Michelle Fleet

February 28, 2014


Fleet in Piazzolla Caldera (photo by Tom Caravaglia)

Michelle Fleet makes intricate choreography look as natural as breathing. A 12-year veteran of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Fleet morphs to fit each work in Taylor’s diverse repertory: She’s sweetly innocent in the lyrical Esplanade, strong and sensual in the fiery Piazzolla Caldera. Born in the Bronx, NY, Fleet started her dance training at age 4. As a teen, she studied at Ballet Hispanico of New York and became a member of Ballet Hispanico’s Junior Company. After earning her BFA in dance from Purchase College, she joined Taylor 2 in 1999 and PTDC in 2002. (She also earned her MBA in business management in 2006.) Catch Fleet onstage this month during PTDC’s Lincoln Center season. —Margaret Fuhrer

Shell,

Girl, get ready for the ride, because it’s going to be a great one. Don’t freak out—it’s just me/you here with some advice. It’s like Back to the Future!

First of all, trust your gut and listen to your mom. Somehow you’re both right. You’ll be blessed with so many opportunities, and that’s mainly due to Mom. You couldn’t ask for a bigger fan. Cherish her!

Second, remember that every egg hatches at its own time. Always remain open to learning more, even when you think you already know it all. It’s OK not to be just like the girl next to you. You were born to dance to your own tune.

Cry when you need to, but laugh at yourself, too. Laughter will get you through frustrating moments, and it helps build character. Speaking of character: You’re not defined by where you take dance class, what high school you go to or who your friends are. It’s your actions, your dedication, your passion and, of course, your God-given talent that define you.


Fleet as a young student (courtesy Michelle Fleet)

Find those special moments in class and humbly push for excellence. Even though you hate it, standing front and center will help you get the job. Stop hiding! Your teachers will push you to the front anyway.

Dance is your first love, and it will always live in your soul. Dancing is your happy place, your place of pure peace. Everything you’ve experienced thus far is going to feed your artistry. What you have to offer this world is valid—it’s going to move and inspire people. Giving up has never been an option and never will be. Dancers are warriors!

Loving you,

Shell