As we celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we would like to shine the spotlight on a few of our company dancers & academy students.
BalletMet’s Academy has classes for children starting as young as 3 years old. We have the privilege of watching these young students grow up in our studios!
Sumi Ichikawa
Sumi came up through our academy, was a part of our second company, BalletMet 2, and is now a company dancer! BalletMet 2 is designed as a workforce development tool that brings dance to the larger community.
You will join the company for the 23/24 season as an apprentice, correct? When did you start dancing at BalletMet and how has that journey from student to professional company member been?
Yes, I am very excited to be joining the company for the 23/24 season as an apprentice! I started dancing with BalletMet Academy when I was 5 or 6 years old. The journey from student to professional company member is still going through my mind because I still feel like I am transitioning. Though, I have started to rely on my technique and focus on my artistry.
Which of your BalletMet roles so far has been most interesting?
The most interesting BalletMet role that I have performed is a flamingo in Edwaard Liang’s Alice.
What do you enjoy most about performing?
When I step on stage, I get this feeling in my body and all I want to do is express this feeling with the audience.
When did you decide to make dance your professional career?
I have always wanted to become a professional dancer. I can’t remember ever wanting to do something else.
Who has been your biggest influence or inspiration in your career?
I was very fortunate growing up with BalletMet’s academy because I was always able to admire and look up to the company.
What do you do/other interests you have in addition to dancing for BalletMet?
Recently I have gotten into crocheting, and I also love hanging out with my friends.
How do you unwind from a long day of rehearsals?
By using my Guasha to massage out any knots in my legs and I also love eating ice cream.
Best snack?
Mott’s Fruit Snacks and the Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars.
What music are you listening to right now?
I listen to a variety of different music; however I enjoy listening to rock bands the most.
What do you value about dance–emotionally, mentally, or physically?
I love the emotional aspect of dance. I feel like dance offers so much emotion in many different ways.
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to most next season (On Stage, Nutcracker, Alice, Asian Voices, Romeo and Juliet)?
I am excited for Onstage because I have never really danced/performed those styles before.
Phoebe Ing
Phoebe Ing has been dancing for over 10 years and is currently a BalletMet Trainee!
How did you get started in ballet?
I found ballet through Angelina Ballerina, a dancing mouse who would attend her daily lessons with her friends and go on all sorts of adventures. I used to read the book and watch the movies every day after I came home from preschool. I asked my parents if I could do what she was doing and they let me start taking classes.
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
Any kind of jump, I love how it makes me feel like I’m flying.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
History, I enjoy learning about where we come from.
What is your favorite season? Why?
Spring, I love the weather and seeing nature.
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
I enjoy gardening, cooking, and visiting new places.
What types of dance do you prefer watching? Is this different from the types of dance you prefer doing?
I love watching modern, cultural dances, and ballet. I prefer doing ballet so it’s refreshing to see other styles.
What do you value about dance–emotionally, mentally, or physically?
I love how difficult dance is and how it takes work every day in order to improve. I love how dance is all about emotion and how we as dancers have the ability to showcase our feelings through movement, something that makes this art form incredibly unique. The quality of the movement depends on how we want something to look and depends on what we are trying to portray.
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to most in the 23/24 season (On Stage, Nutcracker, Alice, Asian Voices, Romeo and Juliet)?
I’m looking forward to every show this coming season, but if I had to choose, I’m most looking forward to Romeo and Juliet.
What is your cultural identity?
I’m Chinese American.
How do you and your family connect to this cultural identity?
We celebrate Chinese New Year and eat lots of traditional foods.
Erica Alvarado
Erica is originally from Arizona and joined BalletMet at the beginning of the 2022/23 season. You can read more about her here.
Which of your BalletMet roles has been most interesting?
I would say dancing Dorothy in Edwaard’s Dorothy and the Prince of Oz. Carrying a full-length ballet is always a challenge, but it makes a world of difference when you have a mentor to coach and guide you through the rehearsal process. Edwaard really motivated me to embody the character of Dorothy, and of course being paired alongside Alvin Tovstogray as my prince was just the cherry on top for so many reasons. I really felt myself grow from studio to stage, and that is always such an ecstatic feeling.
