Meet our ballet and aerial coach: Begüm Gönenç

How did your ballet journey start? Can you tell us a little bit about your early days?

My ballet journey started at a very young age. I used to dance to the songs on TV, imitating the moves in the videos. Observing this, my parents took me to ballet and asked whether I wanted to learn that dance. I just couldn’t wait to start! My learning process included academic training on the Vaganova technique which is followed by a series of courses I successfully completed at the Royal Academy of Dance. 

Have you had down periods throughout that process? Any frustrating incidents that maybe made you think of giving up?

I never thought of giving up. Ever. But I had a down period when I broke my foot in 2011. It was tough and stressful. After a very risky surgery and a long recovery period, I was back at it. Of course not 100 percent, but I never thought of calling it quits. 

Having completed the standard educational programme in addition to ballet, you also have a degree in law. What made you choose the former over the latter?

Initially, I was planning to do them both. But both fields require much determination and meticulous effort, so my expectations weren’t realistic. When I had to choose, I chose art. 

Can you tell us a bit about your teaching experience?

I started teaching when I was still a student, as the assistant of our head teacher back in 2003. It was a love at first sight between me and teaching. Sharing my knowledge and the love of art with others, helping them improve themselves made me feel so good that I wanted to do it forever. I took the certification process for both classical ballet and modern dance and became a certified coach in 2010. I also danced, coached and choreographed a few musicals and performance art projects. 

You do ballet, pole and aerial hoop. You’re also the official dancer of the Stahl band. How do you find time to practice all of them? What's your training routine like?

I decided to learn pole after I saw the video of a ballerina doing pole. I was so impressed. She turned out to be a world pole champion. Hoop came into my life during the pandemic. They all ask for strength and grace, I think that’s what makes me so infatuated with all of them. I always loved Stahl’s music and stage concept and I wanted to be a part of that by adding some artistic and theatrical touches. I have a home studio, so I can arrange my training routines quite freely. I’m in love with my job and with art. That's why I’m never running out of motivation. 

What kind of a process is awaiting our adult ballet students in September? Can you give us a few hints? 

First of all, art and dance is for everyone and I’m not on the same page with those who say “it’s too late for learning ballet”. It’s never too late for ballet and our students will see it for themselves throughout the process. In the early stages of the education, we will learn how to guide our bodies gracefully. And we’ll support this with technical foundations. 

Last question: aerial hoop or pole?

That’s a tough one. I don’t think I can choose between them. They're both my babies.