One Day : Anders Hayward - Dancer
Location : Crystal Palace, London UK
Profession / passion : Dancer / Choreographer / Actor
Website : www.andershayward.com
Instagram : @anders_hayward
One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together. Read more about the project here.
We will be posting one new day of someones life every day until we run out of contributors. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.
A text, song or film that everyone should experience.
Film: Victoria by Sebastian Schipper
Song: (For this purpose) A Day In The Life – The Beatles
What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
I was 5 years old when I first started dancing. My sister wanted to be a ballerina at the age of 8 (of course) and me and my mum would have to wait in the waiting room for my sister to finish which was super boring for me, so mum threw me into a Jazz and Tap class, which I really took to. Later on, I discovered contemporary dance at college and resonated with that, so applied to London Contemporary Dance School, loved it, but dropped out to model for a bit and travel. Couple years later here I am!
How do you want people to react to your work / passion?
Honestly, and hopefully it evokes some kind of emotion.
How has the current situation affected how you work?
So every industry for me has frozen for now, which at first was definitely scary, but I think the fact that everyone is in the same position is quite comforting and to know that we are all in it together has brought a lot of community within the industry. Even though there are no auditions or shoots, it has definitely given me time and space to sit back and daydream and reset, which is definitely a positive.
What is the most inspiring text you read recently?
A few months ago, I read Ekhart Tolle’s A New Earth, which really affected me. Definitely a humbling book and changed the way I thought about a lot of things. Currently reading a fascinating book called Witchfinders by Malcolm Gaskill which is about the largest, most brutal witch-hunt in Britain in the 1600’s
Your greatest achievement?
The thing I am most proud of is acting in my first feature called Run by Scott Graham. (Digital release out on the 25th May)
Define what beauty means to you.
Beauty is something that affects you personally and gives you butterflies.
Function or form?
Ideally something that is both, but I am a sucker for form. I’m pretty useless myself.
Analog or digital?
Analog all the way.
Describe a smell that brings back memories to you.
Scandinavian cinnamon buns (bullar) reminds me of spring mornings at my parents place. My mum is Swedish and we used to make them around Easter time. Always great to walk into Benk + Bo and smell the delicious baked Scandi goods.
Your best trait?
I would say I’m quite easy to get along with.
What traits do you treasure in other people?
Compassion, understanding, curious.
Your most treasured possession?
Grandad’s ring.
What was the most defining moment in your life?
The first time travelling on my own at 17. I was in New York, went through a lot, in a very short space of time. Had my head shaved, was interrogated by customs and just plopped into a concrete jungle. After that trip I knew I had to grow up or be swallowed up.
Quality or quantity?
Quality 100%
Who do you miss?
My family and friends
When was the last time you learned something new and what was it?
Currently learning Spanish which has been really fun, but the whole masculine/feminine thing is throwing me a bit.
Have you actively chosen to live in the city/town you live in?
I grew up on the outskirts of London, but always knew I would move here someday. I love it so much and my little pocket here in Crystal Palace is idyllic. My best friends live a 10 minute walk away from me, so definitely hard not being able to pop over. Feeling very lucky to be here though.
How do you relax?
Look at the sunset listening to records.
If you were forced to sit still for one month straight without pursuing your current profession, how would you spend your time?
Listen to music.
What does freedom mean to you? First and foremost, I am so so lucky to have freedom. Freedom to pursue my passion’s and career. Freedom to be whoever I want to be without fear or judgement, so that’s a real blessing. Freedom creates space for creativity and discovery.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I feel like I have learned from every mistake I have made so no real regrets, but maybe that I didn’t pick up some bread flour when I had the chance.
Lastly, how do you wish to see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
Hopefully it has given us time to reflect and hopefully it will allow us to have a renewed sense of compassion toward one another. Seeing all the benefits our planet is receiving from this time hopefully makes more people think about how they can reduce their environmental footprint too.