GISELE BETHEA, 16
Pre-professional ballet dancer Accepted an offer to join the prestigious American Ballet Theater Studio Company in New York in Sept. 2015. Upcoming performances: In May at the Mesa Arts Center. Information and tickets at www. masterballetacademy.com. Prior to May she is working on two special pieces choreographed specifically for Phoenix Ballet (the ballet company associated with Master Ballet Academy) by renowned choreographers that will be performed at the Mesa Arts Center and then also in Poland in May. What drew you to ballet? The artistic quality of movement and the beauty of ballet drew me to the discipline. When I am on stage I want to bring the happiness that comes with the art to the audience. Accomplishments you’re most proud of so far: Training for and winning a gold medal at the USA IBC (International Ballet Competition) in Jackson, Miss. in June 2014. It was wonderful to meet so many exceptional dancers from all over the world. Accepting an offer to join the American Ballet Theater Studio Company in New York. Being a spokesperson for Grishko World, a world-renowned pointe shoe and dance wear manufacturer in Moscow. Any favorite role/show to perform? The peasant girl Giselle from the ballet Giselle. I have only performed variations from the ballet, but I love it because I love the character, and I have her name! How much time do you spend training each week? Thirty to 35 hours a week, about six hours a day. [Ed. note: She attends the online school Arizona Connections Academy to allow for her training and performance schedule.] In 10 years, you hope to be: I would love to be touring and performing with a major ballet company as a principal dancer. When you aren’t performing, you’re usually: Training! But if I’m not at ballet, I like to do outdoor activities with my family like wakeboarding at the lake or riding in my dad’s sand rail at the dunes. We are a little crazy, but oh so FUN! Find her on Facebook as Gisele Bethea and also on Instagram at giselebethea.
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| APRIL 2015
3/24/15 11:53 AM