THE MAGIC IS IN THE MYSTERY
How often do you travel?
As a guest dancer I’ve become a global nomad and pretty much live a minimalist life out of a suitcase. I get a call and I am there.
Sometimes I find myself on a plane every other weekend.
Describe the first holiday you remember as a child
My mother is British and she took me and my sister on a holiday from Australia, where I’m from, to the UK. That was my first experience of travelling and it was to the other side of the world. It was a massive eye-opener and I knew then, at age 12, that travel had to be part of my future life.
And your first trip abroad?
That was my first trip abroad, followed by Vanuatu, a beautiful island off the coast of Australia.
What is the most difficult, remote or adventurous destination you’ve ever been to?
Ethiopia, to perform in a ballet gala in Addis Ababa, which raised money to feed 217 children for one year. I was taken to a remote Ethiopian restaurant out in the bush, where apparently Angelina Jolie had also dined with her kids — #funfact.
What is the best way to travel once you are abroad?
After a long-haul flight, I love to immerse myself in nature — go for a hike or a walk. I love doing bike rides too, to get the feel of a place and see the lay of the land.
What is your favourite city here or abroad?
Well this is my 15th trip to South Africa and I really love it. My first visit was as a competitor in the 2008 South African International Ballet Competition in Cape Town. It’s one of my favourite destinations of all time — I feel very connected to it.
Do you prefer roughing it or luxury when travelling? Describe the best experience you’ve had of whatever you choose
I have had the luxury of being at the pointy end of the plane and been totally taken care of when I reach whatever destination it is. However, there is nothing quite like roughing it at times — that’s where we learn and grow the most. If it’s all handed to us on a silver platter, what can we learn from any situation in life? I feel striking a balance is key for when I travel.
What has been your worst travel experience?
I’ve had delayed flights and have missed flights and I once left my passport at the check-in counter. Another time I left a passport in the back of a NYC cab so I had to fly out to South Africa on an emergency passport, which one can’t do these days.
And in Joburg I was held up at gunpoint in my car. But clearly nothing can stop me from travelling.
Oddest thing you’ve experienced/that happened while travelling?
There was that time I was in Istanbul when the airport blew up — and there also happened to be a coup, all in the same week.
What is your best piece of travel advice?
Go with the flow. I don’t plan any more. There is something so freeing and exciting about going to a place and not knowing who you’re going to meet and what you’re going to see. Accept the mystery.
What do you hate about travelling or holidays?
Jet lag and farewells. I’m constantly on the move and I say goodbye quite a lot, not sure when next I’ll see someone again. I’m quite a sensitive soul so that’s hard for me.
What elements – destination, people, attractions, etc – make up your perfect holiday?
People, food and a good view. Yeah, I love the ocean and the beach and can totally connect with a beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Name one place you really want to go, now or at least some day?
The south of Turkey really intrigues me and I’d love to see the Northern Lights. ● L S.
Smyth is guest starring in Mzansi Ballet’s Bengingazi at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from October 31 - November 4. He also features in Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, in cinemas from November 2.