Ballet Intuition - Blog

Fearless - Karina Gonzalez-Edwards

Photo @houstonballet of @karinagonzalezedwards and @connorlwalsh



Karina Gonzalez has forged an amazing career, performing a significant and diverse range of repertoire to great acclaim. She is fearless and powerful on stage with a focus and attention to detail that is enviable amongst her peers. Karina is an internationally recognized dancer and has worked with Ballet National of Caracas, Tulsa Ballet, many international Galas and currently as a principal ballerina of Houston Ballet. Named one of Houston's 30 most influential women, Karina is well positioned to comment on the important aspects of success. She shares her experience as not only a dancer but also the elements she feels panel members are looking for in successful candidates when she has been the teacher in charge.


I have had the opportunity to be in both positions during auditions for a company, first as a dancer, then as a teacher for the Houston Ballet company’s audition. I think it is very important to be yourself and to not hide in the back of the room. Also, showing confidence and being a quick learner makes a big impact on the staff in the front of the room. I remember hearing Stanton Welch’s Artistic Director of Houston Ballet during a company audition, “ I prefer a dancer that falls and tries again than a dancer that is afraid and stays in the back of the room”. 


After many years in the field of dance, I think there are a few qualities that make a good dancer/performer/artist. First, respect and love for your art are important, being disciplined and taking your classes and rehearsals seriously can set you apart from the rest.

Also, knowing who you are as an artist, without comparing yourself with others, helps you to find confidence and know what your strengths and weakness are.


It is important also to focus on the health of your body, so you can work to your best ability and give the best of yourself. Strengthening, conditioning and stretching are some of the most beneficial things that you need to apply each and every day. 


Lastly, loving your art and giving your all every day is for me one of the best qualities that a dancer can have. 



Karina Gonzalez-Edwards 2022

Creating Opportunity - Aesha Ash

By looka_production_77483927 • 05 Aug, 2022
Aesha danced with New York City Ballet, Bejart Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet and Morphoses/ The Wheeldon Company. In 2011 Aesha founded 'The Swan Dreams Project', her aim to dispel stereotypes about black women in ballet. She continues to dispel this stereotype, In 2020, she became the first African American American female faculty member at the School of American Ballet. She is now the School of American Ballet's Associate chair of Faculty.

Dancer DNA - Fiona Tonkin

By looka_production_77483927 • 01 Jul, 2022
Fiona Tonkin is one of Australia's most loved Ballerinas. As a ballerina she is known for her artistic genius and creating unforgettable connections onstage with her partners. Starting her career at the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Fiona went on to join The Australian Ballet Company under Marilyn Jones (Artistic Director at the time), and lead the company as a Principal Artist. She later returned to New Zealand and became Ballet Mistress at the Royal New Zealand Ballet with Matz Skoog as Artistic Director. Fiona was invited by Matz to work with him at English National Ballet when he was appointed Artistic Director and she spent a number of years as a Principal Coach there. Fiona returned to The Australian Ballet in the early 2000's and has been pivotal in the nurturing, mentoring and developing of dancers to success throughout their careers. Fiona is currently Principal Coach and Artistic Associate at The Australian Ballet.

Vulnerable Artists - Dani Rowe

By looka_production_77483927 • 13 May, 2022
Australian born, Danielle Rowe was promoted to Principal Dancer with The Australian Ballet Company, later moving to Houston, Texas as a soloist. She was quickly promoted to Principal Dancer once more. She then joined Nederland's Dance Theatre, moving to Den Haag, Holland. With a dance career spanning two decades Dani made the transition from dancer to freelance choreographer. She has spent time as the director of San Francisco Dance Works and currently creates dance pieces with various companies around the world. Dani is tenacious, strong and very well respected in her field.
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