ANNA MAICHE ON THE DARK, DANCE SEXY DRAMA OF 'TINY PRETY THINGS’

South Carolina born ANNA MAICHE stars in Netflix’s ballet drama, “TINY, PRETTY THINGS” as ‘Cassie Shore’, The Archer School of Ballet’s star student, and a dancer with a bright future envied by every other young woman at the academy. Anna’s character influenced the plot of the sexy, ballet drama series into its deep, dark abyss, while exploring the complex relationships among art, talent, money, friendship and life.

Maiche will next star in WICKED (The Wicked Trilogy) as Ivy, which is to be produced by TY Walker of Tycor International Film Company, Inc.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOHNNY TERGO

Jacket: ROCKY STAR, Belt: ABODI, Gloves: CHARLES & RON, Ring: SHAY JEWELRY, Bracelet: SHAY JEWELRY, Ear Cuff: SHAY JEWELRY

Past acting credits include The French Teacher (2019) and the short film Old Cliff Rising (2020).

Anna began classical ballet training at the age of 4 in Cuba and at 10, was accepted into the school for the National Ballet of Cuba. At 13 she moved to United States to continue ballet, but a few months before starting at a well-known company, she fell during a jump combination in class which resulted in a career ending surgery that led to acting. 

In this exclusive interview, Maiche talks about ballet, acting inspirations, her role in Tiny Pretty Things, the challenges she faced while working on set, her love of water and more.

FASHION STYLING: ERICA MER, MAKE-UP ARTIST: ELIE MAALOUF, HAIR STYLIST: TEDDI PRIOR, NAILS: TRACY CLEMENS

Jacket: ROCKY STAR, Belt: ABODI, Gloves: CHARLES & RON, Ring: SHAY JEWELRY, Bracelet: SHAY JEWELRY, Ear Cuff: SHAY JEWELRY

How’s 2020 for you so far?

It’s been a tough year, but I know that I’ve been lucky. My family is safe, I am healthy, and I’ve been able to work a little bit- I’m extremely grateful for all of this. That being said, 2020 has been heartbreaking. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about the people we’ve lost to the Coronavirus and the extreme sacrifices our doctors, nurses, and every single person in the medical field have to make every day. I’d say my 2020 has mostly consisted of thanking our medical personnel and wishing I could do more to help. For now, I’m doing what I can - staying home and wearing a mask. 

Let’s talk about Tine Pretty Things. How would you describe the show to those who were not familiar with it and the book where it’s based from?

I’d say the show is a moody drama/mystery that centers on the world of ballet and the lives of people who are in that world. Although ballet is a huge part of our show, you don’t need to have a full understanding of dance to enjoy it. We’ve got so many incredible, relatable characters and storylines so I think there’s something for everyone to be attracted to in the show

How would you describe Cassie’s character in the show, despite of her fate?

I don’t know if I’d say Cassie has a big character evolution in season 1. You start the show knowing very little about her, and as the episodes go on, you see other characters’ interpretations of who she is in their dreams, but you never really get to see the true Cassie until later in the season. To the audience, she probably appears to have had this big evolution of going from the victim to this ruthless force. But was she always that force? We don’t know yet. 

Dress: GREMONSTYNE, Rings: SHAY JEWELRY, Earrings: SHAY JEWELRY

What’s the best part about playing Cassie’s character?

Cassie was so fun to play, I can’t possibly pick the best part. I will say that getting to tap into what every other character thought of her was really great. To Neveah, she’s sort of this guide within her dreams, to Nabil she’s the girl he’s in love with, to Isabel she’s a reminder of her greatest loss, and then when she’s awake, she’s finally herself. I got explore what felt like all these different people within one character. 

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the series?

The most memorable moment was dancing with Michael, who plays Nabil. Before TPT I haven’t danced in years due to an injury. Being partnered with anyone was even longer than that.

Jumping back into ballet was equally thrilling, because I love it so much; and also heartbreaking because it was a reminder of what I lost. But Michael quite literally carried me through it. Being able to dance with one of my closest friends on such an intimate level, while simultaneously allowing myself to feel the joys of ballet again, was a moment I’ll never forget. 

Snakeskin bodysuit: ABODI, Boots: ABODI, Blazer: BEQUARTII, Gold Cuffs: POWHER, Diamond Ear Cuffs: SHAY JEWELRY, Plastic bracelet cuffs: ADA ZANDITON

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

My biggest challenge was fearing that I wasn’t good enough or that I didn’t deserve to be given the role. I think most of us are always dying to get this big opportunity and then when it arrives we’re like, ‘Oh God, I hope I don’t mess this up or disappoint anyone’. There are too many highs to list! The friendships, the fears I overcame, the directors I loved so much, the stunts I got to do - the list is infinite. 

How did you manage to rise above these challenges?

I was able to overcome the fear of not being good enough by falling back on the years of work I put into training. Reminding myself that I had the tools I needed to deliver what was being asked of me was a huge help. Although, I can’t say it was the training alone, because the cast, crew, producers, directors, and showrunners were all extremely warm and loving which made me feel safe and supported. 

LEFT: Dress: GREMONSTYNE, Rings: SHAY JEWELRY, Earrings: SHAY JEWELRY

RIGHT: Dress: BENCHELLAL , Ring: SHAY JEWELRY , Chain Mail: BIANCA ARMER

Who and what inspires you?

Michelle Williams is a huge inspiration. I can watch any performance of hers and immediately fall deeper in love with acting. Seeing such raw truth and fearlessness in being human reminds me why I do what I do. Performance can be so beautiful to experience. 

What scares you?

That’s a tough question because everything scares me. I’d say the dark. I know,  it’s so simple but it’s true! I hate the dark. 

What’s your dream project?

Anything intimate and truthful. Being a part of something like Blue Valentine, which I find to be heartbreaking, yet, so real, would be a dream come true. A project like Peanut Butter Falcon would also be incredible, there’s so much truth in there too. Oh and Swiss Army Man! That must’ve been so much fun to make and it was truthful in its own way. I found it to be very intimate and it took me through a rollercoaster of emotions.

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role that resonated with you the most and why?

I always resonate most with the character I am currently playing because I’ve spent so much time finding ways to mesh our two worlds together. However, I do find that Cassie’s experiences are most similar to what mine were at her age. Following her fall, her plans for the future have been totally rocked and I so deeply relate to that.

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?

Right now I’d say surfing. I’m by no means great at it, but I was raised by the ocean so being in or near the salt water always makes me feel at home. 

What’s your ultimate goal?

My goal is to keep working and keep growing as an actor. I’d like to keep paying my rent through acting, that’s a really great feeling. 

Shoes: UNITED NUDE, Chain Mail: BIANCA ARMER, Dress: ANNAKIKI, Diamond Rings: SHAY JEWELRY, Earrings: SHAY JEWELRY, Moon Ring: LILOU

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

To be empathetic. I’m not sure if that’s a lesson I’ve learned or something that’s in my nature, but it’s something I carry with me everywhere. 

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I would definitely be a book of animals. More specifically, a book of aquatic animals. They’re so beautiful, I get tears in my eyes almost every time I see a dolphin while surfing. I remember being on this boat with my family one time, feeling incredibly seasick (which is a sin since my father’s a sailor), when we saw a mother whale and her baby breaching beside her. I kid you not, in that moment time stood still. Nothing fills my heart like marine life.