Independence, Mo., native, Taryn Mejia, grew up dancing on scholarship at Kansas City Ballet School. She realized at age 11 she wanted to make dance a career.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I retired from ballet for six years before joining KCB in 2012. I needed a break and fresh start. So, I went to college and gave birth to my two daughters. After six years I decided to try again and have loved every second since!
Q: IS THERE SOMEONE SPECIFIC THAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR CAREER?
A: Lisa Choules, former KCB dancer and owner of Elevé Dancewear. She forged the way for me to be able to handle single motherhood of two daughters while dancing. I watched her do it and know I can, too. She is incredibly successful and a caring friend.
Q: HOW DO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR CAREER?
A: My family is incredibly supportive. Not only are they season ticket holders but they help care for my two daughters after school and on performance weekends.
Q: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE 2019-20 sEASON?
A: George Balanchine’s Serenade. I performed the role of “Waltz Girl” when I graduated from School of American Ballet and joined New York City Ballet. I haven’t performed the ballet since.
