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.
NICHOLAS PATTERSON
Philadelphia Ballet
Soloist
@n1ck_p6tterson
Hometown Glory
Which local café or restaurant fuels you before rehearsal or after a performance?
Elixr Coffee before a rehearsal or show, and Monk’s Cafe has a great burger that I treat myself to sometimes after a show.
Where’s your favorite spot in your city to unwind outside of ballet?
Yards Brewing is a really cool spot. Sometimes the company dancers will all gather there to play some pool and unwind.
If you had to make a playlist inspired by your city, what three songs/artists would you choose?
Firstly, Philly has a grungy side, so some grunge rock like Nirvana. Secondly, I’d choose a song from Coldplay’s album A Head Full of Dreams. It reminds me of all the beautiful and eclectic murals around the city. Lastly, I’d say something like Neil Diamond’s “America.” What makes this city so wonderful is the wide variety of cultures, people from all over the world sharing a little piece of their heritage.
What’s the most Instagrammable spot in your city, and why does it capture its spirit?
Love Park. The Love Sign is a great place to get a photo.
Hidden gem or hangout in your ballet company’s home city?
I’ll double down on Yards Brewing. Most places in Philly can’t accommodate larger parties so it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for something casual for people to come and go as they please.
Which local landmark feels like it could be a stage backdrop for a dream role?
Either City Hall or the Ben Franklin Bridge. Those two structures are so beautiful and they are two of my favorite Philadelphia landmarks.
If you were playing tour guide, what’s the most iconic place in your city?
Lincoln Financial Field. What’s more iconic than the home of the best football team in the country?
In Focus: Nutcracker
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
When I was a 7 year old, I went to see The Nutcracker with my school on a field trip. I was so amazed by the show that I came home and told my mom I wanted to start doing ballet. So The Nutcracker really sparked the interest of ballet for me.
What’s your dream Nutcracker role (even if you’ve already danced it)?
I’ve had the privilege of dancing some really fun roles in The Nutcracker but one role I’ve always dreamed of doing is the Cavalier. You dance a beautiful pas de deux with the Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s sort of the pinnacle moment of the ballet. This year, I made my debut in that role and I couldn’t have been more excited.
Favorite holiday tradition in your city that makes the season magical?
The winter wonderland in City Hall is always fun to go to. They have ice skating and hot chocolate. Lots of stalls with people selling gifts. I like to go at least one time every year.
Go-to holiday song or playlist?
Cue Mariah Carey.
What’s one holiday indulgence or ritual you look forward to every year?
Me and my wife make a French Toast casserole on Christmas morning. It’s our tradition and we do it every year.
Inspirations & Setbacks
What’s your favorite dance movie of all time—and why does it inspire you?
The Turning Point is probably the first ballet film I ever saw. Seeing Baryshnikov leap through the air the way he did really inspired me.
Who is your biggest dance inspiration (past or present)?
I was fortunate enough to grow up with YouTube at my disposal. I used to watch Angel Corella doing the Ali variation from Le Corsaire. I watched that video more times than I care to admit. The physicality of his dancing was so exciting. Now as a professional dancer, getting to learn from him after being so inspired by him as a young dancer has been a very rewarding experience.
Can you share the moment you realized you wanted to be a dancer?
I was hooked from the beginning. I didn’t know where the road would lead me but I knew I’d be dancing somehow, in some capacity. I just loved to dance the moment I put on my ballet shoes.
What’s your personal practice philosophy—how do you approach growth in the studio?
I try to manage my own expectations day to day. It can be hard sometimes because we always want to be perfect, but I try to remind myself of what my capabilities are today. That might not be what my capabilities are tomorrow, and it might not be what my capabilities were yesterday. Just because it’s not where you want it to be today doesn’t mean you won’t get there next week, so just focus on what you want to accomplish today.
Secondly, I try to always come in with a couple things I’d like to improve on. Just taking a step forward is all I’m looking for. For the days that I walk away feeling discouraged, I remind myself that the only reason I’m feeling this way is because as I improve, the expectations of myself are growing at the same rate. Some days you might feel like you take a step back but that’s only because you took two steps forward yesterday.
Biggest struggle you’ve faced in your dance journey, and how you overcame it?
In October 2024 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I did 6 months of intense chemotherapy and by some miracle, I’m standing here today dancing. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my wife, my mother, and the entirety of the Philadelphia Ballet organization. They lifted me up the whole way through.
What’s one thing you wish you had known as a young dancer?
Work on everything, even the things you’re bad at.
If you had to describe what dance means to you in just one word, what would it be?
It’s food for the hunger. It’s water on the hot day. The satisfaction I feel getting to accomplish what I couldn’t do yesterday is infectious to me. Then getting to perform that hard work and hearing the audience applaud for something I’m so passionate about—that I’ve poured so much blood, sweat, and tears into—gratifies my soul and gives me goosebumps.
Rapid-fire Round:
Least favorite ballet step?
The first step of the first combination in our daily class. It doesn’t matter what it is. It always hurts.
Go-to coffee order—and from where?
Small hot coffee with cream and sugar from Elixr.
Essential post-show ritual?
If it’s the last show of a run, someone always brings in a bottle of champagne and we will make a toast to a great run.
Current song/artist you have on repeat?
Coldplay, all day everyday.
ABOUT NICHOLAS
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Nicholas Patterson began his training at the Richmond Ballet School in 2005 at the age of eight. After seven years in the School, he went to the Boston Ballet Summer Intensive and was accepted into the Pre–professional Program. After a year in the Preprofessional Program, he was asked to join the Boston Ballet Trainee Program, where he spent two years before being offered a job at the Orlando Ballet Company. Nicholas spent four seasons at The Orlando Ballet before joining Philadelphia Ballet during the 2019/20 Season as a member of the Corps de Ballet. He was promoted to Demi Soloist for the 2022/23 Season and then promoted to Soloist for the 2024/25 Season. His favorite roles performed with Philadelphia Ballet include – Bronze Idol in Angel Corella’s La Bayadère, Lead Man in Stanton Welch’s Clear, Third Movement Lead in George Balanchine’s Symphony in C, and Puck in Sir Frederick Asthon’s The Dream. Nicholas’ awards include International Ballet Competitions Varna IBC (2016, 2018), Beijing IBC (2019), and Jackson IBC (2023).
Featured Image: Photo by Arian Molina Soca.
Image 3: Photo by Arian Molina Soca.
