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.
TARA MCCALLY
Ballet RI
Company Dancer
@tara.mccally
Hometown Glory
Which local café or restaurant fuels you before rehearsal or after a performance?
Seven Stars Bakery!
Where’s your favorite spot in your city to unwind outside of ballet?
My apartment.
Which local landmark feels like it could be a stage backdrop for a dream role?
The Providence skyline.
Hidden gem or hangout in your ballet company’s home city?
Maiz East Side in Wayland Square.
If you were playing tour guide, what’s the most iconic place in your city?
The Nitro Bar.
In Focus: Nutcracker
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
Growing up performing with my dad and sister onstage.
What’s your dream Nutcracker role (even if you’ve already danced it)?
Dewdrop.
Favorite holiday tradition in your city that makes the season magical?
Ballet RI’s Nutcracker, duh!
Go-to holiday song or playlist that puts you in the spirit?
Anything by Pentatonix.
What’s one holiday indulgence or ritual you look forward to every year?
Soups.
Inspirations & Setbacks
Who is your biggest dance inspiration (past or present)?
Lorna and Lorena Feijoo.
What’s your personal practice philosophy—how do you approach growth in the studio?
I truly just try to be better than the day before, while continuing to have grace and patience for myself.
Biggest struggle you’ve faced in your dance journey, and how you overcame it?
Injuries. A supportive surrounding.
What’s one thing you wish you had known as a young dancer?
It’s okay to be different. Not every kid in your ballet class wants to be a professional and it’s okay to be the only one that loves and wants to dance.
If you had to describe what dance means to you in just one word, what would it be?
Everything.
Rapid-fire Round:
Least favorite ballet step?
Attitude turns.
Go-to coffee order—and from where?
Flat white, from anywhere good.
Essential post-show ritual?
Heating pad.
Current song/artist you have on repeat?
Don Toliver.
ABOUT TARA
Joined Ballet RI: 2021
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Training/Education: Feijoo Ballet School under Nelson Madrigal, Lorna and Lorena Feijoo
Favorite Quote: “The best is yet to come”—Frank Sinatra
Favorite Role or Ballet & Why: It is impossible to narrow down all the roles I’ve been lucky to perform and choose just one favorite, so two roles I hold close to my heart are “Jackie” in Yury Yanowsky’s Jackie and “solo woman” in Katarzyna Kozielska’s Ode. Both roles challenged me emotionally, physically and truly made me a better dancer.
Accomplishment you are most proud of: Though I am so proud of all of my achievements in ballet, I am most proud of the family I’ve made on the East Coast!
Fun Fact about yourself: I’m related to Alexander Hamilton and John Wilkes Booth.
All Images: Photo by Ian Travis Barnard.
