.
Dogs or cats?
Cats
All images courtesy of Ms. Deleary-McDonald