I never knew I wanted to become a ballerina. I was discovered at the age of 13. I had a love for movement even though I had no exposure to dance other than what I saw in music videos, like hip-hop music videos. But I knew that I loved moving.

The higher you go up in rank, usually the longer you can dance.

I just want to leave a positive memory of setting an example and bringing our youth with us.

I think I'm pretty laid back. I like cooking, being at home, and going to concerts. And I love to shop!

Once I became a professional, maybe 19 or 20, I really started to try to figure out who I was, as a woman and as an individual.

Going on stage and transcending the audience and becoming this otherworldly thing makes you a dancer. It's not so black and white.

What makes people and companies and artistic directors and choreographers interested in working with dancers is the ability to kind of let go of everything you think you know and be a blank canvas.