Q&A With American Ballerina Allison Whitley

I recently had the chance to ask Allison Whitely some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Allison is an excellent dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and elegance, her dedication and love for ballet is infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I have danced since I can remember but I started formal training a year and a half ago.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at The Dallas Conservatory

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for 2 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian pointe Sapfirs

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got seriously involved in ballet when I came to The Dallas conservatory’s summer intensive in 2016. After that I fell completely in LOVE with ballet!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

La Esmerelda or Kitri Act 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Houston ballet, ABT, Royal ballet, or San Francisco Ballet

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

Playing Clara at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas

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

Natalia osipova, Tyler Donatelli, Maria Khoreva ,and Misty Copeland

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

Relax, be more daring because dancing can never be perfect

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical!

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

Swim, riding bikes, hang with family💕

Q&A With American Ballerina Casy Vanden Berghe

I had the opportunity recently to ask Casy Vanden Berghe some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Casy is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible grace and elegance, her passion and love for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Houston Ballet Academy.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Grishko 2007’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom started me in ballet when I was 3 and I haven’t stopped dancing since then.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love a lot of variations but I think my favorite would be variation from Gisele act 1.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Houston Ballet’s company.

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

I think my favorite memory in ballet was being able to perform Clara in San Francisco Ballet’s Company.

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

I love Natalia Osipova and Maria Kotchetkova.

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

I think the best advice I’ve received from a teacher would be to dance with my heart when I’m performing.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

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

In my free time I love to just chill and play with my dog 🙂

Q&A With American Ballerina River Stenz

I had the chance to ask River Stenz some questions about her journey as a ballerina recently. River is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion and dedication to ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I got involved with ballet when I was around 9 years old but didn’t get serious until much much later.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance with Next Generation Ballet in Tampa, Florida but I want to dance with Houston Ballet. (I’m currently at an in between stage and looking to take a step towards getting into a company)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk Spotlights!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started dancing because my sister was dancing. My mom asked if I wanted to try it so she put me in. I honestly didn’t really like it at first 😂

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I loveeee Kitri act 3 and Raymondas Dream variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I have many, but I would love to dance for Houston Ballet or Miami City Ballet

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

That ones difficult to answer, I don’t think I could pick one moment specifically, I’ve had so many, both good and bad, that have made me who I am.

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

I adore Marianela Nunez, Iana Salenko, Maria Kotchekova and Karina Gonzolez

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

I’ve had different teachers over the years tell me many different things that I love, but there have been a few who have said this one thing in similar ways, so I’ve kind of put it together how I’ve learned to interpret it from different people: Sometimes we worry so much about what we look like on the outside that we forget about what’s happening within. You have to dance from the inside out otherwise all you’re doing is making positions. The difference between a good dancer and a great one is when they dance from the heart

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical!!

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

I love to read!! I’m also into art and painting.

Q&A With American Ballerina Daniela Thorne

I recently had the opportunity to ask Daniela Thorne some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Daniela is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at age 4

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at UNCSA (University of North Carolina School for the Arts) and I love it.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 5 years now.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freed Classic Pro 90 (Hearts)

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mother was a ballet dancer, so she enrolled me.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Hard to say, I love Giselle Act 1, but I also love the Odette variation in Act 2 of Swan Lake, and of course Kitri Act 3.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I hate to narrow myself down when I have no idea what the future holds. I admire so many companies, but it really ends depends on what companies are looking for at the time and what will work best for me. Ultimately I want to be in a place that makes me happy so that I keep improving and become the best version of myself as a dancer and a person.

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

I remember performing at the final round at Yagp in 2017 at age 14 at the David Koch theater. The stage was so big and there were over 2 thousand people in the audience and the energy from the crowd was unreal. My whole experience in Lausanne was a huge part of my growth as a dancer and definitely one of my favorite memories as well.

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

I always draw inspiration from watching current dancers such as Marianela Nunez, and of course Gillian Murphy (who I am fortunate enough to call my friend).

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

Always show why you love dance, and most importantly who you are.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical 🙂

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

I LOVE to read and write! Journaling always helps me relax and reading inspires me and takes me somewhere else whenever life gets me a little stressful.

Q&A With American Ballerina Annabelle Thrash

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3, but I started my classical training at 5!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at 2 studios: South Mississippi Ballet Theatre and DanceSouth.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I got my first pair of pointe shoes when I was 10. I have been en pointe for 3 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Gaynor Mindens.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in ballet when I was 3 and I have loved it ever since!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I don’t have a particular favorite variation, but I love all of the kitri variations!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance for Colorado Ballet or Joffrey Ballet!

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

I don’t have a favorite memory!

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

One of my favorite dancers is Sylvie Guillem!

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

Some of the best advice I have ever received is to focus on the in between steps. 1: the impact it can have on a variation is amazing. 2: it makes all of the steps look like a dance rather than a bunch of tricks!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic!

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

I go to school, so I usually don’t have very much free time! But in my free time I love to play tennis and be with my friends and family!

Q&A With American Ballerina Erin Arndorfer

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was pretty young, but was a competition dancer. I focused on mainly tap, jazz, and lyrical. It wasn’t until I was 14 that I really started ballet.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently a dancer on the Studio Company at Colorado Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 6 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Freed Classic Pro pointe shoes with a hard shank. I wear a few different makers depending on what is in stock, but my favorite is the D maker.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was accepted into a performing arts high school called Chicago Academy for the Arts and they required the dancers to take ballet everyday (and also go on pointe).  That was when I got involved in ballet!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

That is such a hard question!! If I had to try and pick one variation that is my favorite, I would probably say Gamzatti Act 1. Playing Gamzatti in La Bayadere is one of my dream roles because she is such a strong character. I love the variation because it has so many jumps and I love grand allegro!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

A dream company for me has always been the Royal Ballet. I danced in Europe for a year as a Trainee with the Dutch National Ballet and I would love to go back to Europe to dance. There are so many companies I would love to dance for but all the companies in the UK really catch my eye (Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet).

