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Paola Hartley, Ballet Arizona
Paola Hartley, Ballet Arizona
Paola Hartley, Ballet Arizona
Originally from … Santiago, Chile
In Arizona since … 1998
Professional dancer since … 1993
Training: University of North Carolina School of the Arts; spent summer in Budapest Hungary/Hungarian National Ballet School; parents were also dancers.
Most memorable roles: Don Quixote (Kitri), Giselle (Giselle, Myrtha) and “Mad lady” in Peer Gynt.
Greatest challenge: Because I am an emotional person, being able to use ballet/work as therapy in order to not bring personal life into work.
I dance ballet because … it is who I am. It is food for my soul.
Famous choreographer or dancer I’d like to meet: George Balanchine. Having danced his ballets and having met so many who danced under his guidance, I would be curious to hear what he would say to me and to feed off his passion.
Proudest career accomplishment: Becoming a principal dancer.
Typical day: Class in the morning from 9-10:30, for warm-up and technical maintenance. Then I take a 15-minute break, and have rehearsals from 10:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Breaks are rare and when on breaks, I sew point shoes or play Sudoku.
Tradeoff: There has to be a certain amount of psychical pain and exhaustion every day in order to build up stamina for the final product, which is the show.
La bella durmiente
Valentine’s Day Special! True love awakens with a kiss as Ballet Arizona presents its premiere of The Sleeping Beauty, danced to Tchaikovsky’s famous score performed live by The Phoenix Symphony. Don’t miss Princess Aurora, Prince Charming and a guest appearance by Little Red Riding Hood in this happily-ever-after fairytale perfect for the entire family.
February 11-14 at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix.
Ballet Arizona is happy to offer Latino Perspectives readers a special discount to the Thursday, February 11 and Friday, February 12 evening performances of The Sleeping Beauty. Save 25 percent on adult tickets when you use password LPM. Restrictions apply.
To order tickets, call 602-381-1096 or visit www.ticketmaster.com/baz. More info at www.balletaz.org.
