Quickfire Questions With November/December Digital Cover Star Tommie Lin Kesten

To get to know Tommie Lin Kesten a little better, we asked her a series of quickfire questions. Read on to hear more about the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre principal’s favorite ballet step, coffee order, good luck charm, and more.

What is your favorite step in class?

Fouettés. Because I’m a turner, it’s fun to play around with them.

What is your least favorite part of class?

Frappés at the barre.

Do you have a favorite spot at the barre?

I am very loyal to my barre spot. It’s to the right of center, in the front. I used to have the barre straight on, but I have it sideways now so I can work on my épaulement more.

What are your pointe shoe specifications?

I wear Freeds—“Anchor” maker (but he just retired!) and “B” maker. I cut down the sides, three-quarter the shank, and have the center piece taken out so they’re not as wobbly on flat. I don’t wear ribbons unless I’m onstage. I realized I didn’t need the extra support, so it’s just one less thing to sew!

Ballet slippers: leather or canvas?

Canvas, for sure. Though I like to wear socks at barre to really feel the floor.

Coffee or tea, and how do you take it?

I’m a coffee fiend! An iced honey latte is my go-to.

Do you have a go-to snack?

Charcuterie.

Are you reading anything right now? 

I’ve been reading books that have been helping me let go of my perfectionism, like The Let Them Theory, by Mel Robbins.

What or who are you listening to now?

I love Morgan Wallen. I went to two of his concerts this year! But in general I’m more of a podcast girly.

What is your favorite ballet to watch?

Akram Khan’s Giselle. I watch it over and over.

Do you have any preshow rituals?

I always call my mom. She used to say “Piece of cake” to me when I was little, and I’d say “Piece of pie” back. We still do it every day, and I have a little cake-and-pie charm that I put on my dressing room mirror for good luck. I also kiss my tattoo for my [late] brother, Ty, and then kiss up to the sky to say, I’m doing this for you. Once I do those things, I know I’m good.

What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I’m named after my other older brother, Thomas Edgar Kesten III, who passed before I was born. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to live big enough for the two of us.

What’s one thing you love about your dancing?

I always try to tell a story.