Trainee and member of Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company, Leah Upchurch grew up in Virginia Beach, Va.
Q: TELL US WHY YOU BECAME A DANCEr.
A: I became a dancer because I’ve always loved to perform. I’ve always felt invincible when I was on stage whether I was a character telling a story or dancing as myself for a piece.
Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT DANCING?
A: I like to write (observations, thoughts, ideas, dreams, etc.). I find it very therapeutic and easier to express how I feel rather than talking (hence why I dance).
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I’m OBSESSED with spicy food, the hotter, the better. Just the extra flavor with a kick makes food that much more delicious!
Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BALLET?
A: I honestly love how hard it is; not a lot of people dance ballet because of how particular and precise it is and I truly think it takes someone who is driven, passionate, and disciplined to be successful in the art form.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
A: The best life advice I’ve ever received was that you’re not going to be able to please everyone; it stuck with me because I could never understand why I could be working just as hard as the person next to me but would never get recognition as the other girl would. I learned that not everyone will favor you or your dancing.
Top Photo by Savanna Daniels.
