Teen Vogue's "Strictly Ballet" Dancers: Where Are They Now?
In 2014 Teen Vogue came out with one of our favorite dance series yet: “Strictly Ballet.” From NYC’s School of American Ballet to Florida’s Miami City Ballet School, we got to follow dance students through the rigorous, glamorous, and sometimes intense ups and downs that are the norm for most serious ballet students. Though the reality web series only lasted two seasons, we love the intimate look it gave into the ballet world and the students whose lives it followed. We loved it so much that by the end of each season we were almost as invested in those dancers’ careers as they were.
Now, four years later, we’re dying to know what some of our favorite dancers from the series are up to. Keep reading to find out where the blood, sweat, and blisters have gotten them.
Mimi Staker
The last time we saw Mimi Staker she was on track to join New York City Ballet, having just received her apprenticeship with the company. Now she’s a full-fledged member of NYCB’s corps de ballet and has performed a diverse repertoire of classical and neoclassical ballets. Staker has even had the opportunity to dance featured roles, such as Maria in Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story Suite. She also appeared in Puma’s collaboration with the company.
Alec Knight
Australian heartthrob Alec Knight was still a student at SAB when Season 1 ended. Since then he’s been promoted to NYCB’s corps de ballet and has performed major feature roles including Benvolio, The Prince of Verona in Romeo and Juliet. He’s also found success as a model, walking the runway for big name brands like Dolce & Gabbana.
Jasmine Perry
Jasmine Perry
is in her fifth season with the Los Angeles Ballet—and she’s thriving. Her strong technique and beautiful lines continue to shine. Perry was also featured in our March cover story as one of ten black ballerina trailblazers who are following in Misty Copeland’s footsteps and helping to usher more racial diversity into the ballet industry.
Victor Jarvis
Victor Jarvis traded the Big Apple for the Midwest and has been dancing at the Cleveland Ballet. He’s performed numerous ballets with the company, including Coppelia, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Beethoven Trio, and Nutcracker Suite.
Valeriia Chaykina
Remember the passionate and enthusiastic Russian ballet student Valeria Chaykina from Season 2? She’s currently a member of the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, where she’s performed numerous roles including Spring Fairy in Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella.
Ella Titus
On Season 2 of “Strictly Ballet,” Ella Titus proved that while it can be hard, it is possible to juggle an involved dance schedule and public school. The down-to-earth dancer received her contract at the end of the series and is now living her dream as a dancer with Miami City Ballet. Titus has also turned her knack for stylish dancewear into a business as she’s created her own line of hand-knitted legwarmers, called Ella Warmers.
Mayumi Enokibara
Mayumi Enokibara was the darling, petite, Miami City Ballet apprentice who you couldn’t help but love—and when she received her contract I’m pretty sure there was a collective round of applause from viewers. Enokibara still dances for Miami City Ballet and has accumulated a diverse repertoire.
