You will hear a radio interview with a ballet dancer called Elena Karpov, who is talking about her life and career.
For each question, put a tick in the correct box. You now have forty-five seconds to look at the questions for Part 2.
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Interviewer: My guest today is the star of the London Ballet Company, twenty-two-year-old Elena Karpov. Elena, you were born in Bulgaria. Did you always want to be a dancer?
Elena: Well, I was a very lively little girl, so at the age of seven my mother sent me to gymnastics classes. When I was nine, I went on to ballet lessons and from that moment I knew that I wanted to spend my life dancing. Two years later, when I was eleven, I won a place at the New York Ballet School.
Interviewer: So you had to move to the United States. Did you miss your family?
Elena: Oh yes. At first it was difficult being away from home and not knowing a lot of English. But it taught me how to look after myself and not to depend on others. There were other Bulgarian students there, and we actually found it quite easy to learn enough English to take part in the lessons with the other students.
Interviewer: Tell us about your latest role with the London Ballet Company.
Elena: I’m going to dance the part of Cinderella. It’s a story about a poor girl who marries a handsome prince. My parents used to read it to me when I was little. I’d never seen the ballet before, but I already knew the music really well. I’m sure children will love the ballet.
Interviewer: What do you do when you’re not practising or performing?
Elena: Before I joined this company I spent two weeks going round London as a tourist. I don’t have time for sightseeing now, but I love trying on the latest fashions with my friends. I’m always buying new jeans and trainers! I’m not too keen on discos and nightclubs - I dance enough during the day!
Interviewer: You must have lots of fans.
Elena: Quite a few! They always ask for a photograph of me, but unfortunately I don’t have many to give away. I sometimes sign their programmes instead, and if I can I give them one of the flowers I’ve received from the audience. They always ask for tickets, but of course that’s not possible.
Interviewer: What’s been the best thing that’s happened in your career so far?
Elena: Well, I’ve been a guest dancer with ballet companies in Moscow and Vienna, and I appeared twice on television in Bulgaria and met the president! I shall never forget that! But the most satisfying thing for me is that I’m paid for doing what I really enjoy - dancing!
Interviewer: Elena, thank you for talking to us.
Elena: Thank you.