Artur Gaspar is the choreographer of the National Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. A man best known for being part of the Synth-Pop dance act Kazaky. Artur shared his thoughts on everything from his current projects to his superpower.

ARTUR GASPAR

What's your first thought when you wake up?

Depends on the day. I usually just want to have a coffee.

Your favorite thing to do on a Sunday morning?

Every Sunday morning I have a ballet class. So, my free day is Monday. I prefer to lay and enjoy the morning with jazz music.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

Shower or Bath? Do you sing in the shower or bath?

Usually shower but sometimes I do like to have a bath with different oils.

Do you speak any other languages?

Armenian, Russian, English and a little bit of Ukrainian.

What country do you call home?

Armenia and Ukraine.

What made you become a ballet dancer, and what is the most challenging aspect of it and the most rewarding thing about it?

It happened by chance. I was accompanying my sister to a dance academy audition and instead I was accepted. Turns out, my physique is more suitable for ballet. I was a super flexible boy.

Every step in the ballet is a challenge for the dancers. The reward is when you feel the growth in your technique, as an artist and how the audience reacts to you.

Who inspires you? Are there any iconic dancers or performers you admire?

One of my inspirations is choreographer Jiri Kylian. I think he is a genius. I also admire choreographer Wayne McGregor. Beautiful music inspires me as well. It’s usually instrumental.

What music is on your phone right now?

Electronic, techno, alternative music, classical and contemporary music.

What accomplishment are you most proud of at the moment? 

I consider that the most valuable achievements are internal, deeper, mental and spiritual. They are very personal for me.

What are you working on now Artur? We know you are a part of the Synth Pop act Kazaky, any new projects in the works? Group or solo?

Recently KAZAKY released two new songs “Hands Up” and “We should be like no one else” and now we are working on the new show. We invited new professional dancers making the show bigger than before. However, I also have performances of “Carmen” in Ukrainian cities with the National Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

A favorite color?

I don’t have a favorite color. I like all colors.

Cat or dog?

Cat.

What is the most unexpected thing that’s ever happened to you while traveling?

On a yacht in Mauritius. An hour after we sailed I found out I had seasickness. It was a nightmare. We were catching eels and I kept messing up, my friends were upset. Now I know to take a pill.

What’s your favorite city in the world?

I like different cities: Barcelona, Kiev, New York, Saint Petersburg, Bali... I can’t choose the one. I need to move to feel different atmospheres.

Any movies you watched lately?

“Never Look Away” by Florian Maria, Georg Christian and Graf Henckel von Donnersmarck.

Where do you go to switch off?

Bars, clubs, house parties and restaurants.

If you had a choice, where would you choose to spend your last day on earth?

A beautiful place.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do what you do?

Do everything that’s in your heart.

What would be your super power, if you could have one?

I have one, to be able to love.

Photography TYMUR DEINA, Stylist NINUSHKA WOLF, Dancer ARTUR GASPAR