2. What would you have done as a career if ballet hadn't come your way?

If I hadn’t been a ballet dancer, I think I would’ve done something in the arts. I find art history, specifically paintings, incredibly fascinating.


3. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment performance-wise?

Once, during a performance of Yondering, when I was still a student at Canada’s National Ballet School, I got a massive nosebleed onstage. I was in a white costume and had no time to go offstage. I was mortified but I wasn’t hurt so I just kept dancing.

4. What is your work philosophy?

I’d be lying if I said I had that figured out. I’m still learning what works for me physically, mentally and emotionally. That being said, I practice approaching every day eager to work and by applying myself. Because even if all else fails, I think a focused work ethic can accomplish a lot.


5. How do you handle criticism?

I am very appreciative of constructive criticism. When it comes from a coach or a dancer you admire, it can be extremely humbling to know that they care enough to share their knowledge. Constructive criticism is vital to help oneself grow.
 

6. Do you have any habits or superstitions before you perform?

As a fairly anxious person, I think any sort of superstition or ritual could be dangerous for me. I like to be consistent in how I warm up physically and mentally, however I try not to be too rigid because if someday I can’t prepare exactly how I want, I don’t want that to somehow be the reason a show doesn’t go well. I try to avoid any thoughts like that.



7. What's your definition of a successful ballet dancer?

I believe a successful ballet dancer is someone who remains humble while being a fierce artist. They’ve recognized a way to stay human, regardless of the level of their talent or technique, and as a result I think it makes their dancing that much more enjoyable to watch.
 

8. What’s the best thing about being a dancer and what’s the worst?

The best part about being a dancer is how it has shaped me personally. I’ve been exposed to so many things through dance that have allowed me to grow in ways I never knew or thought I could. However, it is also the hardest part about being a dancer because I have a hard time separating myself from dance. So much of my identity comes from dancing, I am so close to it that it can be hard to have an honest perspective on things. Not having a good rehearsal can feel like the end of the world. I have to work on finding a balance and to recognize that it was just one bad rehearsal, it does not reflect on my entire body of work or the deepest part of me as a person.

9. Do you have a guilty pleasure song?

I can’t pick one song, mostly because my taste in music changes just about every week. Most recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Michael Bublé and Leonard Cohen in his early years.

10. What are three random things most people don't know about you?

• If I’m going to have water, it has to be tea.
• I’m trying to take a break from my phone so I’ve been writing letters to my friends in order to stay in touch.
• I have the unpopular opinion that Adam Sandler is a comedic genius.