What do you enjoy most about performing?
I love letting go and feeling that sense of freedom on the stage. We all rehearse our butts off for weeks at a time before every performance, so I enjoy being able to trust the process and myself when it comes to performing. That sensation of, “wow I just got to live that” is hard to beat.
Who has been your biggest influence or inspiration in your career?
Initially, my older sister was my inspiration to get into ballet. I guess you could say I followed in her footsteps for most of my childhood. My mother to this day remains my biggest fan. Being a single mom of four, she had to sacrifice so much more than most people can comprehend. I could go on and on about my mother’s dedication to her children, and to this day, she still makes the trip across the country to watch me live out my dream. Lastly, with it being AAPI month, I can’t forget to mention my grandfather. He was the middle of seven children and the first to immigrate to America from the Philippines at the age of 18 to join the U.S. Navy, where he would later rise to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. I didn’t grow up with a father in my household, but my grandfather was everything and more to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today, had it not been for his bravery, hard work, love, and dedication to his family.
What do you do/other interests you have in addition to dancing for BalletMet?
Anyone and everyone who knows me knows that I am a total dog person! My husband and I have three rescues in our household, and one day we hope to have even more! When I’m not dancing I have no problem being a certified couch potato, but I do also love being outdoors when the weather is nice. Also, hot yoga is my jam!
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to most for the 23/24 season (On Stage, Nutcracker, Alice, Asian Voices, Romeo and Juliet)?
Hands down Romeo and Juliet. Every ballerina has their dream role, and Juliet has always been mine. You experience a full range of emotions while portraying Juliet, and as an artist, that is what I live for. Not to mention the score by Prokofiev is untouchable in my book. I have been blessed to perform the role of Juliet twice already throughout my career, and it would be another dream come true to become her in Edwaard’s production, so fingers crossed!
What is your cultural identity?
I identify myself as a Mexican, Filipino, and Hawaiian woman, and I’m proud to say that my family stays strong to their roots, traditions, and beliefs. Family, food and “talk story” are huge contributors to my cultural identity, and believe me when I say there is never a dull moment in this family!
Audrey and Daphne Dinh
Audrey and Daphne are sisters in our academy. Audrey is in the Ballet 6 class.
How did you get started in ballet?
My mom started me in ballet when I was 2.5 years old and then moved me to BalletMet when I was 4 years old. I loved it, so I continued with it. Then when I was 9 years old, I switched to the Downtown location and that’s when my love for the art of dance really grew in my heart. Getting to see the older girls and the company all around the studio was so inspiring.
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
Sissonnes or assemblés. They are both really impressive jumps. It is either two feet to one foot or one foot to two feet. They take a lot of practice, but they look so cool once mastered. I also love jumping.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
Math is my favorite subject in school. Math is a challenging subject and I like to challenge myself. I’m also pretty good at it.
What is your favorite season?
My favorite season is winter. I love the Nutcracker ballet and how much joy and excitement and life it brings to the community because it is such an enthusiastic story to tell. My birthday is also in the winter and I love snow. It is so beautiful watching a snowfall. I also love spending time with family and creating new memories around the Christmas season.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.
Yes. Their names are Tanner and Tippy. Tanner is a dog and he’s the absolute cutest! Tippy is a cat and can be an angel or devil at the same time. They both are adorable!
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
Choir, strings, crafting, sewing, baking, youth group, being around people
What types of dance do you prefer watching? Is it different from the types of dance you prefer doing?
I love watching all types of dance, but especially ballet, contemporary or modern dance and those are also my favorite to perform as well.
What do you value about dance -emotionally, mentally, or physically?
I value the art of dance. Ballet is emotional and can change your perspective of things. Without dance I wouldn’t be as connected with myself or the world as I am. Dance is my life. It is a part of me. It can be emotionally, mentally and physically tiring, but it is also incredibly uplifting and inspiring and powerful. When all 3 of those come together….it’s pure magic!
