Cleopatra Avery was a trainee for 2 years before becoming one of our new Apprentices for the 11-12 Season. We asked her what it's like to make the exciting transition...
What was it that first attracted you to the Richmond Ballet?
I honestly didn’t know much about Richmond Ballet before coming here, but when I came for my audition class I had the chance to watch the company rehearse Cinderella. I liked everything that I saw. Valerie Tellman was rehearsing the role of Cinderella, and I was impressed by her facility and artistry. I also remember her wearing a hot pink leotard with a matching pink skirt; she looked just like a princess!
What was the most enjoyable aspect of your experiences as a trainee with the School of Richmond Ballet?
I really have enjoyed the chance to take modern dance classes.
How did your two years in the trainee program at Richmond Ballet prepare you to earn the apprenticeship?
Being a trainee for two years made me aware of the way that the artistic staff likes things, stylistically. Plus, I already am familiar with some of the company’s repertoire; for instance, I already know a lot of the choreography from The Nutcracker from dancing in it as a trainee.
How does it feel to be starting out your career dancing full time with a ballet company?
It’s definitely exciting, but I know it's a lot of hard work. Starting at 10am instead of 1pm is definitely different, but it's a relief to not get up at 5:30am to go work before ballet class, like I did when I was working on my own in addition to doing the traineeship.
What are you most excited for this season?
I can’t wait to begin working on Coppelia. I love that ballet!
What are you most nervous about?
Picking up and learning modern choreography. The company is so quick when it comes to learning new movement!
How have your family/friends supported you in this process of preparing to dance with a professional company?
They’ll be coming down to see as many shows as they can! They’re definitely happy for me, and are glad that I’m here.
So far, how has your perspective towards dance/this profession changed since your being promoted to an apprentice?
Sometimes it’s frustrating to think about how far I have to go in my growth as a dancer. Even after dancing for 10 years, I feel like I know nothing, and want to be able to do certain things already. But, even though I have so much to learn, I’m glad to be working on it every day a little bit more!
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