It's difficult to exist as a woman, especially I think as a powerful woman. You want to stand strong and you want to be considered and equal.

When I was younger, my feet would hurt a lot, but you build up calluses and strength and you don't feel as much pain there.

Hopefully, I'll be a part of ABT, in some way, forever. I think I'll always be a part of ballet and try to push diversity, for as long as I live.

My goal has always been to be a principal dancer with ABT.

I've gotten nothing but warmth from the Black community and positive feedback.

How difficult it is to exist, that we are athlete and artist. We have injuries. People don't see the hard side of being a ballerina. They just see this beautiful and effortless thing, and they assume it's easy and cute. I hate when people say it's cute!

My career came together very quickly. I only trained for four years before I became a professional, so I didn't have a lot of time to sit back and be inspired before I took my first ballet class.