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to the most next season?
Asian Voices because it is something new and represents the Asian culture and heritage. I’m so excited and anticipating seeing it come together. I also can’t wait to see Edwaard’s work showcased in the production.
Daphney Dinh is just starting out with dance and is in Ballet 1.
How did you get started in ballet?
I got interested in doing ballet because my older sister, Audrey, was in The Nutcracker and when I saw her on stage being a Page, I thought it would be fun to do someday.
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
Piqué because it is a short, cute step that goes with a lot of other steps.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite special in school is PE because I like to exercise my body and get flexible. My favorite subject is reading because it is at the end of the school day and it is peaceful and quiet.
What is your favorite season?
Probably spring because it starts to get warm, but not too hot. But I like summer because I can go swimming in a pool.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.
Yes. I have a cat and a dog. My cat is named Tippy and my dog is named Tanner. My dog Tanner found the cat outside in our backyard when Tippy was a kitten. We rescued him and brought him into the house. We took him to the vet to make sure he was ok. Tippy likes cuddles, but he sometimes bites and sleeps in the bathroom. Tanner likes to run outside. Tanner was tiny and cute when we first got him, until he got huge, but he’s still cute.
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
Tap, softball, horseback riding, science, astronauts, art, drawing, music, drums, keyboard and DJ
What types of dance do you prefer watching? Is it different from the types of dance you prefer doing?
I really enjoy ballet and tap, but I like watching all kinds of dance. I like watching dancing shows too.
What do you value about dance -emotionally, mentally, or physically?
It feels awesome! I’m learning new things and proud of myself. I love that it makes me stretch my body too.
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to the most next season?
Nutcracker because I hope to be in it when I’m in Ballet 2.
Eliana Shieh
Eliana is a student in Ballet 4!
How did you get started in ballet?
I started ballet when I was 3 years old in Creative Movement and started lyrical ballet at 4 years old.
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
My favorite ballet step is a sissonne fermee because I can execute it really well and it feels like I can fly.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject in school is ELA because I love reading stories and story writing.
What is your favorite season? Why?
My favorite season is spring because to me it feels like the Goldilocks season because it’s not too hot and not too cold.
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
I also like singing and reading because I love stories.
What types of dance do you prefer watching? Is this different from the types of dance you prefer doing?
My favorite dance style to watch is musical theater, like Broadway dancing because it tells a great story and is really exciting. I prefer doing ballet and jazz because ballet is very pretty and weightless. Jazz is sassy and energetic.
What do you value about dance–emotionally, mentally, or physically?
What I value about dance is how it can clear my mind and make me feel strong and confident.
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to most next season (On Stage, Nutcracker, Alice, Asian Voices, Romeo and Juliet)?
I’m looking forward to Romeo and Juliet because I think the choreography will be so beautiful and emotional. I’m also excited about The Nutcracker because it’s such an amazing experience.
What is your cultural identity?
My cultural identity is based on the food I eat. I love Asian food like rice, tofu, and Chinese noodles.
How do you and your family connect to this cultural identity?
My family connects to our cultural identity because we all love Asian food, and we celebrate Chinese New Year. We also strive to respect our elders.
Yilin Chen
Yilin Chen is a student in our Ballet 1 class.
How did you get started in ballet?
I think I was informed by my parents then I wanted to go to ballet. I started ballet when I was 4.
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
I like developpe. Because I like the mixture of several steps and you have to follow the order.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject at school is reading because I can explore amazing books and their stories.
What is your favorite season? Why?
My favorite season is summer because there are a lot of fun activities to do.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.
I have one pet cat and his name is Nickel. He is very sweet, crazy and cute.
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
My interests are piano and art.
What types of dance do you prefer watching? Is this different from the types of dance you prefer doing?
I like to watch ballet.
What do you value about dance–emotionally, mentally, or physically?
I like ballet because it calms me down, it stops my anxiety, it gives me a strong physical boost and will increase my physical level.
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to most next season (On Stage, Nutcracker, Alice, Asian Voices, Romeo and Juliet)?
