Paloma Herrera & Angel Corella in Don Quixote

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 directed  Colon Theater Ballet from 2017 - early 2022. An iconic Ballerina, we are thrilled to share some of her insight.

What do you feel is important when auditioning for either a school or a company? What are the Qualities that you personally think make a good artist?

I think what makes a special dancer is the movement quality!! When a dancer dances and makes it really unique, not just steps, but makes the steps expressive! It is important for a dancer to take your attention because of the quality of their movement, with clean lines, clean positions, good schooling and precise technique. It is not about 'showing off' in an audition, it is about quality, musicality, attention to correction and remembering combinations.... and of course, work ethics! Work ethics is difficult to see in an audition, but for sure is a very important point to get into a company/school.

The love and passion for the art form, the willingness to want to work, the good vibe when working... those are things that are so important to be in a company/school. I believe that to have a great career is not just about talent but a combination of important things!! You of course require natural talent!! Also, you need charisma, work ethics, discipline, passion and love for this incredible art form!!

Can you share a story that reflects on your perspective as a dancer?

I tell this story often because I thing is a good example to the new generations that sometimes looses the point of the real goals.

At age 18, I was asked to do the photo shoot for the cover of the New York Times Magazine. The first thing  I asked was at what time it was as I couldn’t miss my rehearsals . ABT press told me not to worry... it was the cover !!! The New York Times Magazine cover!! But I was still worried about missing my rehearsals because I didn’t care about the 'celebrity' part of the career.

This is an important story I think , because these days some people want to be 'famous' and choose ballet to see if that will make them a 'celebrity'. It is the other way around !!!! If you are a dancer for real! And artist for real! Maybe you will have the interviews, the magazine covers, the prizes etc.... and that is fantastic. However that is not the goal! It shows when you dance, if you do it to get something else or if you do it because you love it! It is completely different.

The ballet world can be amazing if you love it and do it with good vibes, if it becomes a sacrifice it is not good.  Of course it is a lot of discipline, hard work, hours and hours of dedication!! But it has to be always from the passion! And it will make it worthwhile! 

Paloma Herrera 2022