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.
JULIA HEISS
St. Louis Ballet
Dancer
@julzheiss
Essential item in your dance bag?
My PerfectFit toe pads and lacrosse ball to roll out.
Movie you can re-watch till the end of time?
Mamma Mia! It’s so good.
Dancer who’s inspired you?
Sara Mearns is an artist who inspires me. Her authenticity shows when she performs and I love the emotion and artistry that she brings to each role.
Song/artist/playlist you’ve been playing on repeat?
I’m a big music person. There are so many artists and bands I love. Some favorites are the Lumineers, Mt. Joy, Noah Kahan, and the Beatles!
Least favorite dance step?
Probably grand plié in fifth in the center. So hard.
How do you like to spend your time outside of dance?
When I’m not dancing, I still love to be active and in nature. Going on hikes, traveling to new places when I can, and trying new restaurants are my favorite ways to spend my free time. I’m currently working on becoming a certified personal trainer, which I’m very excited about!
Best place to hang out in your company’s home city?
I will never get over Forest Park. I love walking around the park or just having a picnic with a book. It’s a St. Louis gem!
Dream role?
Juliet from Romeo and Juliet.
Go-to coffee shop order?
I’m so boring when it comes to my coffee order; I’m easy to please with a good drip coffee with some half and half.
Essential post-show ritual?
Some good food and ice cream.
ABOUT JULIA
Hometown:Â Dallas, TX
Joined the company:Â 2020
Training
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional DivisionÂ
Saint Louis Ballet RolesÂ
(listed by choreographer)
Gen Horiuchi:Â Cinderella (Autumn Fairy), Giselle (Title role), The Nutcracker (Dewdrop, Columbine Doll), Sleeping Beauty (Princess Florine, Violente), Swan Lake (Pas de Trois, Italian, Cygnet), Balanchivadze, Classique, Moment, Romantique, St. Louis Blues, This Is Who We Are, TOYA/GEN Vol 1. AppassionataÂ
George Balanchine:Â Allegro Brillante (principal), Square Dance
Brian Enos:Â Alice in Wonderland (Friend and Card), In Reel Time
Miriam Mahdaviani:Â Correlazione
Nilas Martins: Schön Rosmarin
Peter Martins:Â Ash, Hallelujah Junction
Amy Seiwert:Â By Any Other Name
Sean Sessions:Â Strange Creatures
Christopher Wheeldon:Â Within the Golden Hour
Image 1, 3, 4, and 6 by Kelly Pratt
Image 2 and 5 by Lindsay Thomas
