everything and become the best professional dancer we could be.

What dancer did you look up to and why?

I looked up to Carlos Acosta, Jose Manuel Carreno, and Baryshinikov. I watched a lot of videos of them growing up, and Carlos Acosta was at my school in an older class, so I got to see him firsthand. I loved watching them because I learned the different styles of movement whether it was Don Quixote or Le Corsaire, how each dancer used their arms in these different ballets and how they acted onstage. I would try to do the same tricks and turns these guys would do and would watch the details of just how they would walk across stage.

How did you come to the United States?

I was on the tour in the U.S. with Ballet Nacional de Caracas from Venezuela, and went to Philadelphia to see Pennsylvania Ballet. I walked into the studio and saw a friend of mine working in the school, told her I was interested in joining a company in the U.S. but didn’t have working papers. The Rock School asked me to dance with the school while I was waiting for my working papers. I went to the Rock School with a student visa and worked with them for a year and a half before joining PNB.

What are your favorite roles/ballets?

I love Romeo & Juliet and Swan Lake.

It must have been challenging growing up to be so tall; you are 6”4.’ Please describe that process. What steps were difficult for you and are still difficult for you?

It was difficult being so tall but at the same time it is a benefit. It is challenging to do faster steps, but you have to be consistent on the way you practice with good discipline. I like being tall because of the long lines on stage.

You are also an excellent turner!  Were you always a natural turner or did you learn how to turn in the schools in Cuba? What suggestion can you give young dancers who want to do a lot of turns?

I think I am a natural turner, but I also did learn how to turn in Cuba. The schools focused on the precision of the position like a high posse and releve, correct arm positions, a fast spot, and an even fourth position. For young dancers who want to turn, I believe that they should build a strong base with turn-out, posse and a good spot. If one day the turn is not working, then go back to the way you first learned how to turn and it will come back.

What have you learned since you have become a professional dancer that you could share with young dancers today?

Go on stage and have fun because that’s the most important thing than anything else. The audience will enjoy it and so will you.

What is one thing you wanted to be or still want to be?

I wanted to be volleyball or baseball player because of my height and I practiced a lot in the school in Cuba.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I try to live my life day by day and see what opportunities come up.

What is one thing most people don’t about you?

I like to play baseball whenever I can but can never find anyone to play with.