I learnt early to have little expectation so I protected myself from ever feeling greatly disappointed.

My childhood gave me resilience - and there's little that can surprise me in life.

I live a very different life now, with incredible privileges, but looking back I realise that growing up in Russia gave me tools that other people don't necessarily have - such as the will to push that bit further, to make things happen, to succeed.

I think protecting your family and giving to them is so important. It’s the most important achievement.

Because of my childhood where I was constantly by myself, I always feel lonely. I have a lot of people that I absolutely love and I know love me but I can't get rid of that feeling of loneliness no matter who I'm with - even with my children.

Sometimes I just need to switch off.

I do modern jazz and contemporary combined. I like to feel strong, flexible, and so there is stretching involved.