21 Quick Questions with Allison DeBona

November 21, 2016

Ballet West’s Allison DeBona first became a major figure on the pop-culture scene with her stint on The CW series “Breaking Pointe.” Her ethereal grace and commanding stage presence have kept her there since. DeBona trained with the Parou Ballet Company (now New Castle Regional Ballet) in New Castle, PA, and the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet while growing up. She later attended Indiana University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in ballet before joining Ballet West in 2007. In 2011 she was promoted to demi-soloist, was given the soloist title in 2013 and, finally, was named first soloist in 2015. Catch her next month in the company’s production of Madame Butterfly, and read on for The Dirt!

Go-to stress reliever?

Cleaning! Believe it or not!

Who’s your dance role model?

I admire Stella Abrera. I always thought she was so beautiful. When she finally got promoted to principal at American Ballet Theatre it proved there is no limit to a career. Love her! Also, I think The Royal Ballet’s Marianela Nuñez is so beautiful!

What’s the most played song on your playlist?

Anything Maroon 5!

What’s something no one knows about you?

I love football, particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers, more than ballet.

What’s something that can always make you laugh?

My family. It’s like a traveling circus!

What’s one food you can’t live without?

Pizza!

Do you have any nicknames?

Alli, Alli-Cat and Bones!

What’s something you’re most proud of?

I co-founded the artÉmotion Summer Intensive with Ballet in the City in 2015. We had 70 students year one. Our 2016 program grew to 115 students and we have intensives in Cleveland and Detroit. So proud!

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Iceland or Greenland

What’s the strangest thing in your dance bag?

Most of the time it’s the old banana that I forget about! A weekly science project.

Do you have any pre-performance superstitions or habits?

I take a warm shower and a B-complex vitamin.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! A shih tzu named Zipper Fly. We also had a chocolate lab named Colby Clarease, but she passed in November. I miss her dearly.

Who’s your dance crush?

[Ballet West principal] Rex Tilton, of course! ☺

Do you have a favorite workout?

I love to run and lift weights. Always have, too. Even though people try to tell me it’s “not good for dancers.” Not true!

Where do you feel the happiest?

At home with my fiancé, Rex Tilton (Ballet West, principal), and our little doggie, Zipper Fly! I love them!!

What’s your favorite movie?

Great Expectations

Who would play you in a movie?

Definitely some kind of witch. I love creepy things!

Have you had any embarrassing moments onstage?

Not that I can think of. But, now I wonder if I’m jinxing myself!

What’s your biggest piece of advice for other young performers?

Don’t bother with being nervous. You’ll only let precious moments onstage pass you by. Live in the good and bad moments onstage. It’s all art, regardless. People will always appreciate your work, even if you don’t appreciate it yourself sometimes.

What’s one thing you’d consider yourself an expert at?

I’m a good problem solver.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

I love watching sports. Sunday football games are my favorite! I love hockey and baseball, too!