Meet Isaac Hileman

This past summer the new Company Apprentice moved from Texas to start his professional 9dancing career upon graduation from the University of Oklahoma.

What age did you start dancing? I started dancing when I was seven years old at the Dallas Ballet Center in Texas. I started out watching my sister through the glass doors of the studios and eventually my parents enrolled me in a boys ballet class.

What drove you to a career in dance? I began to fall in love with the challenge and nuance of dance, both physically and musically. That passion led me to the University of Oklahoma where I discovered what it means to be an artist within my dancing.

Your favorite role or piece to dance? I have so many favorite dances! My favorite full length classical ballet to dance is Don Quixote. At OU, I loved getting to dance Lickety Split by Alejandro Cerrudo, and a new work by Mariana Oliveira called So Near and Yet So Far.

How do you stay motivated? I am most productive when I stick to a consistent schedule.

If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be? I’ve taken several anatomy and health-related classes and love the idea of working in the health field. My dream job in that field would be a physical therapist or athletic trainer.

What is the last book you read? I just finished reading Hyperion by Dan Simmons. I always have a sci-fi book I am working on.

What is an interesting fact about you? I like to bake.

What are you are looking forward to next? I recently began my professional career post-college at the beginning of July. I am naturally nervous about what “real life” will be like, but I am very excited to see where my life takes me and how my dancing evolves.

What 3 things would you need if you are on a deserted island? A book, a dance floor, and a kitchen.

Photo: Kolman Rosenberg (2021) Dancers: Emily Dietz, Isaac Hileman