THE MODEL JOURNAL : RUBEN
Welcome to the ‘The Model Journal’. A platform that reveals what is going on behind the faces at BEC Models. From side hustles and campaigns, to industry knowledge and advice, find out what the day to day life of a model is really like.
This month we speak with Ruben, our very own model, professional ballet dancer, animal flow instructor and functional range conditioning provider. He has been dedicated to movement since he was 5 years old. He explains the impact yoga has had on his body and mind. Ruben chats with us about how he’s coped in lockdown and the positive mindset he’s been undertaking.
Hi Ruben, so firstly thank you for chatting with us, I'd like to start this interview by asking How are you? How are you feeling about life lately?
Haha easy one to start! I’m feeling great actually. I was in need of a small break last year (2020) and I really made the most of it during the first lockdown. Now just like everybody I’m a little bit tired and really looking forward to go back to ’normal’ life.
How did you get into modelling? How old were you and it is something you've always wanted to do?
I moved to London over 5 years ago after working full time in ballet companies. I started freelancing and some modelling jobs starting coming in. Modelling soon after became one of my sources of income.
I never thought about doing it full time before moving to London. I guess the access to agencies here opened up for me a new industry.
What advice were you given when you first started out and what do you wish you knew when embarking on modelling and performing?
I mostly learned on the job and from friends who were already working in the industry. I was lucky enough to not take it too seriously so I’m glad I hadn’t really prepped myself for it.
I would love to hear about your ballet career, how it started and have you always enjoyed performing since you were young?
That instead is the opposite to my modelling career, I trained daily since being a young kid and left my family when I was 13 to train in ballet academy and live in boarding school. I would rarely see my family as on the weekends we had competitions or extra training.
By the age of 18 I graduated at the Ballet Academy in Munich, Germany and right after signed my first contract with the Bavarian State Ballet where I worked as Corpe de Ballet member for 4 years.
Working as a ballet dancer is extremily demanding and rewarding at the same time. I love being in ballet company but I was interested in working as a freelancer so after a couple more contracts in EU I moved to London.
5. What is the difference between performing in the studio and on stage? Do you ever feel nervous before a performance or class?
Being on stage is always a little bit nerve-wracking but it such an amazing feeling, working in studio is all about the process and working with more experienced teachers that coach you to get the best out of you. I enjoy both.
Do you have a daily routine, or is everyday different. I'd love to hear how you structure your day? Are you a stickler for routine?
It’s hard these days to stick to routine and with being a freelancer it’s almost impossible. But there are things I consider part of my routine such as a strong breakfast, weekly yoga practice, consistent strength training, time to relax and time for myself and others. So in a way it is a routine as I try to incorporate these every week, just in different orders.
Tell us more about your yoga journey and the benefits it has on your mental health? What fuelled this interest?
I started practicing yoga 6 years ago mostly for physical reasons. I then, started practicing regularly with my teacher who run a teacher training, so I got involved and graduated almost two years ago.
Yoga to me is considered as time for self-care, physical and mental and the combination of the two got me addicted to it.
2020 has obviously been a very strange year, what has lockdown and this year taught you about yourself/ if anything? How did you remain positive?
It taught me that it is okay to slow down and that it is okay to take a break. I had more time for myself and the people I love. Training and connection to people has been my go to during the last year.
8. What are you most looking forward to in life right now and for the future?
I am hoping to get back to an almost normal life soon for myself and everybody else, especially who’s been struggling or has lost someone in the past year. I’m really looking forward to being able to fly home and see my family in Italy. To keep working and being healthy and maybe find a cheeky house in South of Italy where I can host yoga retreats for all of us that crave moment and sunshine !
Find Out more:
https://becmodels.com/ruben-d-portfolio
https://www.rubendemonte.com
