Dancer Spotlight: Talia Lebowitz

What’s your “origin story”? How did you fall in love with ballet?

I trained at California Dance Theatre from age 5 until 16. I then trained for 1 year in Kansas City Ballet’s School and 2 years in Kansas City Ballet’s trainee program. After that I joined Grand Rapids Ballet as an apprentice and then company dancer. 

When I was a baby my mom would put on music and dance with me in her arms. This always kept me calm and made me smile. I think I always knew that I wanted to be a ballet dancer. From the time that I could talk I was asking my parents to put me in ballet classes. When I did start taking classes, I trained in many styles of dance but the somewhat strict technique mixed with the freedom of movement that ballet requires drew me in from the beginning. 

Do you have any pre-show rituals or good-luck habits?

I always get to the theatre very early so that I have plenty of time to get ready. I like to take my time, do my hair and makeup and make sure to do a good warm up so that my body feels ready for the performance. I also always take a few deep breaths right before I go on stage to calm and ground myself. 

Hometown: Agoura Hills, CA
Company Member Since: Apprentice 2021-2023 Company Dancer since 2023
Instagram: @_.taliarose._

Ballet is so demanding — how do you take care of your body and recharge offstage?

I like to ice my feet in a bucket filled with ice water. It’s especially helpful when we’re doing very pointe heavy ballets and my feet are feeling swollen. I will also see our physical therapy team and get dry needling done when my muscles are feeling very tight and sore. Additionally, I find hanging out with my friends and debriefing helps me to recharge.

What’s your go-to comfort food after a long rehearsal day?

It changes pretty frequently. I typically want something filling with lots of protein and then something sweet to end with. 

Dancer memories are super-charged. How do you keep track of choreography?

I’ll go over the choreography in my head and picture myself doing the steps. I also like to physically do it over and over until it sticks. I find the repetition helps to create muscle memory so that I can focus on the movement quality and not what step comes next.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about dancing — or life in general?

When I was younger I had a teacher tell me to “fix my face.” She said it in the most loving way, and essentially told me how important it is to look present and engaged in class and rehearsals. She knew that I was feeling those things but I needed to show it on the outside. 

If you could dance any role, regardless of gender or repertoire, what would it be?

A stomper in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room. 

Aside from shoes and warmups, what is a staple in your dance bag?

A golf ball to roll out my arches. 

Where do you see ballet heading in the next few years, and what excites you most about being part of that future?

I’m excited to see it adapt and grow with new works as well as continue to give audiences the opportunity to escape their day to day lives and step into the beauty and ethereal nature of ballet.