Photo by Isaac Aoki
Arielle Martin received her early and pre-professional ballet training from the Ballet Academy of Central Florida under direction of Vasile Petrutiu, Vladimir Bykov, and Heather Sanders-Fryxell. She also studied with scholarships at Boston Ballet, Washington Ballet, and Miami City Ballet. In 2009, she received the Silver Medal in the Pre-Professional Category (ages 14-17) at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Florida.
In 2010, Arielle was the only American dancer to represent Florida at the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. After her participation she joined the Professional Division of Pacific Northwest Ballet on full scholarship until her graduation. Arielle performed in many productions such as Don Quixote, A Midsummer's Night Dream, and Nutcracker with the company. After graduation she joined the Teatrul de Balet Sibiu in Sibiu, Romania and also performed as a guest apprentice in Dresden Semperopera Ballet (Germany) in La Bayadere and Harmensdamen. She then joined the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada for the following season and is currently in her 2nd season with the Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin in Germany.
We caught up with Arielle where she reminisced on her past and gave insight into life as a professional dancer.
At what age did you start training at the Ballet Academy of Central Florida (BACF)?
6 years old
Who were your primary teachers during your years training at BACF?
Vladimir Bykov, Vasile Petrutiu, and Heather Fryxell
You won several prestigious awards in competitions, what tips do you give to dancers to be successful in competitions?
Try to find a good head space, have fun, and don't stop striving for the top.
Arielle performs a contemporary solo at the 2009 World Ballet Competition in Orlando, where she received the Silver Medal in the Pre-Professional Category. Photo by Virginia Trudeau and Deedee Sherman
What performances did you enjoy dancing the most with the Central Florida Ballet and why?
Butterfly in Nutcracker, because it was a challenge but yet such a beautiful part.
How was the transition from BACF to Pacific Northwest Ballet? Was it tough to leave your family and friends? How did you keep in contact with them?
The transition was exciting and scary but ended up being a great time and I learned so much. I missed my family but thank god for Skype.
Arielle at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Photo by Isaac Aoki.
You have been a member of several companies - describe some of the differences between the companies.
In each company you start in the morning with classes and continue with rehearsals. The difference between each company was the repertoire and also the city in size and development. But Berlin is the best place I have ever lived and do not see myself leaving anytime soon.
Arielle performs with the Teatrul de Ballet Sibiu in Romania.
What did you learn from the Ballet Academy of Central Florida that has helped you as a professional dancer?
I learned to always work hard and try to be the best dancer I can be.
*For information on classes at the Ballet Academy of Central Florida, please visit http://www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9942 ext 10.
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