Every dancer knows that their day begins long before they take center stage. For me, as a dancer with Charlotte Ballet, it starts at 8 a.m. with the rich aroma of Cuban coffee and a warm welcome from my canine companion, Theodore. Fueling my body is the first step, so breakfast is a must – whether it’s eggs, cereal, or yogurt with granola, it sets the tone for a demanding day ahead.
Arriving at the Center for Dance with time to spare is crucial. It allows for the small rituals that prepare me mentally and physically: selecting my rehearsal attire, arranging my hair just so, and applying makeup. There’s an undeniable buzz of energy as my fellow dancers and I gather in the studio for morning ballet class. At the barre, the stretches are deliberate, awakening muscles still tight from the previous day’s exertion. Once warmed up, the next important decision comes into focus: Dancer Shoes. Choosing the right pair is paramount for the work ahead on the floor.
The selection of dancer shoes, especially pointe shoes, becomes even more critical during performance seasons like Nutcracker. It’s a calculated choice, carefully separating shoes designated for class from those for rehearsals and performances. For demanding roles like the Snow Queen, which require extensive pointe work, I reach for harder, firmer pointe shoes. These provide the essential endurance, support, and stability needed to withstand hours of demanding choreography. Conversely, roles like Arabian, characterized by slower, more grounded movements, call for softer, more flexible shoes. This nuanced understanding of dancer shoes and their specific purpose is something every ballet dancer cultivates.
After the morning class, the rehearsal schedule dictates the rest of my day, typically stretching from 11:15 a.m. to around 6 p.m. Twice a week, I extend my workday with a Pilates mat class at 8th Street Studio. Pilates has become an invaluable tool, conditioning and strengthening my body to support the rigorous demands of ballet. Each day in dance is a learning experience, a constant striving for improvement, both in artistry and physical prowess.
Almost twelve hours after my day began, I return home to Theo, ready to unwind. Cooking a nourishing dinner while listening to the vibrant sounds of Juan Luis Guerra or Marc Anthony is my way to decompress. A relaxing bath follows, soothing tired muscles before I finally succumb to the essential eight hours of sleep needed to recover and prepare to repeat the fulfilling cycle again the next day. The journey of a dancer is continuous, and every step, especially those en pointe, is taken with intention and the right pair of dancer shoes.
