Photographer: Ron Brewer Images
Natalie Ramirez
Hometown: Riverside, California
Joined Ballet Arizona: 2020
Before joining the company this past season, you were part of The School of Ballet Arizona’s studio company. How has the transition been?
My transition from studio company to the company was smooth and I attribute that to the training I received in the pre-professional division and studio company with The School of Ballet Arizona. During my time in studio company, I also had the opportunity to dance in various company pieces. Now when it comes to this season, I would lie if I said I didn’t wish for things to be back to normal. However, I am very grateful we are still able to safely perform to a live audience despite everything happening. Moving forward, I’m extremely thankful to be in the Company, and to be able to do what I love doing. I’m always looking forward to seeing the audience at our next program.
What is your favorite ballet?
Glass Pieces by Jerome Robbins. The music is invigorating and the choreography has such a beautiful dynamic of control and fluidity.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I don’t know if this is considered a talent, but I can pop my shoulder out of the socket on command… hypermobility problems.
If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be?
I would be a hummingbird. I’ve always seen them as a symbol of good luck and joy.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
What is something that makes you laugh no matter what?
I’m absolutely obsessed with ferrets, so any compilation of ferret videos. I encourage everyone to watch one if you need a good laugh!
Photographer: Ron Brewer Images
Alberto Morales Perez
Hometown: Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Joined Ballet Arizona: 2019
What is your dream role?
At the moment, I don’t really have a single dream role. As I have performed with the company, I have come to really enjoy all the acting roles. When I was younger, a dream role would have been Albrecht, but now I am just excited for anything that I feel like I can accomplish while also feeling rewarding. There are always certain roles that aren’t as rewarding, and during COVID especially, I am enjoying roles that make me feel something.
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a dancer, I wouldn’t have left my family at such a young age, to come to the US and train, so it’s really hard to know what I would be doing. Everything that this journey has taken me through has allowed me to discover other things that I enjoy. I really like numbers and business…and also video games! So probably something in that area.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to?
My favorite place I have traveled to is Spain. I don’t know if this counts since I am from Spain, but I barely get to go anymore. So if I could choose anywhere to visit it would have to be Spain. It is a great place because the food and weather are amazing. The people are just nice and welcoming, no matter who you are.
What T.V. shows are you currently watching?
I don’t watch many shows, mainly YouTube for all the different things that interest me. However, I am currently watching all the different seasons of Survivor with my fiancée. We discovered one random season and really enjoyed it, so we have been watching the other ones very slowly during the last few months.
Speaking of your fiancée, you are engaged to fellow company dancer, Alison Remmers! Can you share any wedding details?
Yes! We are getting married on June 15th in Maine and I am very excited. It’s been very hard and stressful because of COVID, but hopefully, everything goes according to plan and everything is better by then.
