Lilliana Hagerman was born in Pordenone, Italy, and started dancing at the age of 6. She joined Kansas City Ballet in 2014 as a member of KCB II and climbed the ranks from there. She will dance the role of the “Sugar Plum Fairy” along with her husband Lamin Pereira dos Santos as “Her Cavalier” Dec. 9th at 5 p.m. and Dec. 16th at 1 p.m.
Q: TELL US WHY YOU BECAME A DANCER.
A: When I was young and before I even knew what ballet or dance was, I used to “dance” around the house all the time my parents told me. So, when we moved to the States my parents enrolled me in ballet class. The rest is history.
Q: HOW DO YOU STAY FIT OUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO?
A: I love swimming. It’s the only other kind of work out besides dancing that I find fun.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I was born in Italy because both of my parents were in the military and I lived there for four years.
Q: WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A PROFESSIONAL DANCER WITH A BALLET COMPANY?
A: It’s surreal. Not many people can say their dream came true, but I can and that is something I am thankful for every day.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
A: To always stay humble. If you get to the top by stepping on other people, it’s because you couldn’t do it with your own talent. So, it’s not worth it.
PAST PROFILES
Top Photo by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios
