San Diego Ballet | Professional Ballet Company & School — San Diego, CA

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Turley, Elizabeth

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Elizabeth Turley found her passion for dance at the age of 2. She began training at Impact Dance in ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and tap and had the opportunity to travel around the country for competitions and conventions. She solidified her ballet technique by continuing her training at Ballet Etudes Academy at the age of 10 under the direction of Sharon Meko.

After high school, Lizzie decided to further her education at the University of Utah where she earned a BFA in Ballet and a Minor in Nutrition. During her time in college, she performed a variety of classical works including The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, and was Myrtha in Giselle. She also had the opportunity to perform many original contemporary works by renowned choreographers including Trey McIntyre and Stephanie Garcia. Lizzie is thrilled to begin her professional career with San Diego Ballet and continue her passion in such a beautiful city!

Questions 
  • What ignited your passion for dance?
Because I was put in dance classes at such a young age, I can’t remember a moment in my life when I wasn’t a dancer. It was my main source of community and belonging throughout my childhood, and quickly formed into my identity. I would come home from ballet class as a toddler and immediately continue to dance for hours around my living room. Being on stage or at the barre has always felt like home to me!

  • What inspired you to pursue a professional career in dance?

I’ve always known that I could never be the type of person to work a desk job, and ballet is one of the only professions where I can get paid to move around all day. I want to dance for as long as my body allows, and pursuing a professional career seemed like the best way to do that. I feel so blessed to be able to pursue art as a profession!

  • What is your favorite thing about being a dancer?

My favorite thing about being a dancer is the automatic community that is formed. Nothing forms friendships quite like dancing in a corps, rehearsing for hours every day, or getting ready for a show in the dressing room. Nobody will ever understand you as well as a fellow dancer does!

  • What is your biggest dream for your dance career?

My biggest dream for my ballet career is to perform challenging roles in ballets I haven’t performed yet, as well as pushing myself in a variety of styles such as contemporary. The best thing about being a dancer is that every day is different and you get to have so many new experiences. 

  • When you are not pirouetting and perfecting your pliés, what brings you joy?

I’m always engaging in art, even when I’m not dancing. Silversmithing is another one of my passions and creating jewelry is one of my favorite ways to express myself. I also love anything to do with nature, including hiking, camping, and surfing. I’ve recently discovered I make a phenomenal DJ and hope to explore that talent more. 

  • What is the most transformative experience you’ve had as a dancer?

When I was 16, I got a major surgery on my sternum and ribs to correct a deformity I was born with that was causing issues to my heart and lungs. I had metal rods connected to my ribs for 3 years and had to completely relearn how to use my upper body. I did not know if I would ever dance again, and I had to work twice as hard as my classmates to catch up from the time I lost. Because of that experience, I now know that I will not be able to dance forever, so I should never take a single moment for granted and approach every day with gratitude. 

  • What is your favorite ballet?

My favorite ballet to watch is Romeo and Juliet, but my favorite ballet to perform is The Nutcracker.

  • What is your favorite role you have performed at San Diego Ballet and what is a role you would like to perform in the future?

My favorite role I have ever performed is Myrtha in Giselle. It had been my dream role for so many years and it was such a challenging and rewarding experience. I’ve always thought it would be so fun to be one of the Stepsisters in Cinderella!

  • What is your favorite local spot in San Diego?

My favorite local spots are Del Mar Beach, Board & Brew, any place that offers a huge burrito, and the pirate ships in San Diego Bay.