Born: 1990
Nationality: American
Education: The Faubourg School of Ballet in Chicago and summer courses at School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, Houston Ballet and Royal Ballet School in London
Career: Joined the Royal Danish Ballet as an apprentice in 2009 and became a corps de ballet member the same year with Truman Finney and Ingrid Glindemann as her teachers. Promoted to soloist in 2013 and to principal dancer in 2017
Highlights from the repertoire with the Royal Danish Ballet: Nikolaj Hübbe’s and Silja Schandorff’s Giselle and Swan Lake. George Balanchine’s Jewels – Diamonds, Theme and Variations, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Apollo, Symphony in Three Movements and The Nutcracker. Christopher Wheeldon’s The Sleeping Beauty and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and August Bournonville’s A Folktale, Napoli, Le Conservatoire and La Sylphide. I have also enjoyed dancing in Liam Scarlett’s Viscera and Queen of Spades, Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away and John Neumeier’s Romeo and Juliet and Lady of the Camellias
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What was the first ballet you saw?
The first ballet I ever saw was The Nutcracker. It was a family tradition to see it every year. Having grown up in Chicago, I was fortunate to grow up seeing lots of ballet and dance from all over the world.
Why did you start dancing?
I started ballet because I have always loved classical music. I have always loved performing as well and moving my body and dancing to music.
Why do you think that ballet is still relevant today?
Dance is still relevant today because art and culture are some of the most important aspects of our society. It is always growing and evolving and is an instrument to tell human stories. Dance has the ability to take human emotions and experiences and express them in a way that will captivate the audience through the relationship between music and movement. Experiencing a ballet can transport you to another place, where you can escape and immerse yourself into a story that might inspire you and captivate your emotions.
What is so special about the Royal Danish Ballet?
My favorite thing about the Royal Danish Ballet is that we like to think of each other as one big family. We are all very supportive of one another, and from the moment I moved here, I have always felt included and a part of this special family.
The thing I love most about class is doing “barre”. The ballet barre is a morning routine we start each class with and it is such a great way to start the day. I like to think of it as my “morning meditation”.
What is your favorite ballet?
Giselle. Ever since I saw it for the first time I fell in love with the story and the music, and always dreamed to get to dance the role.
Who is your favorite pointshoe maker?
Freed of London’s V maker.
Who is your favorite dancer?
I have always looked up to the ballerinas Galina Ulanova, Ulyana Lopatkina, and Alina Cojocaru.
What do you do in your spare time?
On a day off, you can find me outside walking my dachshund Scarlett in one of the beautiful parks or beaches here in Copenhagen with my husband and former dancer Christian Hammeken. Also, I can’t live without Facetime or Skype, so I can talk to my family in America. And furthermore, I have started my education in Nutrition Science and Dietetics.
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Instagram: carolinehbpics