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Ballet Intuition - Blog
Paving the way - Misty Copeland
Photo by Henry Leutwyler @henryleutwyler (instagram)
One of the most celebrated Ballerinas of today, Misty needs no introduction. She has inspired and empowered countless dancers from all over the world with her artistry, determination, advocacy and generosity. Making her way through the ranks to Principal Artist, Ballerina of The American Ballet Theatre, Misty shares her views on auditions and her most valuable time learning her craft.
Within the Ballet community when approaching auditioning and preparing students for next steps on their professional journey, there are some fundamental steps we often overlook.
Especially in this day and age with so much focus on social media and a very singular mindset, we miss an opportunity to prepare young people to be a part of something bigger than themselves. To be a part of a community, a team, a company!
I think when auditioning or even once you join a company, it's vital to show that you are a team player. It's not always about pushing to the front of the room or comparing yourself to your colleagues and trying to prove you are better, but showing how you listen and work well with others.
One of the most important and impactful moments in my professional journey was the time I spent in the corps de ballet. Working on oneself to be the best we can to make the whole of the company better was one of the most satisfying lessons I learned that has prepared me to be the dancer and person I am today.
Though it's so important to be ambitious and want the most for yourself, it's also important to be present in the moment with the work you're doing and how you effect or are effected by those around you. While auditioning in particular, those in the front of the room are watching for these qualities as well as your dancing. It will give you an added edge by considering this in those critical moments!
Misty Copeland, 2021
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.
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.
Born in Argentina, Paloma Herrera's professional career started at the very young age of 15. She quickly rose through the ranks to be named principal artist of the American Ballet Theatre at age 19, The youngest Principal Dancer in the history of the company. Dancing in many of the traditional classic ballets and contemporary works, Paloma made a remarkable impact in this art form throughout the world. Her illustrious career took her all over the world guesting with Kirov Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Colon Theater Ballet, Kremlin Palace Ballet, Ballet Teatro alla Scala of Milan, Tokyo Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba and New York City Ballet. Retiring from her career at The American Ballet after 24 years, Paloma then directed Colon Theater Ballet from 2017- early 2022. An iconic Ballerina