Quickfire Questions With May/June Digital Cover Star Mikaela Santos
To get to know Mikaela Santos, our May/June digital cover star a little bit better, we asked her a series of quickfire questions. Read on for the Atlanta Ballet artist’s least favorite step, favorite composer, pre-show routine, and more.
What is your favorite step or part of class?
Turning.
What is your least favorite step?
Arabesque, even though I do a lot of them. I have scoliosis, so it’s a challenge for me.
Do you have a favorite spot in the barre or in center?
I like to switch. Maybe at the beginning of the year, I would face sideways in the mirror; but then towards the end, I want to face flat so that I will be balanced.
Do you have a favorite composer you like to dance to?
Tchaikovsky.
What are your pointe shoe specifications?
Box is lowered, shank is three-quarter, heel is lowered.
Ballet slippers: leather or canvas?
Canvas.
What is your favorite outdoor place to decompress in Atlanta?
Piedmont Park.
What is your go-to snack?
I love a sweet snack. I’m a very big chocolate person, so anything with chocolate.
What is your pre-performance routine?
I usually listen to music. Any music—it doesn’t have to be classical or anything, but I like listening to music that will hype me up. High energy.
What music are you listening to right now?
Oh, it’s very mixed. I like old music. The Beatles.
What are three words that best describe you?
Strong, creative, and passionate.
