Leslie Browne
Leslie Browne was a principle dancer with ABT, and currently a teacher at Steps on Broadway. Throughout the workshop she shares her career story, and pointe shoe advice.
- “Create your body”
- Not everyone needs the perfect ballet body. That said, you need to have a certain facility.
- Face your restrictions.
- For Leslie, ballet was in family. Both her parents danced, and most of her siblings did as well. At the beginning of her training, her parents were her teachers.
- Later, Leslie studied at ABT.
- Soon after, she studied at SAB for 14 years.
- Leslie did not really enjoy preparing for dance class, but once her mother forced her into the studio, she loved it.
- Leslie went through a phase where she did not want to dance, but instead horseback ride in Phoenix. However, her mom wanted her out of Phoenix ASAP.
- Leslie skipped various levels at SAB, and was highly trained.
- Two years after, she was brought into company.
- Throughout her career, Peter Martins was dancing.
- Audition for the movie: The Turning Pointe. She heard of the movie through family friends.
- Leslie worked with the main character, Gelsey Kirkland on set. However, Gelsey was experiencing personal problems. One day, Gelsey came to set with a terrible sunburn, and she was fired from the movie.
- Leslie took this opportunity upon herself and called the director to tell him that she was capable of dancing the lead role.
- Leslie’s mother is the reason why she made it so far in her dance career and why she was casted as the main character inThe Turning Pointe.
- Leslie spent 9 years as soloist in the company.
- Mikhail Baryshnikov watched Leslie danced, which opened various doors for her in her future.
Pointe Shoe Advice:
- Tape toes to reduce blisters.
Important to experiment until you find the right shoes.
Need to rotate multiple pairs of shoes (maximizes lifespan of shoes, and is easier on feet).
Dancers become attached to their shoes.
Dancer needs to be able to dance on top of shoe (box), otherwise injuries will occur.
For Pas de Deux, a hard shoe is most ideal.
For Giselle, soft shoe is ideal, because of the constant jumping.
Prepare shoes before class -- do not want to dance in dead and unsupported shoes. Otherwise, injuries will develop.