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

I have a lot of memorable moments in ballet but I think my favorite actually happened this past April. I was able to guest with Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre and perform the role of Cinderella. This was my first principal role in a full length ballet, so it was a pretty big moment for me. I learned so much in the process and I was able to share the stage with my friend Yosvani Ramos as my Prince. He is a Principal dancer with Colorado Ballet so I am constantly looking up to him. He was so much fun to perform with and he really helped me prepare for the role.

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

My favorite dancer is Marianela Nuñez from the Royal Ballet. She is so strong, technical, and artistic….in my opinion there is no other dancer like her. There are a lot of dancers that inspire me but some of my favorites are Soo Youn Cho from Houston Ballet, Maia Makhateli and Anna Ol from Dutch National Ballet,  Isabella Boylston and Skylar Brandt from ABT, and Leta Biasucci from PNB.

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

To relax!! I tend to be really tense but as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to understand how to control it.

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 hangout with family and friends and walk or bike around and explore the city.

Q&A With American Ballerina Caitlin Van Driessche

I recently had the opportunity to ask Caitlin Van Driessche some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Caitlin is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise, elegance and grace. Her passion and love for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when i was six, and I started to train professionally when I was about 13.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I just finished my second year as a trainee with Nashville Ballet. And I this summer I am with The Athens Theatre performing in Broadway shows.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 7 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk, Stellars

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got involved just by being inspired from older dancers and it became a goal of mine.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is probably the dying swan.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would absolutely love to be in a Broadway company.

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

My favorite moment from ballet was when I tried on my first pair of pointe shoes.

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

I look up to many professional dancers, but my main inspiration comes from those that i am surrounded by everyday. I find that they push me the most and I learn from them.

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

The beat advice I have ever received is do think one thing at a time. We often get too caught up in what is coming up, that we loose what we are doing in that moment.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

While I find that I dance in a romantic tutu more often, I love the look of a classical tutu.

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

In my free time I spend a lot of it with my family, reading, knitting, or cuddling with my dog.

Q&A With American Ballerina Maggie Whyte

I had the opportunity recently to ask Maggie Whyte some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Maggie is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible grace and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

Two and a half years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently a trainee at Ballet West

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Going on 10 years- I start pointe fairly young

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk solo hard shank, but I 3/4 them

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents put me in ballet as one of many activities to try and it stuck right away

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Paquita Wedding has a special place in my heart, but I honestly just love doing variations and couldn’t pick an all time favorite

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

It would be amazing to be with Ballet West or Dutch National in the future

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

I don’t think I have a single favorite moment in ballet, but rather there are so many moments- good and bad- that have shaped me into the dancer I am and I wouldn’t change any of them.

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

Emily Adams at Ballet West is a personal idol and mentor of mine. She has been so amazing to get to know and being able to talk personally with one of my role models is a great honor. She is tall and gorgeous, yet can move in every way at any speed and that is something I’m trying to work towards. I’m also in love with Sylvie Guillem.. I mean how could you not be!

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

One of the best things I’ve learned in this career is:

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have- Natural ability only takes you part of the way, the rest comes from not only working hard, but working hard, and have the heart to go for it. You’re only going to make it in this art form if you do it all and work with what you have to the best of your abilities.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Probably classical, I like seeing how the legs are working

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

I love reading, music, hiking, brunch is always a good idea, and being with the people who love and support me every step of the way!

Q&A With American Ballerina Ella Norlen

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 2 1/2.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently, I dance at the Maryland Youth Ballet in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about four years now. I started pointe when I was 11.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

At the moment, I am switching from russians to gaynors. I started on pointe with suffolks, for about a year and a half, and then switched to russians for the next 2 1/2. I started wearing gaynors this week!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I was 2 1/2, my mom took me to see a ballet. After the show, a dance teacher was having a spontaneous class for all the little kids. I joined in, and after the teacher had finished, she told my mom to give me ballet lessons.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love so many variations! I would have to say that Princess Florine or Kitri act 3 are my favorites. Odelisque is fun too.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would like to work for PNB, the Paris Opera or ABT, or really any other famous company.

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

My favorite memory is probably from this past years nutcracker. I got to perform Chinese with one of my really good friends, and it was incredibly fun.

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

My main role model is definitely Gillian Murphey. My mom cut out a photo of her from a performance she did of cupid when I was little and I still have it tacked on my cork board.

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

My teachers always tell me to cool down, because sometimes I get excited and put too much effort into things. It’s important to be able to chill out when you’re pushing yourself too hard.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I would say classical, because they’re so pretty to look at, and are fun to have on. Romantic tutus are pretty, but classical tutus are cooler.

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

When I’m not dancing, I’m usually at school. Besides schoolwork, I love reading and drawing. Watching ballets is also something I like to do.

Q&A With American Ballerina Lauren Collett

I recently had the opportunity to ask Lauren Collett some questions about her journey as a ballerina. She is an phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise, grace and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

5 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

The School of American Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Freed of London

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom signed me up for dance classes and I originally liked tap and jazz better but when I was about 7 I realized I wanted to be a ballet dancer

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Stars and Striped liberty bell

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

New York City Ballet😍

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

Being Clara in the nutcracker

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

Suzanne Farrell and Gelsey Kirkland

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

Live in the moment and always have artistry when you dance because that’s what makes ballet so beautiful

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both

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

Have a good time with my friends and try to not think about ballet haha