Tag: USA

Q&A With American Ballerina Anda Erdenebileg

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I had the chance recently to ask Anda Erdenbeileg some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Anda is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance, her passion and dedication to ballet is phenomenal, below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 5 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Classical Ballet Academy in Colorado

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Gaynors and Grishko

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Well my parents put me in a lot of classes like swimming, drawing, ice skating, golf and dance and I just liked it the most

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Probably Esmeralda

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Probably San Francisco Ballet or Royal Ballet

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

Yes when I performed peasant pas in Giselle

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

Natalia Osipova, Misa Kuranaga, Svetlana Zakharova

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

Be as objective as possible about your strengths and weaknesses.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

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

I like to do something outdoors like hiking or riding my bike

Q&A With American Ballerina Sofia Yarbrough

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance a bit late, I took my first ballet class at age 10.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Ballet Center of Fort Worth in Fort Worth Texas. I also have trained at Kirov Academy of Ballet and I’m about enter my freshman year at Butler University where I will be studying ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe at age 12.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Suffolk Stellar pointe shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first started taking ballet because there was a fine arts school in my town that I really wanted to go to. At age 10 I loved to act and sing and though this school would be perfect for me. The only problem was, the students were required to audition in theater, music, and dance. After learning this, my mom immediately enrolled me in ballet. When I learned of my acceptance to this school my mom said I could stop taking ballet, but I didn’t want to. I stopped acting and singing and focused all of my time on ballet.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

The answer to this question is constantly changing for me, currently my favorite variation is Nikiya’s death from La Bayadere.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company is Dutch National in Amsterdam.

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

My favorite moment in ballet is that feeling right after you perform. You feel energized and this huge rush of adrenaline, there is no other feeling like it in the world.

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

Svetlana Zakharova, Natalia Osipova, and Olga Smirnova are my role models.

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

When you are trying to draw inspiration for a character, draw from real life experiences for inspiration.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love romantic tutus.

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

In my time off I love to travel and experience new things, environments, and food.

Q&A With American Ballerina Sydney S

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 2 started getting serious when I was 7.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Company member at Lexington Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Been on pointe since I was 11

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Grishko 2007

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in it

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Stars and stripes Balanchine

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I currently dance with Lexington ballet and love it here

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

Last season at Lexington ballet performing my first pas da deux in jungle book as the village girl

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

Tiler Peck

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

Early is on time on time is late and late is acceptable

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

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

Go to the beach

Q&A With American Ballerina Basia Rhoden

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I began dancing, along with gymnastics and other sports, at age 2.5. I began focusing primarily in ballet training at age 9.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Master Ballet Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Around 4 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Grishko nova

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My pediatrician recommended dance and gymnastics as physical therapy for minor leg misalignment, instead of leg braces

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Ugh, so many to choose from, it is so hard to pick just one. For me personally, I’d say Odile variation, because it is fun and challenging to work on the expressive port de bra.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

There are so many amazing companies, each with admirable traits. I couldn’t possibly narrow it down.

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

A memorable moment in my ballet career so far happened pretty recently. Performing on the Lincoln Center stage for YAGP Finals (and it being my first time in New York City) was a dream come true. And I was honored to be placed as the female senior bronze medalist. So grateful for that time.

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

I constantly find inspiration in professional dancers, mentors, and my own peers. Specifically, a few role models who I look up to are Svetlana Zakharova, Maria Kochetkova, and Polina Semionova.

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

Hard work and self confidence are important in a successful performance, but also remember to be gracious and to show humility. (But if we’re referring to technique, my never ending corrections are to put my shoulders back and turn out my legs more).

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical (I call it a pancake tutu, lol!)

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

I love watching movies, playing card or dice games, and overall spending time with my family.

 

Q&A With American ballerina Hannah Semler

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I recently had the chance to ask Hannah Semler some questions about her wonderful journey as a ballerina. Hannah is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage wtih poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing at the age of 3 in beginning movement classes.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at a studio in Indianapolis

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 just switched pointe shoes as I am currently wearing Bloch Elegance. They are split sole and I love them! I have nothing bad to say about them and they have really helped me strengthen my feet.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I began dancing at a local YMCA. I took ballet and Hip Hop. Ballet was my way of calming down when I was little. I was so focused and automatically fell in love with it. 14 years later I’m still doing it and love it just as much and maybe even more!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

This is a hard question! I can’t just pick one variation as my favorite because I like multiple for many different reasons! I love Diana and Acteon because of the power Diana possesses and the strength she gives off in her character. I also love the Grande Pas Classique because of the challenging aspects of it and the beauty of the music. I also love the Act 1 Aurora Variation from Sleeping Beauty. It is so beautiful and elegant.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I began to realize that I wanted to become a professional dancer around the age of 15. I am always striving to improve my dancing and artistry, and being able to dance as a profession is an absolute dream of mine. My dream company would have to be either Cincinnati Ballet, Joffrey Ballet or Houston Ballet.

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

My favorite memory or moment from ballet would have to be when I got to perform as the FireBird in my companies Winter Showcase. This role was a very challenging yet rewarding role. It was all new choreography and different movements. I felt that from this experience it taught me the importance of being a well rounded dancer and not being afraid of trying new things. The role of “The Firebird” really pushed me past my limits and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have been able to perform that role.

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

My ballet role models are Natalia Osipova, Isabella Boylston and Tyler Donatelli! Natalia Osipova has an amazing stage presence that I can not keep my eyes off of. I really look up to her not only because she is an amazing dancer, but her ability to portray so many different character seamlessly. Her jumps are also amazing too! Isabella Boylston is absolutely beautiful! Her grace and technique are impeccable! I am also a huge fan of the Cindys! Tyler Donatelli is a very inspiring person. Her story of how she got to Houston Ballet is something that I really look up to. She is such a hard working dancer and her turns are also amazing too!

