I’ve had a lot of different kinds of parts throughout my years as a performer and although I’ve spoken at length about being in a corps and dancing in a group, I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about another part: the lead.

Being the lead in a dance is not the same as being a soloist. When you’re a soloist, you’re onstage by yourself doing your variation. A lead, however, is more like a prominent corps member. They will often do parts of the same steps as the rest of the dancers onstage, but are just as likely to do something completely different. It’s a part that requires an odd level of responsibility; you have to act as both a corps member and a soloist, able to match the group but stand out when necessary. It’s important to take these types of roles seriously, because the younger members of the corps are looking up to you and are eventually going to be taking your place.

I’ve had several opportunities to dance as a lead, especially in Nutcracker.  It’s a little challenging, but also a lot of fun. I enjoy the difficulties and the responsibility that comes with the role.