Tag: USA

Q&A With American Ballerina Amanda Fields

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I had the chance recently to ask Amanda Fields some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Amanda is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with amazing grace and poise. Her passion and love for ballet infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 4.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently dancing at JKO.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started when I was 11 so 5 years. When I was 9 and 10 we had these ridiculous pre-pointe shoes which were basically pointe shoes without a shank. I’m sure I did plenty of things I wasn’t supposed to in those.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am in Grishko Triumphs right now but I’m constantly on the hunt for the next best thing. Name a pointe shoe and I’ve probably tried it.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My Mother was a modern dancer who always studied ballet. She enrolled me in a once a week class at a local studio and the ballet bug got me almost immediately.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love the second act Dulcinea variation from Don Quixote. If only I could just dance the second act and avoid all the crazy split jumps. I think Giselle’s first act variation might be my all time favorite. The port de bras towards her mother are so touching. All the steps emphasize the character.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

There are so many! I’ve grown up watching ABT so being in that company has always been a dream. But there are also so many  amazing dancers dancing at Houston, Boston, Washington and Pacific Northwest.

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

Dancing Balanchine’s Serenade was an incredible experience. I was 12 at my home studio and Amar Ramasar came to set the piece. He’s now a principal with NYCB. I had never experienced being in a Corps de ballet and still dancing with such fluidity.

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

Devon Teuscher is someone I have always admired. I watched her come up through the ranks in ABT. Her poise on stage is incomparable. She can make the smallest movements speak volumes. Misa Kuranaga is also inspiring. I’ve never seen her move from her fifth. No bourrees necessary. I hope someday to dance with that level of discipline. And Marianela Nunez is just everything a ballerina should be.

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

I train with Elizabeth Troxler who is now choreographing all around NYC but started teaching ballet using the RAD syllabus. She has always told me to do the things you can and then the things you can’t will come. I may not be able to do 5 turns on pointe now but I can do a strong releve, get into a good position and spot. By doing the things I can now, maybe one day I’ll turn like Gillian Murphy.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu. Ballet dancers work hard to build leg muscles. We should get to show them off.

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Roll out, stretch, cross train. I’m a bun head to the core. But I also love spending time with family and friends. Finding new places to eat in New York is also fun.

Q&A With American Ballerina Bryn Lafferty

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Bryn Lafferty some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Bryn is an excellent dancer, she takes tot he stage with incredible grace and elegance. Her passion and dedication for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at the age of three.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for almost six years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freed pointe shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got involved in ballet because my friend’s mom opened a studio near me and asked my mom to put me in it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is probably the Fascinating Rhythm solo from Who Cares?

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Honestly, any company that accepts me would be great but my dream companies are probably PNB, NYCB, MCB, and Boston.

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

My favorite memory of ballet was performing Clara or Who Cares?

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

One role model is Leta Biasucci because she danced at CPYB and now at PNB.

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

The best advice I have ever gotten was, keep working and you will surpass those that are ahead now.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I like to do abdominal workouts, read, and talk to my parents because I live in a different state for CPYB.

Q&A With American Ballerina Gracie Joiner

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 12, which was almost 4 years ago.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance, but I have been accepted to the HARID Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for about 3 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian Pointe Rubins.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I used to be a hip-hop, tap, and jazz competition dancer and when I moved, I just decided on a whim to go to a ballet studio and I have loved it ever since.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love Pas de E’sclave and Odalisque variation 2.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Any company if I am honest. I do love Louisville Ballet which is where I spent my first summer intensive

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

Yes! When I was dancing as Aurora, the Wedding Pas was the most fun I have ever had onstage and I am very fond of the performance.

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

Marianela Nuñez, Maria Kotchekova, Alessandra Ferri, and Isabella Boylston are people that really inspire me.

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

The best advice I’ve ever received from a teacher is to become comfortable being uncomfortable. It really helps when you want to drop your legs in adagio.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu.

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to read, stretch, and draw.

Q&A With American Ballerina Eliza Rhodes

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

It started ballet at age 2

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train year round at the Washington school of ballet and for the past 3 summers I’ve trained with the bolshoi at bbasi

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch eurostretch pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got involved in ballet because my mom signed me up when I was a kid and I got hooked

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is either Kitri act 2 or anything Paquita

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company is either Bolshoi Ballet or ABT

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

Favorite moments in ballet is when I get a step correct for the first time or when I perfect it

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

My biggest ballet role models are all of teachers, most especially my teacher since i was 3 and my YAGP coach Sara Ordway @ordwayballet

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

Best advice I’ve ever received from a teacher is to dance for myself above everyone else

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

My favorite thing to do when I’m not dancing is reading or contortion

Q&A With American Ballerina Britta Albertson

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I had the chance recently to ask Britta Albertson some questions about her journey as ballerina. Britta is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with amazing poise and elegance, her passion and dedication for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I have been dancing since I was 7 almost 8 so that’s around a total of 11 years.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’ve spent the last 2 years at Ballet West as a PTD and I’m now going to be at Ballet Arizona as a studio company member.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for almost 8 years now.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Right now I’m wearing Freed classic pro 90 and my favorite makers are Maltese cross and Y.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Actually I wanted to be a soccer player but I kept breaking bones so my mom forced me to go to my first ballet class😂

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Favorite variation is anything from le Corsair or any of the soloist/principal variations in Wahlpurgusnatch

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to stay with Ballet Arizona or maybe one day go back to Ballet West.

