Company Connection: Annika Erickson
7 November 2019
Annika Erickson
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Joined Ballet Arizona: 2018
What inspired you to become a dancer?
My mom inspired me to become a dancer, because she was once a professional dancer and has been teaching ballet for over 25 years. As soon as I could walk, I would dance around my house to classical music. She put me in ballet at age 7, and supported me every step of the way!
Who is your greatest dance inspiration?
My greatest dance inspiration would have to be George Balanchine. I am inspired by his amazing choreography and innate sense of musicality.
Do you prefer modern or classical ballet?
I mainly prefer classical ballet because I have so much respect for the history and the steadfast aesthetic of the art. However, being able to move freely in modern works can be very liberating.
Do you have a pre-performance ritual?
My pre-performance ritual has several steps, so I always make sure I give myself plenty of time before a show. While I do my hair and makeup, I like to listen to music, to get in the right mindset and calm any pre-show nerves. I always make sure I am well fueled and hydrated. I also give myself a proper warm up to prevent injuries and improve my overall performance. Right before I go onstage, I usually go over any last-second notes or sections of choreography, and do a little meditation.
What do you do outside of dance?
In my spare time, I love to go to the movies, bake, spend time with family and friends, visit local coffee shops, and be outdoors! My favorite thing to do is travel and experience different cultures. I spent part of my summer solo traveling in Amsterdam and Reykjavík, Iceland, and am already starting to plan next summer’s adventure!
Alberto Peñalver
Hometown: Murcia, Spain
Joined Ballet Arizona: 2016
What inspired you to become a dancer?
I started dancing when I was 8 years old. I didn’t know much about it, but my parents asked me if I wanted to dance after school and I said yes. After that, I kept dancing and began loving it more and more. That is when I realized that ballet is what I wanted to do. It was hard when a lot of teachers didn’t believe in me, but against a lot of people’s advice, I went to an audition and at 16 I got accepted in one of the best ballet schools in the world, the John Cranko School in Stuttgart, Germany. That made me realize that sometimes in the ballet world, little things can be very hard at a young age. However, if you have a strong mind and don’t let people get into your head, you can enjoy, as a career or not, the beautiful world of ballet.
What is your favorite ballet?
It is hard to choose just one. Some of my favorite ballets, that I’ve also been lucky enough to perform in are The Sleeping Beauty and Giselle, the most classic ones! I like them because it is all about beautiful, clean technique and pure lines. I also like more neoclassical ones, like George Balanchine’s Agon or William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated because of all the fast movement and modern music. They are a lot of fun to dance.
Do you prefer modern or classical ballet?
I personally prefer to dance more classical ballets, because it is what I’ve trained for and I love ballet technique. However, I love the movement of more neoclassical and modern ballets, like Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, and the way it makes the dancers move is beautiful.
What has been your favorite role to dance?
My favorite role to dance has to be In Creases by Justin Peck. Thanks to the répétiteurs, Patricia Delgado and Michael Sean Breeden, that came to stage the piece, I was given the great opportunity to dance this ballet. The choreography is amazing, and with love and encouragement, Patricia and Michael helped get the best out of me. It was definitely the best moment of my career so far.
What do you do outside of dance?
I love art, exploring museums, and having a good time with friends. I recently sparked a new interest in photography. I also love to travel and discover new places of the world.
