Who is Derek Deane?
Someone who is desperately trying to preserve the true heritage of classical ballet whilst everyone else around the world seems to want to change it, just to be different. Why try to change perfection… Oh, and part time Farmer.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Be a great painter like Caravaggio… But I can’t even finish painting a chair so there is not much hope there!
Who inspires you and why?
Difficult question when there are few ‘ballet greats’ anymore. Outside the ballet? Gay couples who take the huge step to adopt.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Assassinate Donald Trump.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My home in the South of France surround by my sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and the dreadful wild boar that just wants to destroy everything!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
All of my local markets for the best local produce ever produced in France.
What are you currently reading?
William Boyd’s Sweet Caress … it’s beautiful.
What are you currently listening to?
Anything but ballet music… Now? Nothing, because I’m answering this for you but usually Ella, Piaf, The Divine Miss M, Sinatra, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, La Streisand and of course the fabulous and amazing Jonas Kaufmann.
Happiness is?
An impossible feeling for someone who suffers from depression.
What does the future hold for you?
A huge amount of work around the world creating new works and reviving the classical ballets as I think they should represented.. Also I really need to find a way to grow bigger and better tasting onions, carrots and beetroot.
Derek’s critically acclaimed production of Swan Lake for The Shanghai Ballet plays at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre for an exclusive season: 20 – 24 April 2017. For more information, visit: www.theatretours.com.au for details.
Image: Derek Deane (supplied)