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Dancing Through Change: A New Chapter with Jersey City Ballet

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A gold-brushed box replete with antique cogs, a delicate dancer wound to twirl through Tchaikovsky and Nabokov.

 

A dream long-lost–or so I thought.

Like many children, one of the first extracurriculars introduced to my young and disruptively energetic self was that which might be both enriching, and give my mom a few spare hours of solitude–dance.

 

The local studio was widely known for providing education in an array of styles. Tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and of course, ballet.

 

In the beginning, I took to them all with equal intrigue and excitement. But it wasn’t long before ballet began to outpace the others. A lover of stories and storytelling, the narrative undercurrent of the artform called to me.

 

The ability to embody such a range of characters, to step into their confidence, their vulnerability, their bravery, was a skill I’d not yet mastered in my personal life. Afraid to be called on in class, yet confident on stage before hundreds of strangers–the juxtaposition was a phenomenon my parents and teachers could not comprehend.

Ballet became a sacred place in which I shed the fear of being seen.

 

Yet as all easily distracted and exploratory teens are, I cycled through years of numerous hyper-fixations and hobbies, dance eventually taking a back seat. Sports team practices prevented any other outside indulgences, and besides, stereotypes would protest against my ancient age of fifteen’s ability to go professional. So what was the point?

 

I carried on, pocketing that part of me in favor of whatever came next. The following nine years were a period of immense growth, the standard early-twenties affair of broken hearts and moving away from home.

Arriving at the start of 2024 with a list of broad-stroke resolutions to help reconnect with myself, I was determined to re-introduce things I’d abandoned to my flighty youth.

 

Many years it may have been, my love for ballet remained safely tucked away, occasionally pulled from the drawer of days past to reminisce over fondly with wistful sighs of “What if?”

 

My hometown in Ohio had provided little opportunity for exploring such a question, especially at 24. But New York City held an abundance of it. A single Google search produced dozens of studios offering adult ballet, from beginner to professional to performances. It was a gold mine for the regret of an ignorant teen who wished she’d known what she was giving up before it was gone.

 

I wasn’t going to let it pass me by a second time. One class turned to two, to three, to five, to all of a sudden performing at Carnegie Hall come October. I again fell in love with that freedom I’d felt so long ago. The pure peace that comes with stepping up to the ballet barre or onto the stage–complex combinations a balm to a disquieted mind.

I gave it my all, and it gave right back. Not only did I regain an old part of me I’d nearly forgotten, I welcomed many new ones as well. New friends, new teachers, new experiences. A new, deeper connection to the community I’d been living in for 3 years.

 

Jersey City Ballet enveloped me in its arms, and nurtured the inner child I’d left behind. In turn, I have taken it upon myself to donate my time, energy, and expertise to ensure it feels the same amount of love and support.

 

In the historically exclusive world of dance, Jersey City Ballet is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. It creates a safe place for individuals of all ages, body types, and socioeconomic standings to experience and learn the art of classical ballet.

 

These are the core reasons why I was so incredibly honored when recently approached about becoming a Board Member of Jersey City Ballet Theater. Though I would carry on happily assisting in any way I can regardless of official title or membership, the acknowledgment for my love of the organization was rewarding.

 

It brings me joy to know that Jersey City Ballet understands how fully I believe in it and its mission, and that those at the helm trust me to continue to assist in sharing these values as a representative.

 

I look forward to further serving the students, staff, and dancers of Jersey City Ballet through this opportunity.

 

And of course, to lots and lots of dancing.

 

If you’re interested in enrolling in or supporting Jersey City Ballet’s programs for youth, adults, or professionals, you can learn more at jerseycityballet.org.

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