Q: TELL US WHEN YOU BECAME A DANCER?
A: I started dancing when I was 5 years old. I decided to become a dancer because I love the feeling of being connected to the music and dancing through space. It makes me feel joyful and free.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: It’s my fifth year in the U.S.! I was in Pittsburgh for two years and Boston for two years. Before that I was in Tokyo, Japan.
Q: WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THE EXTENDED DOWNTIME BEFORE THE SEASON BEGAN?
A: During the quarantine, I decided to take anatomy and physiology classes to stay productive and learn something new. It has helped me become a better dancer. I also expanded my baking skills, and began cross training—especially doing yoga. It was unexpected to have the season cut short, but I got a chance to take good care of myself mentally and physically and spend a lot of time with my family.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY ‘WORDS TO LIVE BY’ THAT HAVE HELPED YOU THROUGH THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES?
A: First of all, I feel very fortunate and grateful to be a part of the Kansas City Ballet Second Company. Since the unexpected pandemic began, we have spent many weeks and months in the house trying our best to stay in shape. Now I’m back in the studio with space, a live pianist, and co-dancers!
Wearing masks in the classes and rehearsals is very challenging since it makes it so much harder to breathe and express with our facial expressions. But thinking positively, I always wanted to build my stamina, so I cannot wait for the day to dance with full access to breathing and facial expressions.
“God only gives us trials that we can overcome.” is my mantra. Stay positive!
Photograph by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
