Key Points
Learned complex lap dancing techniques through intensive training
Worked closely with sex work consultants for authentic portrayal
Describes role as most special character of her career
Collaborated with director known for destigmatizing marginalized stories
The 25-year-old actress portrays the titular stripper in director Sean Baker's dark romantic comedy and she enjoyed the "challenge" of her dancing scenes, reports 'Female First UK'.
She told Britain's HELLO! magazine, "I had to learn how to give lap dances and do pole tricks. I even helped choreograph a striptease dance that Ani does for Ivan. All of that was based on the intensive training I did so I'd be able to give a lap dance from start to finish. "I'm not a dancer at all, so it was great to challenge myself. The choreographer taught me how to dance like a real erotic dancer".
She further mentioned, "That was helpful in terms of physicality and sensuality, how I'd carry myself and walk in heels".
As per 'Female First UK', Mikey hailed her research for the role a very "meaningful experience". She explained, "It was a meaningful experience, getting to know and understand the sex work community. I spoke to some incredible consultants who were able to breathe a lot of honesty and life into Ani and I was able to integrate what I learned into the film. So stepping into her shoes - her pleasers, to be literal - was really fun".
And the 'Better Things' actress thinks her 'Anora' role is the "most special" she's ever had. She said, "There were so many lessons I learned from making this film. "I can honestly say she's one of the most special characters I've ever played".
She was flattered that director Sean wanted her for his movie. She said, "Sean has dedicated his career to destigmatizing sex work and telling stories about marginalized people".
"He deals with a lot of dark subject matter but he's constantly injecting it with humour. So I trusted Sean completely", she added.
