We all know the saying, “If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.”The secret to a happy life naturally lies in a happy career. We asked six people who have managed to make this saying the centre of their lives about the secrets of working with love.
Ballet dancer Oliver Spence, whose dance journey began in 1993 still continuing at Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, believes that no success can be achieved in any profession without love. It’s only natural he believes that because he’s one of those people who are fortunate enough to maintain their love for what they do.
You’re one of those lucky people who love their job. How does loving what you do influence your view on life?
I’m lucky to have an occupation I love very much. In its essence, ballet is a profession and passion based on love
Gömlek / Shirt: Equipment Tayt,
Ayakkabı / Tights, Shoes: Kendisine Ait / Oliver's Own
In its essence, ballet is a profession and passion based on love. That’s why when I’m dancing on stage, I just enjoy dancing with passion instead of felling like I’m working. This naive but challenging profession has taught me that you can overcome many challenges with hard work and love.
If you weren’t a ballet dancer, what would you like to do?
You need to start at a very early age to become a ballet dancer. I was already dancing when I started to think for myself and started dreaming. This is one of the rare professions you should choose when you’re a child. So, it was an early decision for me. If I weren’t a ballet dancer, I would be doing something that is also physically challenging and active.
What do you love most about your job?
My favourite part is of course being on stage. Having an uncommon job also makes you feel special. It’s an indescribable feeling to convey love, affection, sorrow, and hatred to the audience with my body language and to experience those things when I’m dancing.
What about the challenges?
It naturally requires a lot of discipline. In order to perform on stage, you have to rehearse for hours every single day. It can be physically and spiritually draining sometimes but you have to keep going one way or another -despite the injuries, fatigue, pain, and sadness.
What is your biggest advice for people who are about to embark on a new career?
I think everyone should build their career on something they enjoy. I don’t think success can be achieved in any profession without love. You cannot be happy or successful when you don’t love what you do. Find what you love and very work hard.
FOTOĞRAF / PHOTOGRAPHY: ONUR DAĞ STYLING: TÜLİN AVCI SAÇ / HAIR STYLIST: REMZİ ATEŞ MAKYAJ / MAKEUP ARTIST: GÖKHAN SERPİN (MAC) FOTOĞRAF ASİSTANI / PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: MUSTAFA BERBER PRODÜKSİYON / PRODUCTION: ARMAĞAN MERVE BİLGİN & MÜGE SARIOĞLU