Q: How old were you when you began dancing?
A: I began dancing at an early age in Baltimore, Maryland at a local studio. I didn't become serious about dance until I attended The Baltimore School for the Arts for high school. But all together I've been dancing for almost 20 years.
Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a dancer?
A: I knew I wanted to be a dancer when I started attending The Baltimore School for the Arts. I was accepted to the dance department at the school and that's where I fell in love with dance and art in general. At BSA I received a tremendous amount of training physically/mentally and was taught what it takes to be a dancer. Ever since I graduated and moved on from BSA I decided that being a dancer was going to be a challenge and it was something I really wanted to accomplish in life.
Q: What’s your pre-performance ritual?
A: I don't really have a set pre-preformace ritual that I do every performance. The only thing that I can think of that might be considered a "ritual" is that I listen to music on my Ipod while I'm putting on my make-up and costume for the show. I mostly listen to up tempo songs that get me excited and pumped up to perform.
Q: What’s your favorite role to perform?
A: My favorite role to perform would have to be "Waltz Boy" in George Balanchine's Serenade. While I was at the Baltimore School for the Arts I had the opportunity to dance the role of "Waltz Boy" in our spring performance. The role was so demanding and really challenged me as a dancer. The movement of the role is beautiful and very musical. It's a role that I would love to perform again and again and again.
Q: What dancer were you inspired by growing up?
A: When I was growing up I wasn't exposed to many famous dancers until I attended the School of American Ballet's year round program. While I was at SAB I had some of the best teachers and inspirations anyone could ask for. I became inspired by Peter Boal, Jock Soto, and Sean Lavery. The three of them have taught me so much and I would not be where I am today without them.
Q: If you weren’t a dancer, what do you think you would you be?
A: If I wasn't a dancer I think I would either be a baker or something in the field of fashion.
Q: What is the best thing about dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet?
A: The best thing about dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet is the repertoire that we perform. Every season we get the opportunity to perform a diverse amount of ballets and not too many companies get that opportunity. We're always being challenged and having to explore new ways of dancing which is something I love.
Q: What is your favorite costume you wore?
A: My favorite costume I've worn would have to be the "Angel" costume in Matthew Neenan's Carmina Burana. The costume is a tan unitard with a wing on one side of my back. The coolest part of the costume is that when I stand next to my partner in one of the sections of the ballet both of the wings on our costumes make a set of wings. I think it's really clever.
Q:What advice would you give to all the aspiring dancers out there?
A: I would tell someone who was aspiring to be a dancer to never give up. I know its cliche to tell someone to never give up, but it's true. Also I think that it's extremely important to stay positive and not let the little things get you down.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment dancing at Pennsylvania Ballet?
A: My most memorable moment at Pennsylvania Ballet so far would have to be dancing in Shut Up & Dance with other dancers from the company. Shut Up & Dance is the one thing I look forward to doing every year and every year is better than the last. The show is one way we as dancers can give back to the community of Philadelphia because all the proceeds from the event go to MANNA. Being able to use my talent to help out a local organization is a great feeling and something I will always remember.
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