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.
NAYA YARA
Indianapolis Ballet
Apprentice
@naya_yara
Essential item in your dance bag?
Advil and lip gloss.
Movie you can re-watch till the end of time?
Grease or Penguins of Madagascar.
Dancer who’s inspired you?
Marianela Núñez.
Song/artist/playlist you’ve been playing on repeat?
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”
Least favorite dance step?
Definitely a brisé.
How do you like to spend your time outside of dance?
I really love to read or bake goodies with my friends.
Best place to hang out in your company’s home city?
The Tap—their French fries are the best!
Dream role?
Carmen.
Go-to coffee shop order?
Chai tea latte with oat milk and a shot of espresso.
Essential post-show ritual?
Take a long hot shower or bath.
ABOUT NAYA
Naya, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, started her dance training with Dance Theater Southwest, where she learned and performed with great artists like the late Mel Tomlinson, Jock Soto, and Evelyn Cisneros. Naya later joined Atlanta Ballet’s Academy and then onward to BalletMet as a Trainee. Summer intensives included Ballet Chicago, Miami City Ballet, and BalletMet.
Her favorite roles danced thus far are Odalisque in Le Corsaire and soloist in Balanchine’s Walpurgisnacht.
Some of her favorite ballets performed include The Nutcracker (choreography by Yuri Possokhov), Giselle, Swan Lake, and Edwaard Liang’s Tributary.
Naya is very excited to join Indianapolis Ballet as an apprentice for the 2024/25 season!
Featured image by Jennifer Zmuda
Image 1 by Sonja Clark
