On May 8th, I photographed the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the ballerinas, Kylie Williams. She agreed to sit down for an interview to share what it’s like to be part of one of the greatest ballet companies in the world.
How long have you been studying ballet?
I have been studying ballet since I was first enrolled in classes at four years old, fifteen years!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to study ballet?
A piece of advice I’d like to pass along is to always dance with confidence, it really makes a world of difference.
What does a normal day look like for you?
During rehearsal periods, my schedule depends on the day, starting with company class at 10:30 a.m. Some days are packed with many rehearsals to prepare for the range of programs being performed in the upcoming season. The latest we dancers will rehearse is until 7:00 p.m. I live in Queens, so every morning I get ready with breakfast and a cup of coffee, then I take the 7 train into the city! At the end of the day, I come back home for dinner, rest, and relaxation.
How many hours would you say you spend doing ballet in a week, including rehearsals and performances?
During the season, my estimate would be around 30–50 hours a week.
If you had an opportunity to go back in time to give yourself some valuable information about becoming a ballerina, what would you tell yourself?
I always say that comparison is the thief of joy, and that has always resonated with me. The beauty of ballet is that talent comes in different forms, and the diversity of everyone’s capabilities is something to be embraced.
What is the most exciting part of your day when you are either rehearsing or performing?
Being accompanied by live music, whether in the studio or onstage, is a privilege that I will never take for granted. It truly makes a world of difference.
Any parting words for the audience?
I want to stress that ballet, and the performing arts in general, deserve all the appreciation they can get, and then some. I hope that our society will continue to find beauty in the الفنون, and my gratitude for those who already do is immeasurable.
