Brooklyn Mack a mission as Swan Lake comes to Palace Theatre

The American dance superstar is returning to what he calls his ENB family as guest principal for Swan Lake, arguably the most popular ballet of them all.

“Being able to get back on stage and dance is definitely like a big breath of fresh air after we’ve all been through,” he said.

The Covid-related lay-off which brought productions to a halt was particularly hard for performers.

“It definitely took its toll,” said Brooklyn. “I had lot of friends who just ultimately decided to retire and didn’t get to have that last performance.

Brooklyn Mack as Lankendem in English National Ballet's Le Corsaire (Picture: Laurent Liotard)

“Dancers are highly-tuned athletes and it’s very difficult to maintain that high level of physical aptitude especially on your own. But I’d say it was also even more difficult mentally and emotionally. It’s not easy to try and find that motivation to put yourself through the rigours that are required day after day by yourself not knowing if there will ever be another performance.

“That’s why it is so refreshing to be back. I think we all appreciate that ability to be on stage so much more now.”

Brooklyn admits that even he struggled through lockdown particularly early on when a friend of his died during the early stages of the global pandemic.

“That was the first time I really took substantial amount of time off from dancing,” he said. “I was really down for a while.”

But now he’s back and heading to the Palace Theatre with Swan Lake.

“I’m honoured and happy to join the ENB family,” he said. “As far as the company goes it’s like a second home for me. I guess last time ENB was on tour was with me as well so I’m excited to be part of this resurgence.”

Brooklyn Mack as Lankendem in English National Ballet's Le Corsaire (Picture: Laurent Liotard)

In that 2019 tour Brooklyn was guest principal in Le Corsaire, Cinderella and and The Nutcracker.

Being the ‘guest star’ in a company might prove onerous to some but Brooklyn takes it all in his stride.

“Ultimately I don’t feel the need to prove myself,” he said. “Yes we are highly tuned athletes but we’re artists first and for me while it’s important to nail the technique, I’m here to share my art and my art is unique as is everyone’s.

“It’s not about me proving anything, it’s about sharing and I’m happy to do that wherever it’s appreciated.

“Whether you’re telling stories or it’s a more abstract ballet it’s all about conveying strong feelings and ideas directly to another human being without words which is pretty amazing.”

To many, Brooklyn is seen very much as a trailblazer. He is after all one of the few Afro American principal dancers, so does he feel any particular responsibility?

“It’s something ultimately I couldn’t not be aware of,” he said. “In many instances I was breaking the mould as I was the first African American dancer to do a particular role or win that award even though I didn’t set out to be particularly a role model or even a pioneer.

“I was initially just dancing and doing what I loved and giving my all to it.

“But I have become acutely aware of the perceptions and because of them I do feel a responsibility to represent myself as well as possible and show the possibilities and the limitlessness of art.

“It transcends any and all of the superficial petty differences that divide us whether that’s races, genders or nations. It is what makes us human. I do feel a responsibility to inspire young people especially minority youth as to the endless possibilities of their potential.

“Unfortunately there have been and there still are some pervading issues that come up but thankfully with the more exposure and more enlightenment and inclusiveness these things are slowly eroding.”

Consciously or subconsciously Brooklyn is breaking down barriers and as you might expect, he’s a strong advocate for dance being for everyone.

“Don’t let the mystique and glitz and glam fool you into thinking dance is not for you,” he said. “It very much is. Dance is of the people and for the people and it’s something that is transcendent in a way. It speaks to something at the core of us as human beings and that is an experience that I believe that everyone should have.”

Swan Lake, says Brooklyn, is the perfect ballet for a first-timer.

“It has stood the test of time and is still everyone’s favourite ballet,” he said. “One of the main reasons for that is that it is so relatable. The sheer beauty of the ballet is not something you can put into words but it really moves you

“It’s breathtaking. I think everyone should have that experience at least once but more often than not, once you’ve seen it you’re hooked.”

Swan Lake, Palace Theatre, Manchester, Wednesday, October 5 to Saturday, October 8. Details from www.atgtheatres.com