Sidney Haefs, a Santa Clarita, Calif. native, started as a Trainee in 2018-19 and was invited to become an apprentice with Kansas City Ballet this season.
Q: TELL US WHY YOU BECAME A DANCER.
A: I started dancing at the age of 3 1/2. My mother danced growing up and she always loved it so she enrolled me in ballet classes to see if I would enjoy it. I honestly did not like it very much at first! I think because I was a talkative child and this would get me into trouble during class! However, I really started to enjoy it as I kept up with it and from there I fell in love. It gave me confidence and pushed me to work hard to achieve my goals. I became a dancer because it was a language that spoke to me.
Q: IS THERE SOMEONE SPECIFIC THAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR CAREER?
A: I find inspiration more from the dancers I work with rather than just one specific person. Being able to watch these artists push their boundaries and strive to grow as movers and story tellers is a beautiful thing to be able to experience. Each and every dancer in this company is unique and brings something different to the table and I think that in itself inspires everyone to work and grow not only as artists but as human beings.
Q: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE 2019-20 KCB SEASON?
A: Everything! This season’s repertoire is very exciting. There is a mix of contemporary, classical, and neoclassical works. It is amazing to see the company pushed in so many different ways. As dancers, I believe we all love a challenge and this is a season that allows everyone to push their boundaries not only physically but artistically.
Q: HOW DO YOU STAY FIT AND HEALTHY OUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO?
A: I try and incorporate Pilates as well as some weight training and cardio outside of our regular dance day. As ballet dancers, our bodies are expected to do a lot that isn’t always natural. Cross training allows us to work our muscles in a different way in order to help us stay strong. It allows us to keep our bodies balanced and not overwork our muscles in just one kind of way.
Top Photo by Tom Styrkowiz
