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.
MARISSA STARK
Nashville Ballet
Company Artist
@marissanstark
Essential item in your dance bag?
KT tape is one of my go to essentials to aid in joint/muscle support throughout various rehearsal processes. Although those that really know me know I always have a rogue tuna packet on me at all times.Â
Movie you can re-watch till the end of time?
White Christmas! Between the costuming, the song and dance numbers, and the overall classic and feel good nature of the film, I could watch it again and again!Â
Dancer who’s inspired you?
I draw inspiration from a lot of different individuals and sources depending on the roles I am studying and performing at any given time! I enjoy staying present within my work and drawing inspiration from those who surround me and came before me.Â
Song/artist/playlist you’ve been playing on repeat?
Anything Pop Punk.Â
Least favorite dance step?
Soutenu—for a step that looks so simple it is very challenging and requires so much control!Â
How do you like to spend your time outside of dance?
I am an absolute nerd for fashion! More often than not my nose is stuck in Vogue or I’m designing and working on my fashion illustrations. But in general, you can find me doing anything crafty and creative. From crocheting to knitting, sewing to designing, drawing to painting, it’s an endless list.Â
Best place to hang out in your company’s home city?
My latest obsession is grabbing sushi at Koi Sushi in Midtown and then going thrifting at Buffalo Exchange right next door. It’s the best way to spend a couple hours (at least with how I shop!).Â
Dream role?
There is a lot I aspire to, however, one of my dream roles since I performed George Balanchine’s Serenade 9 years ago for the first time was to perform the Russian Lead Principal Female. As of this program [Dracula with Serenade], I have been able to see this dream become a reality which has been an immensely surreal experience and has left me grateful beyond measure!Â
Go-to coffee shop order?
It depends on the season! But right now it’s a hot chai tea latte with 2 shots of espresso and some pumpkin!Â
Essential post-show ritual?
My favorite way to unwind post show is with family. You can usually find me on the couch with my feet in an ice bucket enjoying a celebratory drink with my parents, chatting late into the night.
ABOUT MARISSA
Marissa Stark developed her love of dance while training at The Art of Technique Ballet School in Ashburn, Virginia, and then furthered her training at the Kirov Academy in Washington, D.C. In her senior year of high school, Stark joined The Washington Ballet in their professional training division and was promoted to company trainee the following season. Under the direction of Julie Kent, Stark danced corps de ballet and soloist roles in ballets such as George Balanchine’s Serenade and Giselle, John Cranko’s Romeo & Juliet, and more. One season later, she joined NB2, Nashville Ballet’s official second company.
During her two seasons with NB2, Stark received several opportunities to work directly with Nashville Ballet’s company, most notably in Paul Vasterling’s Carmina Burana and Romeo and Juliet, Christopher Stuart’s Seven Deadly Sins, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s A Streetcar Named Desire. Additionally, as a member of NB2, Stark had many works created on her, including Gina Patterson’s 72 Steps, and Stuart’s New Beginnings and Deconstructed Bach, the latter of which Stark lists as a career highlight. Stark was promoted to company apprentice in 2020, where she reprised her role in Stuart’s Deconstructed Bach and danced in Stuart’s Under the Lights and Vasterling’s Seasons. Stark was promoted to a company dancer in 2021.
In her free time, Stark can be found working as a personal chef, teaching ballet or fitness classes, and studying in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.
Featured image by Karyn Kipley
Image 2 by Tony and Laura Matula
Images 4 and 6 by Stark Photo Productions