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

Some of the best memories we’re getting both of my offers. My first from ballet west at 15 and now ballet Arizona at 17.

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

I would have to say I really like Sara mearns and Zippora Karz (she was a type 1 diabetic who danced for Balanchine)

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

I have received sooo much good advice over the years but I would have to say one that sticks the most is to be unapologetic with my dancing and that you can always tone things down but to give it all you’ve got right off the bat.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love a classical tutu but I like the way my legs look longer in a romantic 😂

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Well there’s not much of that😂 but I love to go out and adventure with friends to new places. We love hiking and going on picnics. Or just going on long drives with music blasting 😂

Q&A With American Ballerina Taylor Nichols

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Taylor Nichols some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Taylor is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance, her dedication and love for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 4 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’ll be a trainee at Cincinnati ballet this year.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Russian Rubins.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I was little my mom signed me up for classes so I could burn off some energy.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Agon is definitely one of my favorites! It’s unique to its self and there is no other variation quite like it. The steps and counts of the music are so simple but yet challenging.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance with any company but Cincinnati ballet is definitely one of my favorites!

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

Taking ballet classes with my sister is one of my most cherished memories.

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

I love Maria Kochetkova

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

No decision you make is wrong, some things are just meant to happen.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love romantic TuTus but I wouldn’t mind wearing a classical either!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love eating snacks, napping, and hanging out with my friends.

 

Q&A With American Ballerina Mikaela Stewart

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I recently had the chance to ask Mikaela Stewart some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Mikaela is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with amazing poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at California Proffesional Ballet Program in San Diego, CA

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently am switching between Russian Pointes and Grishkos

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved in ballet when my mom put me in a “Joy of Motion” class

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Giselle Act 1, Raymonda Variations, and the first Swan Lake Pas de Trois variation.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work in Europe eventually. I want to be able to travel so Europe would be amazing

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

My favorite memories from ballet are probably my first recitals and after I completed my first solo variation on stage.

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

Svetlana Zakharova(obviously), Skylar Brandt is also amazing, and I actually am really inspired by Mariinskys corps de ballet in general because when I saw them perform, their corps work was impeccable.

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

I receive a lot of advice from my teacher. He is always inspiring me, he pushes me, and he always tells us that quality over quantity is important and I think that is something really important to keep in mind while dancing.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I think I like classic tutus more but I also like romantic…. thats a hard question lol. I think for some things I like romantic more (like in giselle) but I also really love classic tutus.

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my free time I really love painting, making art, and letting my brain take a minute to focus on something completely not related to ballet. I think its important to also focus on other things while dancing so whenever I have a break from ballet I love making art and playing with my dog!

Q&A With American Ballerina Callie Rector

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I had the chance recently to ask Callie Rector some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Callie is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with phenomenal poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was three!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at the Academy of Russian Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 2, almost 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian Pointe Entradas

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got into ballet when I was little because my mother had always wanted to do ballet but never got the chance, and she wanted us to try it!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is probably Grand Pas Classique or Aroura Act 1

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance for the Washington Ballet!

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

There was a moment on stage during the Nutcracker when I was Dew Drop, and I did several sodechats across the stage and felt like I was flying! (The picture is on my page🤗)

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

My role model is Irina Dorovenko because she is so nice and such a beautiful, elegant dancer!

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

Not to worry about much on stage, the adrenaline will take you where you need to be, and if you have muscle memory of your dance and corrections, then just think about performing and enjoying the stage and you will look great.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love art, and I do lots of paintings and I keep an artistic bullet journal!

Q&A With American Ballerina Marina Profy

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I recently had the chance to ask Marina Profy some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Marina is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her dedication and passion for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was five.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at dance arts of Yardley but I am looking to change to ballet schools.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for about 4 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Grishko Ulanova

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved in ballet because my mom used to be a ballet dancer and she wanted me to take some classes.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is the Medora variation from Le Corsaire.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for San Fransisco Ballet or Miami City Ballet.

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

My favorite moment in ballet was when I first competed in YAGP.

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

My ballet role models are all my friends and people I take class with everyday.

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher was to never wish to be someone else because you can never be someone you are not. So you must use the things you like about them to better yourself, but never wish to be someone else or do something like them.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu for sure!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to go to the beach and go swimming when I’m not dancing!

 

Q&A With American Ballerina Koren LaPlant

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 5.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance with the Orlando Molina Ballet Training Center OMBTC it is a brand new conservatory program that only accepts 10 dancers.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for 5 years, so I was en pointe when I was 10.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian Pointe Safires.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Well originally I took a tumbling summer camp when I was 4 and there was a ballet part in it and the ballet teacher told my mom to put me in ballet so she did!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love the Odette variation from swan lake, it’s my favorite!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance with the San Francisco ballet and the Royal ballet.

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

It was during my gymnastics practice (I used to be a gymnast as well) my mom told me I was accepted to go to the SAB summer intensive and I cried and had to go back to practice😂

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

Sylvie Guillem And Marianella Nunez.

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

Don’t hold back anything.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu.

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love hanging out with friends, practicing makeup and drawing.