I want to watch all of them because they all sound very exciting.
What is your cultural identity?
I am Chinese American.
How do you and your family connect to this cultural identity?
We speak Chinese at home, we celebrate Chinese holidays, and we follow Chinese traditions.
Karen Oyama
Karen is a student in our Ballet level 6 class.
How did you get started in ballet?
I started getting into dancing and ballet at the age of 2. I’ve been at BalletMet since age 3 (Creative Movement 1).
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
I love balancing because it helps me understand where my weight is, it helps center myself and it is also fun to do.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject is Math because for me it’s the easiest thing to understand and it’s very cool to learn.
What is your favorite season? Why?
My favorite season is fall because my birthday is in fall and also because it’s the perfect weather.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.
I have 5 pets, two dogs and three cats. One of my dogs is a miniature aussie, and the other is a toy aussie. I have one long haired cat, one medium haired cat and one American shorthair.
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
Besides dancing I enjoy painting. It’s a fun way to express my emotions and my artistic side.
What types of dance do you prefer watching? Is this different from the types of dance you prefer doing?
I love to watch classical ballet and also contemporary on pointe. It’s very unique and interesting to watch. I have never done contemporary on pointe but it seems very fun and interesting.
What do you value about dance–emotionally, mentally, or physically?
In dance I value how I have grown throughout my technique and seeing how I have changed. Also, I value how dance makes me feel very happy. Sometimes it can make me stressed but most of the time happy.
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to most next season (On Stage, Nutcracker, Alice, Asian Voices, Romeo and Juliet)?
I am most excited to see Romeo and Juliet because I have never seen BalletMet’s version of Romeo and Juliet, and I am very excited to see it.
What is your cultural identity?
I am Japanese.
How do you and your family connect to this cultural identity?
Me and my family almost always eat traditional dishes and Foods at home. We also have different traditions that people would usually celebrate in Japan because we like to keep our culture close to us. We value our beliefs and traditions a lot.
Evalyn Cheng
Evalyn Cheng is in Ballet 1!
How did you get started in ballet?
I took an Intro to Tap and Ballet class when I was five.
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
I like Sous-sus because you have to balance and work hard to hold your core.
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
I enjoy painting and I also play the harp.
What is your cultural identity?
My dad is from Shanghai and my mom is from Michigan.
How do you and your family connect to this cultural identity?
We celebrate Chinese New Year, Moon Festival, Easter, and Christmas. My Shanghai grandparents speak Chinese to my parents but English to me, my brother, and my sister.
Kei Morris
Student Kei Morris is in Pre-Ballet 7.
How did you get started in ballet?
My friend was taking lessons at BalletMet so I decided to join.
What is your favorite ballet step? Why?
Hopscotch, it’s fun
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
Physical Education, because we play fun games in the class.
What is your favorite season? Why?
I like summer and winter, because we visit Japan in summer, and my birthday is in winter.
Do you have any pets? I f so, tell us about them.
Yes, I have two dogs, Lucy & Dharma. They are both 17 years old.
In addition to dance, what other interests do you have?
I do jump rope at Dublin Sparks Jump Rope team. I also play basketball and soccer.
What types of dance do you prefer watching? Is this different from the types of dance you prefer doing?
I don’t have any preference.
What do you value about dance–emotionally, mentally, or physically?
Physically
What BalletMet show are you looking forward to most next season (On Stage, Nutcracker, Alice, Asian Voices, Romeo and Juliet)?
Nutcracker
What is your cultural identity?
Japanese
How do you and your family connect to this cultural identity?
We try to incorporate Japanese into everything possible — we speak Japanese at home, eat Japanese food often, read/watch/listen Japanese music/tv/books. We also visit Japan every summer to learn cultures there!
As we continue to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, it is important to recognize the contributions and cultural richness that this community brings to the arts. The world of ballet is fortunate to have many talented dancers, choreographers, and artists from Asian American and Pacific Islander backgrounds, and their unique perspectives enrich the art form for audiences and performers alike.