I grew up a few blocks away from Lincoln Center in New York City. Lincoln Center has instilled a sense of intimacy between ballet and me.
Unlike outsiders, who see the luxurious performances and events with the diamond tutus and bubbling champagne, I have encountered New York City Ballet dancers walking duck footed with blisters, with bobby-pins stabbed into their skulls, hair spray plastering their hair, with sore bodies and drained spirits.
The bedazzled events and elaborate performances on stage are only a few of the reasons why they devote their lives to molding, expressing, and transforming themselves. Only a few people in the audience comprehend the strain put upon all the churning gears backstage.
I am fortunate enough to experience a glimpse of NYCB in its raw form.
Moving to Colorado from New York initiated my career in dance. I embarked on my dance endeavor when I was four years old in Denver. Additionally, my mother being French also sparked some interest, as ballet was created in France in the 15th century.
I started at a very small ballet studio, which dramatically grew, called Denver Academy of Ballet. I spent ten very fulfilling and memorable years there. My teachers in Denver were and still are remarkable. My training in Denver, Colorado will always have a special place in my heart.
Throughout and after my years at Denver Academy of Ballet I attended various dance intensives in New York City. I trained with the Joffrey Ballet School for two years and Gelsey Kirkland’s Academy of Classical Ballet. I am currently enrolled in the Pre-Professional Program at School at Steps on Broadway and dancing under former ABT principal dancer, Ashley Tuttle. I have danced in my ballet school's performances of Swan Lake, La Sylphide, Paquita, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker, and original pieces.
Ballerinas Without Borders combines my love for ballet, with my passion for computer programming and traveling. Technology and communication empower people, and I look forward to contributing with this platform. My travels across the globe have driven me to be constantly inspired by dance in diverse cultures. As our global studio, Ballerinas Without Borders is the mirror that reflects our collective passion.