I recently had the chance to ask Natalie Cisco some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Natalie is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her passion for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 2, I began to pursue ballet more intensely at 4

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am dancing at Texas ballet theater in Fort Worth! and I am accepted into their studio training company! one step away from that company contract

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I got my pointe shoes when I was 11. this is my 5th year en pointe

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk sonnets! best shoe ever

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I began dancing because I went to go see Texas Ballet theater’s nutcracker at bass hall for the first time and I told my mom I wanted to be that ballerina! and now that ballerina is now my teacher! my mom noticed how bad I wanted to be a ballerina and said that she had never seen that sparkle in me before!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is anything with a Spanish flare and lots of jumps. I really like Gamzitti from La Bayadre too

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to join Texas Ballet theater since that has such a special place in my heart. I also love Orlando ballet and the character that company has

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favorite memory was my show last year. I was the youngest dancer in the company and I had been cast so many lead roles, solos, and duets with my favorite partner. I had worked so hard and I felt that the show really put my hard work on display. The love a dancer gets is the best support you can give them and that was exactly what I felt that night of the opening show

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

My ballet idol is Marianela Nunez and Natalia Ospiova. they are both impeccable and I had the opportunity to take a ballet class with Marianela! My dance teacher, Nicole Von Eck, a principle dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, is also such a caring person and I admire her hard work and beautiful soul

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Best advice from a teacher was, “no excuses.” that has pushed me to be my best today. Another piece of advice from my teacher which I hold near my heart is to never let yourself fall back, you dance because you love it and nothing about that can change you.

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Best thing about being a ballerina is the close bonds you make with fellow dancers, teachers, and every other dancer in the tiny world. Also the tutus are pretty awesome too!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Hardest thing about being a ballerina is all the sacrifices you make. You don’t live a normal life and you miss a lot of things, but in return, it’s your best life and I would never exchange it for anything

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

When I was younger, yes, ballet was not my super super focus. I often picked other things over dance. now, I don’t even look back and think I should have another career. It’s hard work, but it’s the hardest, most beautiful and fulfilling work for an artist.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu! A classic tutu makes you feel like a long, beautiful legged princess!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have luckily never suffered an awful injury other than an ankle sprain that took awhile to heel. Injuries are heart wrenching and I feel for every ballerina who is going through one right now! I know that you can come back stronger and that it is okay to learn from the sidelines for awhile❤️

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to be outside! I am a very active person and high energy activities are my go to. I love to wakeboard on the lake with our boat. I also love to spend time with my friends and my little sister. I enjoy watching the TV show, Friends!!!!