Photo credit: Gene Schiavone
It’s World Ballet Day today and I want to celebrate by sharing some of my favorite ballet interviews from the last 10 months. New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre continue to set the standard for dance in the United States and it’s a scene that is thriving.
So let’s honor those incredible artists who give so much to the audience each performance — physically and emotionally. Perhaps you will discover a new dancer to follow.
Since Mikhail Baryshnikov burst onto the scene in 1967, no one has set the ballet world on fire in a similar way until Misty Copeland came around. She's opened more doors for diversity in ballet and it's refreshing. Hear what she had to say in December 2015 at the American Ballet Theatre Holiday Benefit in Los Angeles.
New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck is someone I have admired from afar on social media for a long time. It was an honor to interview her in September at the annual Dizzy Feet Gala. She and her husband, NYCB principal Robbie Fairchild, are incredible ambassadors of dance.
ABT principal Stella Abrera is a little shy, but she's the first Filipina-American principal dancer in the history of the company. After frustrating injuries and 14 years as a soloist, she's making her dreams come true as a principal dancer.
We can't forget the men either; they play an important role in ballet. I loved interviewing ABT principal James Whiteside since he got his start at Boston Ballet, where I trained as a teen.
Finally, take a look at Paulina Waski, a 21-year-old corps de ballet member at ABT. This girl has star quality and I am happy that we've become friends after our first interview together. Make sure to add her to your must-watch list.
Who is your favorite ballet dancer?