Describe rehearsals for Romeo & Juliet.
For full length ballets, we generally have many rehearsals where the whole company is involved. Of course, we work on our individual things at different times, but when we all put those pieces of work together, its neat to see how the ballet unfolds.

There's a different ambience in Studio 7 sometimes, and it is as if we were travelling back in time to live the story once more. The audience will be excited to see the sword fighting between the men. It brings something a little something extra to the show.


What role have you been rehearsing and what is that like?
I've been learning the common corps roles (a peasant girl in the village scene, a tarantella dancer, and one of Juliet's friends), but the role I'm most energized to perform is that of a Clown street performer. It's a short, crazy little number, but it'll be a laugh each time.

What is your favorite scene from Romeo and Juliet?
The balcony/bedroom scene as always been one of my favorites. The famous pas de duex scene between Romeo and Juliet where he kisses her for the first time is one to remember. The music that accompanies the pas is unforgettable.

Describe the costumes and set.
Although I have not yet seen the sets for John Cranko's version of this ballet, I imagine them to be quite grand and complex. Full-length ballets always have such elaborate backdrops/sets/and props....that's what makes them so aesthetically pleasing to the audience.
The costumes are beautiful! They are from The National Ballet of Canada. It seems that each piece was handcrafted so carefully, down to the last colored strand of thread. I'm quite sure that the audience will especially love the ball scene at the end of Act 1. Our dresses are much like they would wear in that time period and just as heavy....but they are gorgeous!! The fabrics are so unique. It will be wonderful to see them all onstage under the lights.

Any Valentine’s plans?
My boyfriend and I just spent our own early Valentine's Day together. We've been in a long distance relationship for 1 1/2 years, and our jobs have strict schedules. He won't be able to make it for the real day, so we enjoyed a nice, quiet dinner together at the highest restaurant in Boston, Top of the Hub!

One thing no one knows about you?
Wouldn't you like to know?

One thing everyone knows about you?
That I can be trusted.

Guilty pleasure?
It's gotta be chocolate....milk chocolate!


What was the first ballet you danced as a professional?
The "Rubies" section of Jewels by George Balanchine. It was this ballet that started my love for his choreography, and I've been fortunate enough to be a part of many more of his ballets. There's nothing and no one quite like Balanchine and his ballets.


What is your favorite ballet to perform?
So far, it would have to be Giselle. The second act of that ballet belongs to the women in the corps. We all exude such strength together onstage, and experiencing that and how appreciative the audience can be makes it all worth it.


What is your favorite ballet to watch?
Since joining Boston Ballet in 2004, I have become increasingly interested in contemporary ballet. Falling Angels, In the Middle Somewhat Elevated, and The Grey Area are a few ballets that I find incredible to watch. Each piece is accompanied by heart-pounding music, and the different style of dance is enough to keep me quite interested.


What ballet or role would you most like to dance that you haven't?
It seems fitting for this month, but I would love to perform the role of Juliet. Her character requires a unique balance of maturity as an artist, but the ability to be naive as a young woman. To master both of those qualities would be extremely rewarding.

Is there a dancer that you look to as a role model or one in particular that you enjoy watching?
I cannot give you a name of one particular dancer I'd aspire to be like. I tend to take a few qualities from each dancer I admire, and try to incorporate them into my daily work routine. I enjoy watching those who make the art look effortless onstage as well as in the studio. It's amazing to see a dancer's pure confidence shine through, something that I hope to achieve.

Read another dancer interview.