Step into the world of ballet beyond the spotlight with our exclusive feature! Each edition offers a glimpse into the off-stage lives of your favorite dancers, showcasing their unique hobbies and passions. Discover the surprising and delightful activities that make these artists’ lives as captivating as their performances.
IAN ROTHEROE
Ballet Idaho
Soloist
Let’s start with a few questions about your ballet company’s hometown.
Which local cafe or restaurant fuels you before rehearsal or after a performance?
I have a lot of allergies, so it’s best for me to fuel myself at home before and after performances.
Where’s your favorite spot in your city to unwind outside of ballet?
The Wylder.
If you had to make a playlist inspired by your city, what three songs/artists would be on it?
Gregory Alan Isakov, James McMurtry, Johnny Cash.
Which local landmark feels like it could be a stage backdrop for a dream role?
The Idaho State Capitol Building.
Hidden gem or hangout in your ballet company’s home city?
The Mode.
What’s the most Instagrammable spot in your city, and why does it capture its spirit?
Find any high point, building, hill etc. The sunsets are wonderful here.
In Focus: Nutcracker
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
Snow King has been one of my favorite roles. I’ve gotten to perform it very often and I find that it always provides a unique challenge every turn.
What’s your dream Nutcracker role (even if you’ve already danced it)?
Russian was a dream role of mine. I always enjoy getting to perform solo. It is a very freeing experience.
Favorite holiday tradition in your city that makes the season magical?
I’ll be honest, Nutcracker is the holiday tradition which fully engrosses me during the magical season.
Inspirations & Setbacks
What’s your favorite dance movie of all time—and why does it inspire you?
Ballet 422 is a favorite of mine, watching it while in the midst of dance training was inspiring!
Who is your biggest dance inspiration (past or present)?
My main teach at PNB, Le Yin, was a massive inspiration for me. He always pushes his class to the highest level and demands that we continually ask more from ourselves, even in professional companies.
Can you share the moment you realized you wanted to be a dancer?
I don’t have a specific moment, from a young age I was drawn to the art form and that passion has only grown as a professional. A lot of people want to be dancers but aren’t willing to make the sacrifices required to create those dreams on stage.
What’s your personal practice philosophy—how do you approach growth in the studio?
I go back to my teacher Le Yin, who always said, “It takes many meals to get big.” This is a metaphor for achieving success; it is built in small portions, meaning daily work and focus, in order to achieve long-term success.
Biggest struggle you’ve faced in your dance journey, and how you overcame it?
Casting can often be a struggle, especially if we are disappointed by the roles we are given, or not given. It is important that we use setbacks as a learning experience and opportunity to show what we believe we truly deserve.
What’s one thing you wish you had known as a young dancer?
As a young dancer, I was never warned about the intricacies of auditioning. Many teachers come up through a school and enter straight into a big company, without going through a rigorous audition process. As a result, I wasn’t prepared for the struggle of auditioning, and I think those difficulties could be better broadcasted to young dancers.
If you had to describe what dance means to you in just one word, what would it be?
Everything.
Quickfire Round:
Least favorite ballet step?
En dedans arabesque turns. There are many other turns I’d rather dance!
Go-to coffee order—and from where?
As a native New Yorker, the most effective option is the $1.75 or $2 coffees you can find in any bodega. Good taste, great price, gets the job done. No complaints from me!
Essential post-show ritual?
Getting lots of sleep!
Current song/artist you have on repeat?
I recently saw Gregory Alan Isakov in concert. His music is very inspiring and fits well in Idaho!
ABOUT IAN
Ian was born in New York City and started his ballet training at the age of 6 with the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. Ian then spent 7 years training with Manhattan Youth Ballet, learning a variety of balletic and contemporary styles, under the direction of Deborah Wingert, Brian Reeder, and Marina Stavitskaya. He has attended summer intensives around the world, including the Royal Danish Ballet, Ellison Ballet, The Royal Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago programs.
In the summer of 2020, Ian participated in the Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) Summer Intensive. At the conclusion of the intensive, Ian was invited by Artistic Director Peter Boal to join the Professional Division at PNB. He received the final two years of his training at PNB, graduating in June of 2022. At PNB, Ian was granted the opportunity to perform alongside the professional company in George Balanchine works, such as The Nutcracker and Diamonds, as well as Kent Stowell’s production of Swan Lake.
After participating as a Guest Artist in Ballet Idaho’s production of Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast during the 2021–2022 season, Ian joined Ballet Idaho as a company artist and has performed in a variety of works during his time with the company. This includes featured roles in George Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15, Garrett Anderson’s Seen/Unseen, Lar Lubovitch’s Concerto 622, Danielle Rowe’s Chaminade and The Animals (Mr. Animal), Johan Inger’s Walking Mad, Garrett Anderson and Anne Mueller’s Appalachian Spring, Peter Anastos’ The Nutcracker (Snow King, Russian Nougat), and Christopher Stowell’s The Sleeping Beauty (Bluebird). Additionally, Ian has appeared in works by Penny Saunders, Alejandro Cerrudo, Joseph Hernandez, and Ricardo Amarante. During his third season with Ballet Idaho, Ian was promoted to the rank of Soloist, and he is looking forward to the new season!
This is Ian’s fourth season with Ballet Idaho.
Featured Image: Ballet Idaho Company Artist Flynn Ericson and Soloist Ian Rotheroe. Photo by Quinn Wharton.
Image 1: Photo by Maddie Iulo. Courtesy of Ian Rotheroe.
Image 2: Photo by Quinn Wharton.
