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.

April Daly and partner Miguel Blanco in "Stravinsky". Photo by Herbert Migdoll.

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.