I grew up near Los Angeles and trained at Westside School of Ballet and the Colburn Dance Academy. I also trained at the School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Boston Ballet summer intensives on scholarship. After graduating, I was a trainee with State St Ballet for 2 years. This is my first season with San Diego Ballet, and I am so excited to be performing with this company!
Who influenced you most to become the dancer you are today?
I’ve been very lucky to work with many incredible dancers and teachers, and they all influenced my dancing in different ways. I have to mention my teachers Yvonne Mounsey, Jenifer Ringer and Zippora Karz—and of course my wonderful parents, who have always encouraged me and bent over backwards to support me!
What was the funniest episode(s) you’ve experienced in your career?
Probably the funniest episode I’ve ever experienced onstage happened when I was only about 7 years old. I was in the Nutcracker and my studio asked my dad to be Drosselmeyer. Unfortunately, during the show my dad got engrossed backstage reading the newspaper and forgot to make his entrance! The poor dancers playing Clara and the prince had to improvise without him! I was so embarrassed— but it was so funny!! The studio hired a different Drosselmeyer the next year…
Who would you most like to share the stage with (living or dead)?
I would have to go with Robert Fairchild and Fred Astaire.
What goes through your mind just before you perform?
Several minutes before I perform, I’m going over all my corrections and everything I want to improve on in my dancing. I try to visualize myself performing, and see myself dancing the way I want to. Then right before I go onstage, I tell myself to forget all of that, and just dance!
What do you like/admire most about San Diego Ballet?
I’ve only just started at San Diego Ballet, but I really admire the friendly but hardworking atmosphere. It seems like such a supportive and strong community here! I also love the diverse repertory—from classical to jazzy and edgy. This seems like such a fun company to be a part of, and I am very excited for the upcoming year.