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When you were growing up, living in San Pedro, California, could you ever have imagined the level of success you've achieved? You've faced so much adversity from the start of your career. What was your biggest obstacle? There's been so many: starting from a late age, coming from a disadvantaged background, being African-American. I think one thing I've struggled with is something more internal, not letting all of those obstacles take over. However, I approach everything in my daily life and in my career by staying really focused and in the moment. I think that all of the obstacles I've overcome are what made me a fighter and stronger. I don't think I would be the dancer or the person I am today if I didn't have those obstacles. You did have that late start with ballet. It wasn't until you were 13 that you took your first class at a Boys and Girls Club. Do you feel that pushed you to work harder than other dancers at that age? I think because I knew I didn't have a lot of time to get the training that I needed in order to start my professional career when I was supposed to, it definitely gave me more fuel. I think beyond all that, I was so passionate about it and there wasn't anything that I'd experienced in my life at that point that I'd felt so passionate about. I think more than wanting to prove myself or wanting to succeed it was a way for me to express myself, something that was my own; a beautiful escape. During your adolescent years, your teacher Cindy Bradley was almost like a second mother to you. How did that relationship help foster your skills, ability and passion for ballet? It was beyond what I think I realized was happening at the time. Cindy pushed me to do things that I wasn't being pushed to do at home from my mother or my siblings. Beyond being my teacher, she was forcing me to think about things in ways I hadn't before. It was extremely uncomfortable and there were times where I was like 'I can't do this, I don't want to do this, why is she making me?' and it definitely made me a stronger person. It prepared me for this career. In 2015, you became the first African-American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history. Many view this achievement as groundbreaking. What has this meant for you personally? I think at this point, especially throughout the past couple of years, it wasn't about my personal success. It's more than that. It's about what can be possible for the next generation, what I'm representing. I'm still getting used to the fact that it's happened to me. [Laughs]. I feel like I'm representing all of these people and that's why this is such a big deal. It's a lot, when I'm like 'okay, this is just me up there dancing' and a lot is expected and people want to come and see me and I have to produce a great performance every night. I think that I'd be happy no matter what title I hold. V U E N J . C O M 76 POINT OF VUE

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