My West London Life

Monica Zamora

Monica Zamora

April
6

Monica Zamora, founder of Golborne Place & Studios, on life-changing moments, performing at the Opera House and guilty pleasures

What do you love about Golborne Road and its surrounding area?

What struck me the most on my first trip to Golborne Road when I was looking for a space to build my studio and clinic was its strong community feeling and its hustle and bustle. The road seemed like a micro-universe with so much everyday life happening and it looked like one could live a whole life just there on Golborne Road!

Since opening Golborne Place my love for the road and its surroundings has only deepened. I love the vibrancy of the Portobello and Golborne Road markets and the cheeky nature of the market stall guys. I love the antique shops, the art galleries and the variety of authentic places to eat. And I mainly love the mix of people and sharing that everyday life with them.

Who or what inspired you to become a ballet dancer in your former career?

My dancing career started like a total cliché when I saw ballet on TV for the first time. It was late at night when I was eight years old, and although I used to always fall asleep during these family Friday-night viewings, I felt totally mesmerized and I was wide awake… It really did completely change my life!

The first ballerina that inspired me was Natalia Makarova through her wonderful TV series called Ballerina back in the ‘80s. Every dancer in my generation grew up with those fabulous images and the lush Russian accent… She was an amazing dancer.

What has been your most memorable dancing moment?

It was dancing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Opera House for my parents when I was 19.

You’ve travelled a lot throughout your career. What are your top three holiday destinations and why?

I would say that the top three destinations from the list of cities that I performed in are: Cape Town because of the sea, Table Mountain, the big skies and the wine; Tokyo for experiencing a completely different world; and Sydney for the harbour, the cool city lifestyle and the beaches.

What do you miss when you go away?

I’ve been away since I was 16 so I always miss my family in Spain, but London is my home now and when I am away I miss the culture, the cinemas and my friends.

What is your favourite ballet of all time?

I’ve always loved ballet because it offered so many possibilities, but if I could say three (from the classical repertoire) they would be; Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet and Giselle. I saw a breathtaking performance by Marianella Nunez and Rupert Pennefader in Giselle last Thursday at the Opera House.

You are a Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis instructor (both developed by dancer Juliu Hovarth). Can you explain the benefits (and differences) of these exercises?

The practice of Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis exercises teaches your body and your mind to move in an elongated, un-restricted and open manner. These exercises are great for cultivating body-awareness and internal connection.

The series of movements in both methodologies help create space in the spine and every joint in the body. The muscles become longer and stronger and posture improves. The body releases tensions and becomes more supple and toned; the mind gains clarity and co-ordination also improves.

When practicing Gyrotonic we use the specialised equipment that Juliu designed to guide us into the movements and when practicing Gyrokinesis we only use our own bodies to create them.

What inspired you to become an instructor after being a dancer?

The inspiration came from experiencing the work in my own body while I was still dancing. I was preparing to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker when I first came across Gyrotonic. At the time I was out of classical ballet shape because I had just spent a year dancing contemporary works so I did some intense training in Gyrotonic to help me prepare for the performances. I was amazed with the difference that it made to my ability and fitness and how well I felt.

After I finished my dancing career I thought how great it must be to give this to others, so I started training. And then I thought how great it would be to work alongside my colleagues and therapists who had looked after me when I was dancing, so I created Golborne Place.

Who are your clients?

I am very fortunate to work with a wide variety of clients, including mothers, actors, painters, yoga teachers, students, businessmen and businesswomen, dancers and film producers.

How do you relax?

I take long walks; I swim; I have quality time with my husband and my friends; I read. I also practice a relaxation technique called Creative Relaxation developed by a Spanish doctor called Dr Eujenio Herrero Lozano.

What’s the most extravagant luxury item you have ever bought (other than your home)?

A limited-edition Cartier wrist watch.

Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?

I would love to be living half of the year in Spain and the other half in London (or maybe four months and eight months).

What’s your life philosophy?

Be present at all times and all situations; be grateful for who you are and what you have; cultivate your self esteem but don’t indulge in selfishness; continue learning and sharing throughout your life.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Ordering another bottle of champagne when I am having a great time with my friends on a weekday night.

www.golborneplace.com

Sarah Campus, founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS

March
19

We chat sleeping, eating, hydrating and moving with pre and post-natal fitness expert, Sarah Campus

Sarah Campus is a highly experienced women’s personal trainer, a nutrition coach, wellness expert and a busy mum of three. In 2016 she founded LDN MUMS FITNESS. She is a fitness and wellbeing panellist for Women’s Fitness Magazine and often appears on television as a holistic health specialist.… Read more →

Amy Nairn, Personal Chef

January
5

Personal Chef Amy Nairn on her favourite restaurants, high-profile clients, & cooking to impress!

Where do you live and why?

Having grown up between Islington and Scotland, I’ve lived in Parson’s Green most of my adult life. I love village atmosphere, the mix of ‘country’ pubs, young families, and its proximity to the King’s Road.

How did you get into cooking, is

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