Felix Xylander

A formal, sophisticated dancer who prides himself in his physical discipline. His diligence is intertwined with arrogance, and he will stop at nothing to reach the pinnacle of body performance.

But beneath that practiced expression is a deeply sensitive heart - a Romantic in the most classical, chivalrous sense.

• New to America as a teenager, Felix experienced a culture shock like no other. Even at the prestigious private academy he attended, he witnessed some peers care little about their schoolwork, career, and even their own health. He initially vowed to graduate and return to his home country as soon as he could, but…
• Upon graduation, Felix would be recruited by Rosalyn Anthemusa to her theater troupe. He is currently the principal dancer, only second to Rosalyn herself.
  • He typically plays princes and knights. It’s helped him develop real dueling skills, since he feigns them in performances so often.
  • He prefers romantic stories, which fortunately make up the majority of the troupe’s shows. However, Rosalyn notes that he can get too emotionally invested, and she has to remind him that just because his character is in love doesn’t mean that he is.
• Though he trains his body rigorously, his face ever-eludes his control. Keeping it composed and neutral supposedly requires more effort than any kind of physical maneuver.
  • People’s initial impressions of him are exactly the image he pushes - someone dignified, who can put his emotions aside in a mature manner. But those who know him well are accustomed to him bursting into tears at a moment’s notice.
• Classier times - most notably the 1800’s and medieval ages - are emblematic of Felix’s formal nature. He believes in a simpler, tight-knit society, with trust and intimacy between people as well as the world they live in. Most importantly, he seeks to emphasize collectivism and conduct.
• Ruthlessly ambitious, Felix can sometimes indulge in greater-than-thou ego. However, no one is more critical of him than himself; hence why he despises condescension, as it only affirms his greatest fears.
• As a side hobby, he practices fencing. He notes that a strategic, duel-esque activity helps him remain quick on his feet. It also helps when his dance partners are more uncooperative than he would prefer.
  • Old friend Yuna Chakrabarti usually reigns victorious when they spar (unlike in dance).
  • He has also tried convincing another dancer acquaintance to join the hobby, though they would decline, likely because it would just be another field Felix and Yuna would surpass them in.
• Classical music is his genre of choice. He claims that his first love was Romantic-period Russian composer Tchaikovsky, and his scores were what had drawn him towards dance.
  • His infatuation with Tchaikovsky is so strong that his bedroom is covered in memorabilia. Most notable is the elaborate bust on his desk, whom he talks to for ‘inspiration’.
• Key to his performances are his footwear. Felix has over a dozen slippers for a wide variety of dances - pointe shoes for ballet, jazz shoes with thick heels for shock absorption, ballroom shoes for formal events. Even tap shoes when the occasion arises.
• Ensuring that his rhythmic and musical prowess stay sharp, he also composes in his spare time. He hopes to create a ballet of his own some day, with full creative control over the score, performance, and design.
• Raised religious, Felix initially devoted himself wholly to the church. He put it aside for his theatre ambitions, yet he still finds himself yearning for that familiar piety now and then. However, every time he tries to devote himself, he becomes frustrated by such a restrictive, chaste lifestyle. He has yet to reach a satisfying conclusion with his faith and his career.
• Since their first formal encounter, Lydia Yew has remained a strange fixture in Felix’s life. It would take several semesters before they developed what could be seen as a normal friendship, since they have contrasting approaches of understanding the other; Felix with dance, Lydia with psychology.
  • Lydia seems to find no greater joy than disquieting Felix, either with probing heart-to-hearts or suddenly appearing through a wall. Yuna has chided him for allowing such weakness, though even with his best efforts, Lydia always manages to worm through his defenses.
  • When the two parted ways after graduation, Felix admits that he felt her lack deeply. They would reunite as adults when Lydia was brought onto Rosalyn’s troupe for a temporary role. Since then, it seems that they’ve grown closer.
• Unique to the rose-tinted Flamenglux is their passion for opera. Sometimes, Felix will summon his prior to his performances so it can watch the show from the wings.
• In his childhood, Felix found himself wandering to the woods often. The presence of pine trees, particularly in winter, was a persistent comfort for him.
  • His usual cologne smells of pine and hazelnut, with a dash of rose petals.
• Though his academy attendance was through scholarship, Felix also comes from a relatively well-off family. He is still the only member who lives in America, with his only communication being through care packages.
• Ever the romantic, Felix has made his standards for courtship very clear. His partner must be just as passionate, ambitious, and tastefully dressed as himself. Somehow, no one has met up to the task.