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.
ISABELLE LAPIERRE
Cincinnati Ballet
Second Company Dancer
@isabelleballerina
Hometown Glory
Which local café or restaurant fuels you before rehearsal or after a performance?
VV The Italian Experience—best coffee.Â
Where’s your favorite spot in your city to unwind outside of ballet?
Alcove by MadTree.
If you had to make a playlist inspired by your city, what three songs/artists would be on it?
Any smooth jazz or Sade song.
Which local landmark feels like it could be a stage backdrop for a dream role?
Mirror Lake at Eden Park.
Hidden gem or hangout in your ballet company’s home city?
Anywhere on Mt. Adams.
If you were playing tour guide, what’s the most iconic place in your city?
Cincinnati Museum Center.
What’s the most Instagrammable spot in your city, and why does it capture its spirit?
Over-The-Rhine because it blends historic charm, vibrant murals, and trendy spots in one place.
In Focus: Nutcracker
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
My favorite Nutcracker memory was when I was 11, getting ready backstage for my first performance as Clara. I was so excited and I felt so grown up! Little did I know how many more exciting Nutcracker experiences I would have when I got older.
What’s your dream Nutcracker role (even if you’ve already danced it)?
Coffee.
Favorite holiday tradition in your city that makes the season magical?
Cincinnati has ice skating at Fountain Square under a Christmas tree with the city skyline lit up around you.Â
Go-to holiday song or playlist that puts you in the spirit?
I tend to stick with the classics but there is just something about that Justin Bieber Christmas album.Â
What’s one holiday indulgence or ritual you look forward to every year?
Advent calendars and peppermint hot cocoa.Â
Inspirations & Setbacks
What’s your favorite dance movie of all time—and why does it inspire you?
I love the original West Side Story movie. I grew up watching it and I realized that my love of dance was not only in ballet. Jerome Robbins’ choreography mixed with the cinematic scenes in New York City really broadened my sense of dance as a whole.
Who is your biggest dance inspiration (past or present)?
Natalia Osipova. Hands down. Her artistry and her ability to tell a story is mind blowing.
Can you share the moment you realized you wanted to be a dancer?
I don’t think there has been a moment where I haven’t been a dancer. I have always wanted to dance and so I did, and do. I can’t put a finger on a particular moment, but I do know what when I realized I could try to be a professional, that became my main goal.Â
What’s your personal practice philosophy—how do you approach growth in the studio?
Start every day fresh. Check in with how your body and your mind are doing and go from there. Be open to nuance and critique. Never compare yourself to others. Remember to be grateful to be doing what you love. Work hard, but stay playful.Â
Biggest struggle you’ve faced in your dance journey, and how you overcame it?
Finding the right pointe shoes. I wish I could say I have overcome this issue. It is definitely a work in progress.Â
What’s one thing you wish you had known as a young dancer?
I didn’t realize how mentally strong you have to be as a dancer.Â
If you had to describe what dance means to you in just one word, what would it be?Â
Limitlessness.
Rapid-fire Round:
Least favorite ballet step?
Soutenu.
Go-to coffee order—and from where?
Iced coffee with oat milk and a dash of a flavor, whatever I’m feeling, from Kidd Coffee.
Essential post-show ritual?
Foot ice bath and a hot drink—tea or cocoa.
Current song/artist you have on repeat?
Sade.Â
ABOUT ISABELLE
Isabelle Lapierre is originally from Columbus, Ohio where she began her dance training at BalletMet. She performed in many productions as a child, including three years as Clara in Gerard Charles’ The Nutcracker and The White Cat in Edwaard Liang’s The Sleeping Beauty. At the age of 14, she was invited to join The School of American Ballet’s (SAB) Advanced Division in New York City after attending their summer course on scholarship. She performed in SAB Lecture Demonstrations, SAB Workshops, and was a featured soloist in SAB’s 2020 Winter Ball Benefit.
In 2022, Isabelle danced in the New York Choreographic Institute and with the New York City Ballet in the Spring Gala Performance of Balanchine’s Scherzo à la Russe at the David H. Koch Theater. Upon her graduation from SAB, Isabelle joined Miami City Ballet School (MCBS) for a post-graduate year where she performed with the company in multiple roles including John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, and Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements. Along with MCBS, Isabelle danced the Sanguinic Pas de Deux and 2nd Theme in Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments and several principal roles in ballets by MCBS resident choreographer Durante Verzola.
In 2023, she joined Ballet Austin’s Second Company where she danced several roles with the main company, including ballets by Stephen Mills. With Ballet Austin 2, Isabelle danced Gamzatti in Petipa Divertissement. She has trained at several summer courses including Royal Danish Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Académie Princesse Grace, Monaco, Ellison Ballet, and ABT New York City. Isabelle is honored and excited to be a part of Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company.
Featured Image & Images 3 and 4: Photo by Christopher Duggan. Courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow.Â
