Marianela Núñez, Ballerina, on Desert Island Discs

 

Marianela Núñez (OBE) is the first ballerina with The Royal Ballet, London. She is the latest guest of BBC Radio 4's renowned programme "Desert Island Discs", where a leading figure of society talks about their life and some of the music that has marked them at different turning points. This interview is particularly fascinating for the passion, laughter & positivity of Nela's emotions all throughout and linguistically, for her command of colloquial oral English, her rich choice of adjectives and intensifiers, and her example as a bilingual role model for Spanish learners of English.

The radio interview is not too complex lexically, but it is quite long (58':46") and has no script, so it is ideal for C2 students to listen to as "extensive listening", while they are walking in the park or doing household chores (see "How and Why to Use this Blog").

 

If you want a list of some key words to use as a listening guide, the following expressions will come up: a todler, to pursue [a dream], to rise through the ranks, the [company] repertoire,  infectious [joy], to grab [the bar], emotional, the opening night, a [new] production, an [extra] buzz, to come down, bouquet, to go along with [that], to sew [shoes], spoilt, ribbons, darning, toes, the dressing room, neat, layers, a shawl, meticulousness, a track, to contain [myself], homesick, [ice in your] veins, this drive, talent, a stay-at-home mum, [to go to] uni, to fulfil [his dream], shaky, extra [energy], gruelling, my bun, a duvet, to shift, [any word won't come] close, a customary [quinceañera], to audition, [to make] a buzz, [main] roles, a [major] shock, to be all over the place, to focus [on that], to mime, Blockbuster [store], snobby, to go up to the roof, vulnerable, a solo [role], bumpy, promotions, [enough room] to fit in, a curtain call, a run [of Don Quijote], foamy, to check on [her], [red] lipstick, to overthink, total [pleasure], incredible, partnership, to give the tools [for that], intense [jobs], a debut, to work out, fiery [people], to stay [really good friends], to call [a role], [part of my heart] stayed there, to reshape [the roles], [to find new] layers, to live through [the COVID pandemic], clichéd, to count on [me], [my] security blanket, a [gas] leak, to pick up the pieces, to give it all, to cast [you] away, to fend for yourself, to be called upon [stage], a hectic [life], my me-time, a rehearsal, an [exquisite] companion, solace, to encapsulate, the audiences.

You can watch Marinela Núñez discussing the current production of "Cinderella" for The Royal Ballet in a short (03':08") YouTube video below: