Company Dancer Sarah Joan Smith is dancing her second season with Kansas City Ballet.
Q: how did you become a dancer? WHEN DID YOU START DANCING?
A: I grew up in Eastern Europe and ballet was a class you took in school. My teacher told me I should pursue it. I did and love it.
Q: what do you enjoy most about being a dancer?
A: I enjoy hearing from an audience member that I conveyed a feeling or emotion to them just through the expression of dance.
Q: do you have hobbies or special interests?
A: Traveling. I love experiencing different cultures and people.
Q: as a professional athlete as well as artist, what makes up your diet and fitness routine?
A: I usually try to consume as much food as possible to maintain the energy I need—a lot of fruits, veggies and peanut butter! I do Pilates and yoga once a week as well as swimming, biking and strength training multiple times a week in addition to daily company ballet class and rehearsals.
Q: do you have a personal mantra or affirmation? if so, what is it?
A: I always say “In with faith and out with His peace” and take a deep breath before I enter the stage.
