By THIRSTY
After attending summer
courses at the School of American Ballet in 2001 and 2002, Brittany Pollack enrolled
as a full-time student. In June 2006, she was asked to become an apprentice
with New York City Ballet (NYCB) and joined the Company as a member of the
corps de ballet in February 2007. Six years later, she was promoted to Soloist.
In addition to her career at
the NYCB, she has appeared on Broadway in the revival of Rodgers and
Hammerstein’s Carousel at the Imperial Theatre in the role of
Louise Bigelow, and in film, television and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
(2001).
Stay Thirsty Magazine was thrilled to visit
with Brittany Pollack at her home in New York for this Conversation about her
rise to the heights of the ballet world and her upcoming appearance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer.
STAY
THIRSTY: When did you first realize that you would have an
important career in ballet? How has your career unfolded vs. your expectations?
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| Brittany Pollack - Apollo (New York City Ballet) |
BRITTANY POLLACK: The moment I was offered an apprenticeship with New
York City Ballet (NYCB) was the moment when I knew I would have a significant and
fulfilled career in ballet. To this day, I never imagined I would be given the
opportunity to dance in some of the most genius ballets ever created, to work
with the best choreographers in the business and have ballets created on me, and
to dance alongside my role models on a daily basis. I also never expected my career
to expand beyond the ballet company into other outlets, including musical
theater or film.
STAY
THIRSTY: In your early years in the corps at the New York City
Ballet, how did you develop the discipline that lead to your position as a
soloist?
BRITTANY POLLACK: I feel that becoming a Soloist took a combination of
many things: passion for ballet and NYCB, hard work, discipline, willingness to
accept feedback and apply corrections, and humility.
STAY
THIRSTY: When you are dancing in a principal role, what
thoughts and emotions run through your mind? Are they different if you are
dancing in a Jerome Robbins or Justin Peck or Peter Martins or George
Balanchine ballet?
BRITTANY POLLACK: When I am dancing in a principal role, I always
trust that I am well-rehearsed and prepared. Therefore, I am positioned for
success. I try to avoid doubt, fear, and a lack of confidence so that I can
successfully execute the steps and enjoy my performance. I try to approach each
performance the same, regardless of the choreographer. I take it one step at a
time and enjoy each moment.
STAY
THIRSTY: How to do you protect your body from overuse and
injury so that you can stay at peak performance?
BRITTANY POLLACK: I always try to listen to my body. If something is
bothering me, I will take a step back and allow it to rest. If I am feeling
good, I push myself harder. For me, it is all about balance.
STAY
THIRSTY: Who were the most important influences in your career
so far?
BRITTANY POLLACK: There are too many to mention! One major standout
would be Justin Peck. He trusts in my ability, creates genius works of art, and
always pushes me out of my comfort zone to allow me to become a better artist.
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| Brittany Pollack - Rehearsal (Principia) |
STAY
THIRSTY: How do you maintain a life outside of the ballet? What
centers you?
BRITTANY POLLACK: I love spending time with my husband and our dog,
Duncan. I am also very close with my family (from New Jersey and Arizona), so I
always find time to see them. School used to take up most of my time, but now
that I have finished my Masters, I have time to enjoy being outdoors, take
vacations, and relax.
STAY
THIRSTY: You will be performing at the Saratoga Performing Arts
Center this summer. What attracts you about that venue and that audience?
BRITTANY POLLACK: I absolutely love Saratoga! This year will be
my 13th consecutive summer. Performing at Saratoga Performing Arts
Center feels like home. I love performing outdoors. Something about it feels
more relaxed and family-oriented. It is the perfect summer stage.
STAY
THIRSTY: In addition to your position at the New York City
Ballet, you have also appeared as an actress on Broadway. What are the
differences and challenges for you going from ballet to acting and back to
ballet? Is acting something you might favor as your next career?
BRITTANY POLLACK: Yes, I made my Broadway debut as Louise in Carousel on Broadway last year. It was
one of the best experiences of my life. I learned a lot from the Broadway
community that I brought back with me to the ballet. I have always loved acting
and singing and I’m always open to new experiences. Next up, a Jet girl in
Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story
movie remake.
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