1) When did you start dancing?
I started dancing when I was just three years old. Even though I started dancing at a very young age, I was also interested in different hobbies and sports as well. It wasn't until I was about fifteen that I started focusing on ballet.
I started dancing when I was just three years old. Even though I started dancing at a very young age, I was also interested in different hobbies and sports as well. It wasn't until I was about fifteen that I started focusing on ballet.
2) When did you first become interested in dance?
I first became interested in dance at a very young age because the dance studio was right next to the grocery store my mom always shopped at! I asked her if I could take dance classes and it became a weekly tradition where I would take ballet while she grocery shopped for the week.
I first became interested in dance at a very young age because the dance studio was right next to the grocery store my mom always shopped at! I asked her if I could take dance classes and it became a weekly tradition where I would take ballet while she grocery shopped for the week.
3) What is a day like?
At the Richmond Ballet, dancing is our full time job. So we dance from 10am-6.30pm, five days a week or 10am-5.30pm, 6 days a week.
At the Richmond Ballet, dancing is our full time job. So we dance from 10am-6.30pm, five days a week or 10am-5.30pm, 6 days a week.
4) Any favorite performance?
My favorite performance that I have been a part of has been the most recent show we did with the Richmond Ballet, Trio. This included an excerpt from La Bayadere, Lift the Fallen, and Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.
My favorite performance that I have been a part of has been the most recent show we did with the Richmond Ballet, Trio. This included an excerpt from La Bayadere, Lift the Fallen, and Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.
This was a great experience for me and hopefully the audience because it was so fun to dance three completely different ballets in one show!
5) How do you prepare?
To prepare for a show I definitely like to have some zen time where I go over the part I will be performing. But only once! If I go over anything more than once I find that I start to overthink everything. I also become a bit superstitious about performing. For example, if I practice a step three times before I perform, I have to practice it three times before each show.
To prepare for a show I definitely like to have some zen time where I go over the part I will be performing. But only once! If I go over anything more than once I find that I start to overthink everything. I also become a bit superstitious about performing. For example, if I practice a step three times before I perform, I have to practice it three times before each show.
6) Can you share an interesting fact with us abut the Ballet?
Something interesting people might not know about the world of ballet is that it is a full-time job and we work all day, five or six days a week rehearsing different ballets for the season.
Something interesting people might not know about the world of ballet is that it is a full-time job and we work all day, five or six days a week rehearsing different ballets for the season.
7) Any favorite places you've visited?
With the Richmond Ballet, we have opportunities to travel abroad. About two years ago we performed in four different cities in China, which was a world wind! This season, we will be performing in New York City.
With the Richmond Ballet, we have opportunities to travel abroad. About two years ago we performed in four different cities in China, which was a world wind! This season, we will be performing in New York City.
8) Your schedule must be very full, what is it like?
Just like with anything, becoming a professional dancer takes time and dedication. I moved to Boston and became a trainee with the Boston Ballet for two seasons before I moved to Richmond to dance in RB2 (the second company). After two seasons with RB2 I received a contract with the main company and this is now my third season as a company member.
Just like with anything, becoming a professional dancer takes time and dedication. I moved to Boston and became a trainee with the Boston Ballet for two seasons before I moved to Richmond to dance in RB2 (the second company). After two seasons with RB2 I received a contract with the main company and this is now my third season as a company member.
9) What do you like to do when not dancing?
When I am not performing I love spending time outside. We spend so much of our days inside rehearsing that I love to be outside during the day when we are not working! I also enjoy spending time with my friends, reading, cooking and trying new restaurants.
When I am not performing I love spending time outside. We spend so much of our days inside rehearsing that I love to be outside during the day when we are not working! I also enjoy spending time with my friends, reading, cooking and trying new restaurants.
10) When did you know you wanted to dance professionally?
I knew I wanted to become a professional dancer because I couldn't imagine myself not pursuing something I was so passionate about.
I knew I wanted to become a professional dancer because I couldn't imagine myself not pursuing something I was so passionate about.
11) Proudest Moment Dancing-
My proudest moment was when I received a contract with Richmond Ballet. Auditioning for companies is so hard and competitive that when I found out I had gotten a job as a professional dancer, I just could not believe it!
My proudest moment was when I received a contract with Richmond Ballet. Auditioning for companies is so hard and competitive that when I found out I had gotten a job as a professional dancer, I just could not believe it!
12) Advice to young dancers-
My advice for aspiring dancers would be that as important as it is to be dedicated, don't forget to always have fun while you're working so hard towards your goals.
My advice for aspiring dancers would be that as important as it is to be dedicated, don't forget to always have fun while you're working so hard towards your goals.
Here is a brief bio on Abi-
Abi Goldstein, of Sarasota, Florida began her professional training at The Sarasota Ballet School. She attended summer programs at The School of American Ballet and Miami City Ballet School. As a trainee at Boston School for two seasons, Abi performed with both the company and Boston Ballet II. After two years with the Richmond Ballet’s second company, she is very excited to begin her third season with the professional company.
For Tickets and more info, click here.
To enter to win a family pack- we are asking you to share a favorite childhood memory and what you loved to learn about Ballerina Abi
Winner announced 12/9.
For Tickets and more info, click here.
To enter to win a family pack- we are asking you to share a favorite childhood memory and what you loved to learn about Ballerina Abi
Winner announced 12/9.