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher would have to be you have to just believe in yourself and be yourself. It is something I constantly have to remind myself of. It is very important to be yourself and try your hardest. As artist we have to use what we were given in order to be the best versions of ourselves, and I think that is really important to just be yourself because the first part of believing in yourself is accepting and loving yourself for who you really are.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both kinds of tutus, but classical tutus are definitely my favorites!

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

When I am not dancing I love to excercize! My favorite thing to do is go one walks with my dogs and just enjoy that fresh air outside! I also love baking and cooking for my friends and family!

Q&A With American Ballerina Kennedy Carr

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 2 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently training at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe since I was 9

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko 2007

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in dance

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variations are any from Swan Lake but there are so many that I love

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, or American Ballet Theatre

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

My favorite ballet memories are whenever I’m in class or on stage and I am in my own world and get so into the movement or when I feel so suspended in a turn or stay on balance.

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

Every dancer I see inspires me to work harder and reach for my dreams. There are so many dancers from so many companies that I see that amaze me inspire me so much

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

So many teachers have helped me see how much I love ballet and given speeches that inspire me to keep pushing. I can’t recall an exact moment but so many amazing teachers I’ve had have taught me to just do what I love and feel the music and movement.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

That’s a tough one. I love both tutus so much but I would love to dance in a romantic tutu and see it flow with the movement.

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

I love to watch Netflix, read, listen to music, spend time with my family and friends and puppy, ice my feet, eat, and sleep.

Q&A With American Ballerina Caroline Anderson

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I had the opportunity to ask Caroline Anderson some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Caroline is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance, her passion and dedication for ballet is excellent. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I began dancing at age 3.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently am a trainee with Ballet Theatre of Maryland.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 8 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Gaynor Minden pointe shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My first desire to begin ballet was when I was two years old and I watched the film Barbie Swan Princess. I told my mother that I wanted to take ballet. She told me that I would have to wait until the following year because the local studio did not accept students until they were 3. My mother figured I would forget all about it! But when I turned three I told her again and she signed me up for classes.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Aurora Act 1.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to be on Broadway in a ballet heavy show like Phantom, Anastasia, American in Paris, Cats, etc.!!! Or really any show!! 🙂

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

My favorite memory of ballet so far has been my performance as Snow Queen in the Nutcracker. I felt very accomplished after my performance because I knew I had worked so hard for the role!

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

My ballet role models are Claire Calvert, Beckanne Sisk, and Isabella Boylston.

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher was to never compare yourself to others. If you focus on yourself you will advance much faster and feel much better about your dancing and yourself!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer romantic tutus.

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

When I’m not dancing I like to watch movies (especially musicals!), go swimming, and I like to spend time with my family and friends.

Q&A With American Ballerina Audrey Sullivan

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I had the chance recently to ask Audrey Sullivan some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Audrey is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with presence and grace. Her passion and love 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?

Ballet Etudes (AZ)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for four 1/2 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch Hannah

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents put me a ballet because I kept dancing in the kitchen

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Lilac fairy or grande pa classié

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

ABT 😍😍😍😍😍😍

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

When my teachers at Ballet Etudes told me that I could do half advanced

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

Misty Copland & Maddy Penny

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

Don’t judge yourself to other people

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

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

I love to hangout with my family, friends and and pet pig

Q&A With American Ballerina Isabelle Lapierre

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was two, but I started training more formal at the age of 7.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at the BalletMet Dance Academy in Columbus, Ohio

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe since I was ten, so four years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Freed Studios, but I am still searching for the perfect shoe!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Instead of watching Teletubbies or baby shows like that, my mom would play DVD’s of all the great ballets, starring dancers like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Margot Fonteyn. I would get up and dance and run around en pointe! My mom knew she had to put me in a class!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have so many favorites! I especially love Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux variation and the Medora variation from Le Corsaire.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

As different as they are- I have always loved the works and the dancers of The Royal Ballet and New York City Ballet.

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

When Mr. Edward Liang gave me the opportunity to dance as the “White Cat” in his world premiere of The Sleeping Beauty was a moment I will never forget. It was such an amazing experience to be the only child to dance a role in the third act and have him trust me with the responsibility of a role traditionally danced by a company member.

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

Tiler Peck. Hands down. Live, she is one of the most bright and spectacular dancers. Her talent shakes me to the core.

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

A teacher once told me before I went on stage, “Let go, and dance.” and it has stuck with me ever since.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical.

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

When am I not dancing?! Honestly… I love to do makeup, shop, and hang out with my friends! I am a total girly girl!

Q&A With American Ballerina Claire Crossman

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I recently had the chance to ask Claire Crossman some questions about her incredible journeyas a ballerina. Claire is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace. Her passion and dedication to ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance classes when I was 3 but didn’t start to focus on ballet until I was 5

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at International Ballet School in Colorado

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe when I was 8 years old.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian Pointe Sapphires and I love them! I have also worn Grishko 2007, Grishko Fouettés, and Gaynor Mindens.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in dance classes when I was a kid because that’s what every 3 year old does. It was when I moved to International Ballet School when I was 5 that it wasn’t just dance class for me anymore. it was my passion

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation in is Medora’s variation from act 2 of Le Corsaire

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Bolshoi Ballet

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

My favorite memory is when I used to take classes with my older sister. I looked up to her so much and she inspired me to work hard everyday.

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

Natalia Osipova is my favorite ballerina and she inspires me. Her artistry is what sets her apart and I think that’s super important

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

Be the smartest person in the room. No one wants to work with someone who isn’t on the ball

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

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

Ballet is my whole life, but when i find the time, I love to hike and travel. I also play the violin and I love to ski.