In honor of the Joffrey Ballet dancers going back to work yesterday (after reaching an agreement through AGMA with the management – yes!), here is a cute little Q&A with ballerina April Daly.
In her eighth season of what has turned out to be her dream job with the Joffrey Ballet, April Daly finds herself in a really good place.? The 29-year-old Lincoln Square resident, when not on stage eliciting thunderous applause for her artistic talents, might be seen rooting on the Cubs or devouring a steak at Tango Sur.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I?m an OCD shower-taker.? I?m really superstitious.? I blame my mother.? Before a show, a hot shower before warm up and I feel like it?s a brand new day.
Do you still get nervous?
Yes.? I think nerves are a great thing.? They?re kind of inevitable.? If one day I don?t get nervous, I?ll be scared.? It gives you the adrenaline.? I try to make sure it stays in the wings and it never comes on stage with me, because it takes all the fun out of it.
Personality-wise, would you be a white swan or black swan?
I think I might be more on the black swan side, but not in an evil way.? I?m pretty outgoing and feisty.
Growing up, were you a tomboy or a girlie girl?
A total girlie girl – I still am.? I don?t own tennis shoes. I have to be in heels at all times.? After rehearsals, I refuse to be in flats.? I can do a flip flop in the summer, but I?m in heels 99% of the time.
Most people think dancers don?t ever eat.? What?s you favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben & Jerry?s Strawberry Cheesecake.
What would be your last meal?
An amazing steak and definitely a big glass of wine.? I love food!? I?m a huge foodie.? I?m not that stereotypical ballerina.? If I had to be on a diet all the time, I would find another job, because I love food too much.