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.
AUDREY LUKACZ
Ballet RI
Company Dancer
@audreylukacz
Hometown Glory
Which local café or restaurant fuels you before rehearsal or after a performance?
Providence has some of the best food and cafés out of anywhere I’ve ever been! I love Seven Stars, Nitro Bar, New Harvest Coffee, and Café Zoe for a pre-show or pre-rehearsal coffee or matcha. For a post-show dinner, I love a burger from There, There—that’s my go-to post-show weekend meal.
Where’s your favorite spot in your city to unwind outside of ballet?
A year ago I joined a pottery studio (Anyhow Studio) and that’s my go-to spot whenever I have free time or need to relax. I can spend hours there! I also love going to an infrared sauna or red light therapy room to truly unwind.
If you had to make a playlist inspired by your city, what three songs/artists would be on it?
Oh this is a hard question to narrow down. I think Olivia Dean, The Ballroom Thieves, and Bon Iver with an honorable mention to Dijon!
Which local landmark feels like it could be a stage backdrop for a dream role?
I think the mansions in Newport, RI are beautiful and would make a beautiful backdrop for any role!
Hidden gem or hangout in your ballet company’s home city?
Lincoln Woods. It’s a little outside of Providence but close enough to count it. Lincoln Woods is a beautiful area with awesome walking paths that wrap around a lake area. It even has a little beach that is great in the summer! My husband and I love going there as often as we can.
If you were playing tour guide, what’s the most iconic place in your city?
Probably the beaches in Newport and Narragansett area. Also Federal Hill—great Italian spots.
What’s the most Instagrammable spot in your city, and why does it capture its spirit?
Prospect Park at sunset has such a beautiful view of the downtown city area. It just captures the vibrancy and community of Providence.
In Focus: Nutcracker
How old were you when you saw The Nutcracker for the first time? Did you see the ballet before you performed in it?
I was either 12 or 13 when I saw The Nutcracker live. I was performing Clara in my home studio’s Nutcracker and my parents took my sisters and I to see Boston Ballet perform. It was the most magical experience. It made the holiday so special and it also made me want to pursue dancing professionally that much more.
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
Last season was my 5th season with Ballet Rhode Island, and we always have a very large kids cast perform in our production. I teach in our school, and last year I took on setting one of the children’s roles. I think as much as I love performing, seeing the joy and pride those kids felt after hours of rehearsals and getting to dance onstage with a professional company—that feeling is pretty unmatched.
What’s your dream Nutcracker role (even if you’ve already danced it)?
I dance Spanish every year and I love that role. I also have always loved Snow Queen. I think honestly Clara is a dream role; our company uses kids for that role but part of me is always like, “I’m short enough I can pass for a kid onstage!” I just love the acting and the storyline for Clara.
Go-to holiday song or playlist that puts you in the spirit?
In a celebratory, “the holidays are here” way—Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” In a more serious way, “White Christmas” and “The Christmas Song.”
What’s one holiday indulgence or ritual you look forward to every year?
Decorating my apartment for the holidays. I always set up the weekend after Thanksgiving, and I always say it’s because when we are in the theater for weeks for The Nutcracker I don’t get to fully enjoy the decorations, so that’s my justification for putting them up probably too early!
Inspirations & Setbacks
What’s your favorite dance movie of all time—and why does it inspire you?
I love Center Stage! I think it’s inspiring because it’s all about the unconventional way to make a career in dance happen, which I can really relate to. I grew up going to my hometown studio, I had a late start going to SDI [Summer Dance Intensive] programs, I went to college instead of a trainee program, etc. There’s no one direct path to making a career for yourself.
Who is your biggest dance inspiration (past or present)?
As cliché as it is, my colleagues are constantly inspiring me and pushing me to expand myself as an artist. I feel so lucky to dance with the people I do!
Can you share the moment you realized you wanted to be a dancer?
I don’t really remember an exact moment to be honest. I feel like I just always knew I wanted to be a dancer. It has always been the dream for me. It’s so crazy to actually be doing what I’ve always wanted to do.
What’s your personal practice philosophy—how do you approach growth in the studio?
I have always loved the mechanics of ballet, the strive for excellence and the progress to “perfection.” I’ve really focused on finding the things I am good at and owning those things rather than comparing myself to others and focusing on the things that I “don’t have.” I make my strong qualities really strong. I also challenge myself to feel uncomfortable; I find that my growth is exponential in these situations.
Biggest struggle you’ve faced in your dance journey, and how you overcame it?
As a kid, I was kind of typecast as the “contemporary dancer.” I was always cast as the acting or the contemporary roles, never the Lilac Fairy or Sugar Plum Fairy. I definitely am my most me when I dance contemporary and neo-classical, but my little girl dancer dream was always to be “the ballerina.” And I had to mourn the idea of what I always dreamed of, because in reality I am okay not performing these roles. I actually love being the Carabosse or the go-to for new works. I had to realize that although I’m not living the quintessential ballerina dream, it’s actually a way better dream that I’m living now.
What’s one thing you wish you had known as a young dancer?
That it is okay to not be the most flexible dancer. You can still have a wonderful and fulfilling career!
If you had to describe what dance means to you in just one word, what would it be?
Communication.
Rapid-fire Round:
Least favorite ballet step?
Probably an entrechat six (I know, sue me).
Go-to coffee order—and from where?
From New Harvest Coffee, a pistachio matcha with whole milk. From anywhere else, just a flat white.
Essential post-show ritual?
Yoga toes on the couch, typically with a Olipop Vintage Cola in a wine glass and a burger from There, There.
Current song/artist you have on repeat?
Honestly, the new Justin Bieber and Jonas Brothers albums. So much nostalgia for me!
ABOUT AUDREY
Joined Ballet RI: 2020
Hometown: Portsmouth, NH
Training/Education: Portsmouth School of Ballet, BA in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University
Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
Favorite Role or Ballet & Why: It’s hard to pick just one favorite since there are just so many beautiful ballets out there. I think if I had to choose, I would say Romeo and Juliet and Onegin to watch. But my favorite role I’ve done so far has been Carabosse in The Sleeping Beauty. There is just something so fun and so powerful about getting to play a role that is so far from reality. Something comes over you onstage and it’s a feeling like nothing else.
Accomplishment you are most proud of: I am most proud of receiving my bachelor’s degree from Butler University in 3.5 years and getting my first professional contract with Ballet RI.
Fun Fact about yourself: I do wheel thrown pottery and thrift avidly! I also can pogo stick with no hands.
Featured Image: Photo by @emperor.of.malianwa.
All Other Images: Courtesy of Audrey Lukacz.
