Alexandra Lister, originally from Chicago, began her serious training at Légere Dance Centre and then continued her training with The Academy of Movement and Music in Oak Park, Illinois. While training, Alexandra has performed in The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, Don Quixote, Pas de Quatre, and Napoli. Alexandra received a BS in Dance Arts Administration at Butler University under the direction of Marek Cholewa, Susan McGuire, Derek Reid, and Rosanna Ruffo. She danced a variety of roles in The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, and Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments. Ms. Lister has also had the chance to tour Eastern Europe with Butler Ballet, performing in Warsaw, Poznan, Bratislava, and Prague. Alexandra is excited to begin her first season with San Diego Ballet!
Who influenced you most to become the dancer you are today?
My teacher, Sarah Cullen Fuller, has encouraged me most to become that dancer that I am today. She was a dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and is truly an inspiration. She motivated me to push myself beyond boundaries I thought I was capable of which helped me grow tremendously as a person and a dancer. I am so thankful for my opportunity to train with her.
What was the funniest episode(s) you’ve experienced in your career?
One of the funniest moments I’ve had as a dancer happened on stage during Nutcracker last year. I was performing as a Mirliton and as we were about to go on stage we noticed that one of the people in the Russian dance had dropped their hat on center stage. The only way we could get the hat out of our way was by kicking it off to the side. After we entered on stage, my friend tried to kick the hat but missed! The entire audience laughed. We continued with the dance and my other friend kicked the hat this time and the hat flew across the stage! The audience definitely got a good laugh out of that performance.
Who would you most like to share the stage with (living or dead)?
I’d most like to share the stage with Daniel Ulbricht. After having him as a guest teacher for a summer program, I’ve realized that I adore his energy and true passion for dance. Sharing a stage with him would definitely be a blast!
What goes through your mind just before you perform?
Just before I perform, I always have to go through all of my steps in my head. After that, I get into the mindset of the character I am about to perform. Most importantly, I remind myself that I am doing what I love and to make the most out of every performing opportunity that I receive!
What do you like/admire most about San Diego Ballet?
I admire San Diego Ballet’s wide range of choreographic works. I am certainly a dancer who enjoys all types of dancing from classical, to contemporary, to neo-classical. I also appreciate the incredible dancers that I get to surround myself with every day!