Today we’re introducing a new feature at 4dancers–the “Dancer Spotlight”. We’ve gotten such great feedback on our “10 Questions With…” series that we thought it might be fun to do a series of shorter “interviews” with dancers as well. These will pop up from time to time, and dancers will answer a few interesting questions in a more abbreviated format.

Today we have Lisa Barrieau with us from Atlanta Ballet…

What is the best advice you have ever received from a teacher or mentor regarding dance?

The best advice I ever received from a teacher was: Dancing is something that people only dream of doing… the day you wake up not wanting any part of it anymore is the day you should stop. Until then, work as hard as you can to fulfill your passion.

Do you have any advice for dancers who want to go on to a professional career?

Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t be a professional because there is a company out there for everyone as long as you fight for it and accept the challenge.

Do you have a special routine you go through prior to a performance?

Before every performance, I say a little thank you to my grandpa who passed away. Without him I wouldn’t have started dancing as a kid and I want him to know that I am dancing for him.

What is your favorite ballet and why do you enjoy it?

My favorite ballet of all time is Michael Pink’s Dracula. I love the choreography and music. I think I also love that Dracula is such a passionate and misunderstood character and Michael Pink’s ballet helps to illustrate it. It is definitely not your typical ballet.

What do you enjoy most about your life in dance?

I love the people I work with and I love that, unlike other careers, I get to wake up and go to work and be something I am not… be a peasant or a vampire, a princess or a goblin… I get to express myself through movement in a way that so many can’t fathom.

BIO: A native of Milwaukee, WI, Lisa started dancing at the age of four and continued training in Connecticut with New Haven Ballet School and Joyce DiLauro. Her additional studies include intensives with Boston Ballet School, American Academy of Ballet, and Milwaukee Ballet School, where she was offered a contract into Nancy Einhorn’s Milwaukee Ballet II program. There, she danced the role of Blue Fairy in Bruce Well’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was seen in Antony Tudor’s Offenbach in the Underworld, and Michael Pink’s The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty. In 2009, Lisa joined Minnesota Ballet where she performed the roles Lustful Virgin in Agnes De Mille’s Three Virgins and a Devil, and Zulme in Giselle. Last season, Lisa danced with Milwaukee Ballet and performed in Edgar Zendejas’ world premiere of Mara in the International Choreographic Competition. Lisa’s career has offered her the chance to dance works by Alvin Ailey, Kee-Juan Han, Jose Limón, Trey McIntyre, Adam Miller, Pilobolus, Twyla Tharp, and Chet Walker. Lisa is looking forward to her first season with Atlanta Ballet and she thanks her family for all of their love and support.