It was a wonderful revelation to find in Michaela an intelligent and thoughtful dancer who is cognizant of the world around her, and her place in it. I have often felt that dancers have been infantilized; the status quo of being “seen and not heard” is maintained to suit the institution, company or environment in which the dancer is immersed. It is important to note a marked shift from the nameless and voiceless dancer whose job it was simply to look beautiful, be technically excellent and transform themselves into a character, real or fantastical. The intelligence of many dancers has long been undermined, and interviewing Michaela was a wonderful affirmation that times are changing and the most gorgeous and influential dancers are made more so by using their platform to share their ...