by Candice Thompson | Nov 23, 2015 | Career, Profiles, Reverence
This story originally appeared in the December 2015/January 2016 issue of Pointe. Before your promotion to principal this summer, you were an ABT soloist for 14 years. How did you stay patient when it seemed a promotion was unlikely? When I was cast to do my first...
by Madeline Schrock | Sep 30, 2015 | Career, Profiles, Reverence
This story originally appeared in the October/November 2015 issue of Pointe. Miami City Ballet’s Simone Messmer seeks constant growth. After dancing with American Ballet Theatre and then one season with San Francisco Ballet, you took a year off. How did you grow...
by Nancy Wozny | Aug 2, 2015 | Profiles, Reverence
This story originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Pointe. Jaime Lynn Witts’ persistent, can-do attitude is the secret to her success at Ballet Austin. How do you divide your career between talent and pure determination? You need equal parts talent,...
by Julie Diana | Jun 1, 2015 | Career, Profiles, Reverence
This story originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Pointe. Who was your biggest inspiration while growing up as a dancer? My first experience in a professional environment was when I was a supernumerary in New York City Ballet’s Coppélia....
by Laura Cappelle | Apr 2, 2015 | Career, Profiles
This story originally appeared in the April/May 2015 issue of Pointe. What qualities do you admire most in other dancers? When you watch someone and have absolutely no worries. Even if something terrible happens, you know they’re going to get out of it, in the...
by Laura Cappelle | Feb 1, 2015 | Career, Profiles
This story originally appeared in the February/March 2015 issue of Pointe. Stuttgart Ballet’s Alicia Amatriain finds freedom in new roles. In reaching the top, how much is talent and how much is sweat? A person I admire once said: You must be in the right place...
by Laura Cappelle | Nov 23, 2014 | Profiles
This story originally appeared in the December 2014/January 2015 issue of Pointe. You started out in gymnastics—did it have an effect on your dancing? It helps immensely. My father was a gymnastics coach, and I think that if my daughter wanted to become a...
by Christopher Blank | Sep 30, 2014 | Career, Profiles
This story originally appeared in the October/November 2014 issue of Pointe. This is your 14th season with the company. What advice would you give to your younger self? Pace yourself. You’ll miss a lot of knowledge if you’re focused on obtaining status. Be...