This week’s profile is of Emilee Ayers. Check out her blog, Everything I need to know about life, I learn in dance class, too!
When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
October of 2011 (I was 23)
Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
for two years at 6 and 7, then again at 10 and 11. But I was taught in correctly and ineffectively. (I didn’t know the names of any movement whatsoever save for an arabesque.
Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
Despite knowing the names of nothing, they said I could get on pointe in two years. (this studio let anyone on at a certain age. I’m glad I didn’t stay.) It had been my dream since I was a kid to dance on pointe, but my mom pulled me out of dance when I started gaining weight due to puberty and didn’t take me seriously when I wanted to go back.
Where do you take classes?
Munro Ballet Studios and I’m an apprentice with the Corpus Christi Ballet
What is your favorite part about ballet?
I absolutely love the history and tradition behind it. It blows my mind to know that so many people have done the same thing I’m doing and learned the same technique that i’m learning. I feel like I’m part of a special group of people that consists of people from all over the world. Ballet is a universal language. I also love how it makes me feel. I am most alive when I’m dancing.
What is your least favorite part?
It’s hard knowing you’ll never get the same opportunities as younger dancers, and that your days are numbered. But that still doesn’t mean that you can’t do great things right where you are.
Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
Ballet was the one thing that made my stoic Grandpa proud of me. I know he’d love knowing that I pursued this dream of mine again, and especially that I am able to be as successful as I am with it. From a ballet stand point, I really look up to Talia Fidra, Diana Vishneva, Precious Adams, and Fabrice Camels.
What motivates you to keep dancing?
At first it was difficult to keep myself going to classes. I knew it was what I wanted but it was so difficult that I would leave feeling pretty defeated. But now, I can see myself improving. I’m en pointe, dancing in company shows, surrounded by wonderful and supportive people…it’s what makes me feel the most alive.
Do you take any other dance classes?
Not consistently, but in our most recent production I was cast in a jazz piece and the understudy for a character piece, both of which went extremely well.
What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
I love taking pictures, and do it on the side. It’s really great when the two worlds of dance and photography combine. I also write.
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
Do it. There’s no better time to start than now. You’ll never be younger or more prepared than you are right now. Remind yourself of why you want this and go for it. You’ll be so glad you did.
Do you have a blog?
Everything I need to know about life, I learn in dance class.
