The Dirt: Melissa Hough

Whenever Melissa Hough takes the stage, it’s hard to tear your eyes away from her. What’s the Boston Ballet principal’s secret? Her impressive

technique, honed at Washington, D.C.’s Kirov Academy, is definitely part of it: With her jaw-dropping extensions, high-octane grand allegro and overall strength, she has no trouble conquering both classical and contemporary roles. Plus, she’s a former comp kid, which explains her fearlessness onstage. In 2002, Hough was named Senior Outstanding Dancer at New York City Dance Alliance and received a Jury Award of Encouragement at the USA International Ballet Competition. But the real source of Hough’s magnetism? Her easy, engaging presence. She always looks like she’s having fun out there!

 

If you’re in the Boston area, catch Hough lighting up the stage in Boston Ballet’s “Ultimate Balanchine” (May 6–16) and “Black and White” (May 20–30) programs. Read on for The Dirt!

 

Who is your dance crush?
Larissa Ponomarenko, now and forever.

 

If you could work with any performer, past or present, who would it be?
Liza Minnelli or Mikhail Baryshnikov. But honestly, there are too many to name them all.

Must-see TV show:
“Slings and Arrows.” The Canadians got this one right!

 

Favorite dessert:
Chocolate Chip ice cream in a sugar cone.

Who would play you in a movie?
P
erhaps Uma Thurman

One thing you can’t live without:
Music

 

 

Photo of Melissa Hough in
The Sleeping Beauty by Rosalie O’Connor