Amy Brandt

3 weeks ago | pointemagazine.com | Amy Brandt

Sae Eun Park made Paris Opéra Ballet historyin 2021 when she became the company’s first Asian-born dancer to be promoted to étoile. But her path to the company wasn’t a direct route—she encountered disappointments and self-discoveries along the way. Below, Park shares her toughest roles and challenges, and her advice for the next generation of dancers. In reaching étoile, how much would you say was talent, and how much was sweat? Thirty percent talent, 50 percent work, and 20 percent timing.

1 month ago | pointemagazine.com | Amy Brandt

We are one month away from the premiere of Amazon Prime’s new series “Étoile,” and if you’re like us, you are counting down the days. The series, created by “Bunheads” and “Gilmore Girls” duo Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, follows two ballet companies—one in New York City and one in Paris—as they swap their top stars in an attempt to salvage their struggling organizations.

1 month ago | pointemagazine.com | Amy Brandt

August Bournonville’s 1836 ballet La Sylphide, set in Scotland, has long been dear to Ethan Stiefel’s heart. The former American Ballet Theatre principal and Center Stage star danced the lead role of James several times, and for many years trained with legendary Danish teacher Stanley Williams in the Bournonville tradition. Stiefel is also of Scottish descent; he can trace his ancestry on his mother’s side to the Scottish HighlandClan Munro and is a proud member of the New York Caledonian Club.

1 month ago | pointemagazine.com | Amy Brandt

For Christina Johnson, piqué arabesque is the step that most epitomizes ballet. “What other one encapsulates it, when you think of a photo of a ballerina? Arabesque! It says it all,” says Johnson, a former principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Complexions who now coaches and teaches master classes all over the world. “Piqué arabesque is this beautiful, magical step that can take somebody’s breath away,” she continues.

2 months ago | pointemagazine.com | Amy Brandt

Amanda Smith is known for her go-for-broke performances. Formerly a leading dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem, she has since joined Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet to further stretch her limits. Below, Smith shares her approach to her roles, why she wanted to get a college degree before starting her career, what she visualizes for her future, and more. You were with Dance Theatre of Harlem for seven years before joining LINES Ballet this season. What led to the change, and what drew you to LINES?