As she begins her sixth season with Kansas City Ballet, Company Dancer Molly Wagner shares her obsession with inspiration and other things she enjoys.
Q: HOW DID YOU BECOME A DANCER? AND WHEN DID YOU START DANCING?
A: I took ballet, jazz and tap growing up while competing in gymnastics, but then in high school I couldn’t imagine doing anything but ballet. I threw all my energy and dreams into it.
Q: Do you have hobbies or special Interests?
A: When I have time off, I love to take my 2-year-old dog to the Shawnee Mission Park to swim for hours. Seeing his boundless joy makes me happy!
Q: What are people most surprised to learn about your job as a dancer?
A: While, yes, our toes hurt when we come back from a break, our feet are NOT constantly bloody as movies love to portray.
Q: Do you have a personal mantra or affirmation that you swear by? if so, what is it?
A: Before I go on stage, Angie Sansone and I tell each other: “You’re the most beautiful ballerina in all the lands.” It’s our goofy way of entering the stage with confidence. But as far as day-to-day mantras go, “You are enough.” Sometimes this career can make you insecure and frustrated, but at some point you have to just believe in yourself.
Q: what is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I’m obsessed with TED Talks and watch one every morning before work to inspire me.
