Q/A - Inside the Mind of an Artist What are your overall thoughts on this season's repertoire, and how do you believe the diversity of programming aligns with the company's artistic vision? I’m especially looking forward to this season’s lineup. The blend of contemporary and classical works showcases our versatility and commitment to our artistic vision. We want to appeal to all audiences by providing diverse programming and this season is doing just that! Over the past decade, I’ve watched the company embrace an increasingly challenging repertory. It’s a dancer’s dream to perform some of the works we have on the bill, and I can’t wait for our audiences to experience them. Unlike composers who often work independently, dance and theater choreographers often draw inspiration from the artists they collaborate with. Can you share your perspective on being the inspiration for new work, the responsibility of leading roles, and the importance of effective communication in this creative partnership? It’s exhilarating to be the inspiration for a new work. It’s as if you are a living canvas, bringing the choreographer’s vision to life! As a dancer, I know how important open communication throughout the creative process can be. I believe it creates the best outcome for both the choreographer and the dancer. Taking on a lead role comes with big responsibilities. It requires complete dedication in every rehearsal and performance. Your commitment sets the tone for the entire cast. If you believe in your role, it inspires others to do the same. While every role is important, the authenticity and passion you bring as a lead can elevate the entire production. No matter the role, my goal is to make the story resonate with the other dancers and, most importantly, the audience. In addition to being a leading company artist, you're also a highly respected rehearsal director. Can you describe your experiences working with a community cast and the unique challenges or rewards of this role? As a dancer, I understand the importance of the rehearsal process. Rehearsal is where you prepare, build confidence, and grow. Working with Ballet Arkansas’ community cast is incredibly rewarding; I’m not just guiding them through the choreography but also helping them find their voice as dancers. Growth comes with experience, and there’s no better way to gain it than in the studio and on stage. Seeing their progress throughout rehearsals and watching them shine on stage makes the long hours of being a rehearsal director worthwhile. As a popular instructor at the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance, what do you hope to instill in your students, knowing many may aspire to follow in your footsteps? I remember the dance instructors who pushed me, encouraged me, made me laugh, and sparked my love for ballet. Ballet is challenging and requires hours of dedication. To help my students succeed, I strive to be a well-rounded teacher. A teacher who pushes, supports, and inspires them while also making the process enjoyable. Ballet still makes me smile, and I want my students to experience that same joy, alongside the commitment and hard work that comes with it. How has your relationship with the company's directors evolved over the years, and how has this been a source of support and artistic growth? I’m incredibly thankful for the directors of Ballet Arkansas. They’ve not only transformed the company but have also shaped me as a dancer. They each bring something unique to the table, and I love how they push me in different ways. They make a great team, and I’ve been lucky to learn from both. It makes a huge difference having directors who have been in your shoes, performing the roles you’re now doing. Their experience makes the coaching even more valuable. I’m fortunate to have had them for most of my professional career. I’m not the same dancer I was when they came 8 years ago, and their guidance has played a huge role in my growth. Can you share a memorable role or performance that you've had with Ballet Arkansas? I have great memories of a lot of the roles I’ve done in the past, but my most recent memorable role has to be Odette and Odile from Swan Lake. It was a pivotal moment in my career and a ballet I still can’t believe I’ve had the chance to perform. Anytime I hear the music, I instantly feel the same emotions I experienced in rehearsals and on stage. I may never get to revisit the role, and that’s okay. There are always things you wish you could improve, but I’m proud of what we achieved as a company. It’s a moment in my career I’ll never forget. Do you have any amusing anecdotes about unexpected on-stage experiences during your time with Ballet Arkansas? It’s almost inevitable that you’ll have an amusing on stage moment at some point in your career. I vividly remember wiping out during the snow scene in The Nutcracker, falling flat on my face. The look of sheer horror on my friend Megan’s face still makes me laugh to this day. I’ve actually fallen multiple times! Those falls are never expected, but you just bounce right back up and keep dancing. | 
