NYCDP Questionnaire:
Ashley Ellis, Principal Dancer, Boston Ballet
What is it like for you to be back in NYC and performing at Lincoln Center?AE: I'm really looking forward to performing for the first time on the Koch Theatre stage. Although I spent years performing at the Met, this stage holds a whole different history, so it's sure to be a special experience. And of course I am always happy to be back in NYC to visit with wonderful friends. What do you love most about NYC?AE: The high level of so many kinds of arts that the city has to offer. I'm always impressed by the energy in this city. What career would you choose if you could not be a dancer?AE: I enjoy learning about how the body works, and it is beneficial for my daily work, so physical therapy or other areas of medicine appeal to me. What are your worst fears (professionally or personally)?AE: My reoccurring dance nightmare is that I am late for a show, something isn't ready yet. Either my hair is down, pointe shoes are not on yet, I have to do my makeup, etc. So I always try to give myself a little extra time. Which person (dead or alive) would you most want to dance with if you could?AE: There are so many amazing and inspiring dancers out there. My best experiences on stage are with partners what I truly feel connected and comfortable with. When I feel we are really experience that moment together and not just dancing next to each other, that is the person who I would want to dance with. If a child told you they wanted to be a dancer, what would your advice be?AE: Being a dancer is such a rewarding profession, but it does not come without a lot of hard work. So if you really love it, then go for it. Try to take inspiration from all around you and never stop learning and growing. Being a dancer is not just about the physical accomplishments, but about what you can share with audiences. If you could be an animal, what animal would you choose and why? AE: I think I would be a fish, it would be amazing to see a different world and to move like that under the water. What is your greatest indulgence?AE: Ice Cream. What 3 items do you always have in your bag with you?AE: Phone, warm ups and more pointe shoes than I actually need. What career would your family have chosen for you?AE: What I am doing right now. My family has always been extremely supportive of what I wanted to do. I feel very lucky to have had the encouragement from all of them to help me achieve my goals. What is your idea of perfect happiness? AE: Spending time with the people I love; laughing, talking, going on adventures together. Who would you most like to have a coffee with (could be dead or alive)?AE: My husband. What is your favorite city to tour to and why?AE: I would say Barcelona. It is a gorgeous city with a wonderful energy. Also, I spent a few years in Spain so it has sort of a home away from home feeling for me. What is your biggest mishap in a performance?AE: In my first entrance dancing The Firebird. I had only taken about one step onto the stage and I fell flat on my butt. They had place the fog machine right where I had to pass to enter it created a nice slick spot. I wanted to come out of the wing like I was flying, just too bad I had a crash landing! Is there a special meal you have before a performance?AE: I like to eat light snacks before a show like a protein bar and some train mix and then have a larger meal after the show.
Costumes courtesy of Boston Ballet,
Bella Figura costume design by Joke Visser, Diamonds costume design after Barbara Karinksa