1. Up and at it - what is your morning routine?
Between Apollo’s morning walk and ballet class, my morning is spent on administrative work for my new production company that I co-founded with my husband, Michael - Hamilton Christou Productions. It means about two hours’ daily of emailing, planning and Zoom meetings before I begin my day of physical work in the Royal Opera House with the Royal Ballet.
2. What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? Coffee is my kickstarter and my favourite go-to is an omelette filled with whatever veggies and cheese I have in the fridge. If I fancy a sweet breakfast, I’ll go for porridge and honey or gluten-free toast with nut butter and jam.
Lunch? For lunch, I usually try to get a takeaway box from a fantastic café, Kastner & Ovens, just by the Royal Opera House stage door. It has a brilliant selection of fresh salads and hot food daily. If I have a performance, I will have a risotto beforehand, but on a non-show day, Michael and I like to cook dinner together at home. This usually consists of fresh vegetables and salads with grilled meat or fish.
3. Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?
Nutrition is very important to me as this is what fuels my body for my work. As my work is so physical, it is essential to constantly fuel my body to avoid risk of injury. I tend to get all my vitamins through the food I cook, which I make an effort to make fresh when I can. I love learning about foods that have anti-inflammatory properties/health benefits and try to include these as much as possible in my daily diet.
4. Ever been on a diet – if so, how did it go?
I have never specifically followed any in vogue diets; however, I do try my best to eat food with high nutritional value and I cut out as much processed food as possible. I always feel better and stronger when I’m eating freshly cooked, nutritional food. I did cut out gluten from the age of 16 when I was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance.
5. Weekend treat?
I love a long lazy brunch on the weekend with Michael. One of my particular favourites is gluten-free pancakes with maple syrup and bananas.
6. How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
My work keeps me in top physical form with my Royal Ballet schedule and repertoire, intermixed with our production works projects and international guesting in galas. Being a ballerina also requires a lot of mental capacity, from remembering all the different repertoire and learning new works, to having the ability to withstand the pressures that come with live performing on stage.
7. Best tip for everyday fitness?
Consistency is key.
I want to inspire and motivate dance audiences internationally and open up ballet to future generations
— Melissa Hamilton
8. Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
I didn’t enjoy PE at school; I focused more on gymnastics and ballet, which I was more drawn to. The level of intricacy and detail fascinated me.
9. Teetotal or tipple?
Tipple - nothing wrong with one or two drinks.
10. Stairs or lift?
The lift - stairs always seem to be problematic for me.
11. What book are you currently reading?
I like to read a lot - at the moment, I am in the middle of a good book called Yellowface by RF Kuang.
12. Best Netflix/streaming TV?
I’m a crime fiction lover and currently I’m watching Apple TV’s Presumed Innocent with Jake Gyllenhaal.
13. Any new skills or hobbies?
I love swimming and try to do this regularly at my local gym.
14. How do you relax?
I find puzzles very relaxing; I always like to have one ‘on the go’ at home, so I can come back to it when I get time.
15. What would you tell your younger self?
Trust your instincts and don’t question your journey.
16. What are your goals for the rest of 2024?
To continue progressing our recently launched company, Hamilton Christou Productions. I want to inspire and motivate dance audiences internationally and open up ballet to future generations. I am very excited for the collaborations that are upcoming for our October Belfast Grand Opera House Shows: Melissa Hamilton’s Grand Ballet Gala. I want to bring a diverse creative medium for audiences across the world to share in and enjoy with us, hopefully inspiring future generations to take up their own creative path.
17. What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
On a show night, I usually end up going to bed around 1am. This means that when I do not have a show, I try to get a good night’s sleep to catch up on those missed hours.
18. Biggest gripe or regret?
Not starting my production company earlier with Michael. I have found this to be an amazing venture for me and one which has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding on a level I could never have expected.
Consistency is key
— Melissa Hamilton
19. Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
When I was younger, I always had a laser focus purely on my career. I have learnt, as I have got older and started to share my life with Michael, that including other aspects of home life adds to both your wellbeing and career and gives more of a balance and perspective.
20. Has coronavirus – or any health epiphany or life event - changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
I have always had the philosophy of making every day count. I do think Covid put this right at the forefront of everyone’s minds at such a difficult time and reminded us of how lucky we are to be able to live the lives we do and create for ourselves and not to take anything for granted.
