DANCER SPOTLIGHT: SAMANTHA LEWIS

Since you are a native of Columbus, what is your favorite thing about the city? (You can't say BalletMet!)
I would have to say High Street-the restaurants, different places, shops. I also like the culture and artistic side of the city.

What is your sandwich of choice?
Spinelli's deli. The chicken breast sandwich.

What do you like do to when you're not dancing?
Go out with my friends and spend time with my family.

What was your favorite television program as a child?
I really liked Arthur.

If you were an article of clothing, what article of clothing would you be?
Shoes. That was an easy one.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I always liked the names Abigail and Isabel, but I don't think I would want to change it.

What is one of the most embarrassing moments you've ever had (onstage or off?)
There was a time last year during Sleeping Beauty when I fell on my face during nymph rehearsal. It was really embarrassing. They had to take a five.

Complete the statement, "I recommend..."
I watched the movie The Holiday the other day. Jude Law is beautiful.

For those of us who are unfamiliar with how the program works, could you give us a brief overview of your past experience as a trainee with BalletMet?
It was the hardest year of my life, undoubtedly. I was taking classes and there were rehearsals. We were dancing eight hours a day.

What part of being a professional dancer do you think would surprise people the most?
That we get paid. [laughs] And that we take class everyday. Sometimes people think that once you learn something that you’ve learned it. But we do it to maintain technique and so that we continue to improve.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I usually try to give myself a barre. I tape my ribbons inside my shoes because one time they fell out during a performance. That was embarrassing.

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
Always go to class. They ask this question to dancers in Pointe Magazine and I always think about how I would answer it, and I would definitely say always go to class.

What do you like about dance?
The constant striving for perfection. The feeling you get when you finish something that you've been working so hard at. You feel fulfilled physically and artistically.

Photo: Will Shively