My parents wanted me to work in a bank or as an accountant.

When it came to the stylish and graceful art of ballroom dancing, my dad was a king of the clubs, a prowling tiger and a wonderfully natural mover.

I love reading. I'm very much into history, novels, biographies and I have a wide range of thrillers.

I started dancing before I could talk. Other babies learn to stand and then walk - I just danced.

Mum had a job fitting upholstery into cars, but, in the evenings, she worked as a seamstress.

I think school is so important. I was good student. A rebel, but I did well in my studies. I don't close myself to anything. I liked reading and I still love learning. I loved history and German.

I think a lot of people have a vision of L.A. in which TV executives and movie directors plan their latest productions by the swimming pool.