Tag: boston ballet

9 Dancers on What They're Grateful For

There’s no question that life as a dancer can be difficult—long hours, rigorous rehearsals, and the risk of rejection and injury can take a toll. But dancing also gives us so much to be thankful for! In honor of Thanksgiving, we asked nine dancers to share what they’re most grateful for this year. From overcoming […]

Boston Ballet Prima Ashley Ellis Writes a Letter to Her Teenage Self

Boston Ballet principal Ashley Ellis’ dancing is the perfect pairing of ethereal grace and punchy musicality. The Torrance, CA, native began training at South Bay Ballet at age 6, and attended the School of American Ballet summer program in 1998. In 2001, she was accepted into American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company, and the following year, […]

Summer Intensive Throwback: 7 Pros Share Their Favorite Memories (and Photos!)

It’s hard to believe that summer intensive season is almost over! We hope you’re learning, growing, having fun and making memories at your intensives this year. Today, we’re sharing seven dancers’ favorite summer intensive memories. Isabella Boylston, American Ballet Theatre Photo courtesy Boylston Summer Intensive: American Ballet Theatre Age: 17 Perseverance “I was 17 (although […]

Ballerina Whitney Jensen Writes a Letter to Her Teenage Self

Ballerina Whitney Jensen’s incredible lines and extraordinary grace have captivated audiences around the world. At 10, Jensen won the silver medal at the Youth America Grand Prix NYC finals, and at age 16, she was the first American to win the highest possible distinction at the Varna International Ballet Competition. Jensen started dancing in Salt […]

Five of Our Favorite Ballet Trailers

Few things are more powerful for promoting ballet performances than captivating trailers—especially in today’s visually-focused, digitally-connected world. We’ve rounded up some eye-catching ads from seasons past and present that not only make us wish we could have seen the show, but also stand alone as short films. Bucharest National Opera’s La Sylphide Magnifying the scarf […]

Boston Ballet's Addie Tapp on Dream Roles and Dance Role Models

Boston Ballet second soloist Addie Tapp immediately stands out onstage thanks to her impressively long lines, precise technique, and mature presence. A Glenwood Springs, CO, native, Tapp started dancing at age 6 at the Glenwood Dance Academy. At 14, she attended The School of American Ballet summer course, and afterwards was accepted into the year-round […]

What It's Really Like to Be a Principal Dancer in a Ballet Company

It was Valentine’s Day when then–16-year-old Lia Cirio auditioned for Boston Ballet—and was hired on the spot. Every year since, Cirio has celebrated February 14th as not only a day for teddy bears and chocolates, but also as the day she became a professional ballet dancer. Now, Cirio is a principal at the company, and […]