Features, Meet the Dancer

Meet the Dancer: Julia Heiss // St. Louis Ballet

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ON STAGE

  • The Sleeping Beauty

    Dance Company: Boston Ballet

    The Sleeping Beauty
    Citizens Opera House 539 Washington St, Boston, MA, United States
    Deep in a century-long slumber, a beautiful princess and her kingdom await the power of true love’s kiss. The Sleeping Beauty enchants with a host of magical characters—from the deliciously wicked fairy Carabosse and the valiant Prince Desire, to the benevolent woodland fairies and hilarious Puss in Boots. This iconic...
  • The Sleeping Beauty

    Dance Company: Boston Ballet

    The Sleeping Beauty
    Citizens Opera House 539 Washington St, Boston, MA, United States
    Deep in a century-long slumber, a beautiful princess and her kingdom await the power of true love’s kiss. The Sleeping Beauty enchants with a host of magical characters—from the deliciously wicked fairy Carabosse and the valiant Prince Desire, to the benevolent woodland fairies and hilarious Puss in Boots. This iconic...
  • Mary, Queen of Scots

    Dance Company: Scottish Ballet

    Mary, Queen of Scots
    David H. Koch Theater 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY, United States
    As death approaches, Elizabeth I of England is haunted by memories—real and imagined—of her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Two queens who never met, locked in a fatal dance of sex, jealousy, political intrigue, and religious warfare. This major new production from Scottish Ballet’s choreographer-in-residence Sophie Laplane and co-creator James...
Discover Julia’s favorite post-show foods, vocal artists, and Saint Louis hang-out spot.

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: Dallas, TX
Joined the company: 2020

Training
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division 

Saint Louis Ballet Roles 
(listed by choreographer)

Gen Horiuchi: 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. Appassionata 
George Balanchine: Allegro Brillante (principal), Square Dance
Brian Enos: Alice in Wonderland (Friend and Card), In Reel Time
Miriam Mahdaviani: Correlazione
Nilas Martins: Schön Rosmarin
Peter Martins: Ash, Hallelujah Junction
Amy Seiwert: By Any Other Name
Sean Sessions: Strange Creatures
Christopher Wheeldon: Within the Golden Hour

Image 1, 3, 4, and 6 by Kelly Pratt
Image 2 and 5 by Lindsay Thomas

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