Prima Ballerinas 44

Elisa Carrillo Cabrera: A Life in Pointe Shoes

As a little girl, I used to watch the ballet dancers on the television, mesmerized by their effortless grace and the sheer power they conveyed with every leap. Little did I know that one day I would be one of those dancers, taking to the stage myself. The idea seemed impossible, a dream so distant, so improbable. Yet, my fascination grew with each televised performance. I was enchanted by the stories told through movement, the way their bodies communicated emotions that words simply couldn’t.

Born in 1981 in the heart of Mexico City, my childhood was far removed from the gilded world of ballet. I was one of five siblings, growing up in a small, bustling apartment in a vibrant and chaotic part of the city. Dance was not a common pursuit amongst my family or peers. In fact, the nearest dance school was a good distance from my home, a formidable obstacle given my lack of financial resources. Despite this, the flame of my desire for ballet remained ignited, an insistent ember refusing to be quenched.

At 11 years old, I saw my first live ballet performance. The experience was truly life-changing. Witnessing those dancers in motion, up close and personal, confirmed my desire to make ballet my life. With unwavering determination, I began to save every penny, pooling my meagre resources to buy a pair of dance shoes and an old, hand-me-down leotard. I then started my training in a local studio, devouring every ballet lesson with an almost desperate eagerness.

In Mexico, however, ballet was seen more as a hobby than a serious career option. My family, though loving and supportive, had their doubts. The financial costs, the rigors of the training, the uncertainty of a ballet career - all these factors contributed to their worries. Yet, they encouraged me to chase my dreams, instilling in me a strong sense of resilience and a deep-rooted determination to succeed.

Despite the hardships, I diligently practiced, excelling in my studies and honing my craft. As my talent began to bloom, my instructors recognized my potential, encouraging me to pursue a more structured ballet training. In 1997, I left Mexico for Moscow, enrolling at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy, known for nurturing world-renowned ballet dancers.

The transition was not easy. My family was miles away, and I struggled with the language barrier, the cultural differences, and the rigorous training regime. I felt an immense sense of homesickness, but I persevered, fueled by my unwavering passion for dance.

The years spent at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy were intense. My days were filled with relentless hours of training – bar work, centre practice, pointe work, leaps, turns – pushing myself to my limits and beyond. Each class was a challenge, each exercise a test of endurance, requiring constant dedication, discipline, and unwavering focus. There were moments of doubt and despair, times when I felt overwhelmed, when the desire to simply quit crept into my mind.

But something within me, something deeply embedded, kept me going. My passion, fuelled by the extraordinary dancers around me, spurred me to keep dancing, to keep pushing my limits. Each achievement, every breakthrough, instilled a sense of self-belief that fueled my ambition further. In 2000, I graduated from the academy and was offered a coveted contract with the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Theatre, becoming the first Mexican ballerina to join this world-renowned company.

This was a significant accomplishment, a dream realised. Being part of the Bolshoi was an exhilarating experience. It allowed me to hone my skills alongside world-class dancers and learn from internationally renowned ballet masters. But this was only the beginning of my journey.

The Bolshoi offered a wealth of opportunities and I immersed myself in every aspect of ballet life. I danced a variety of roles in both classical and contemporary ballets, including prominent parts in "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Giselle." My natural elegance and emotional intensity coupled with technical proficiency captivated audiences. But my heart longed for more.

There were limitations placed upon me due to my cultural background, I realised. In the world of classical ballet, even with talent and dedication, my trajectory was often predetermined by factors outside of my control. My dream was to lead a ballet company, not just be part of one. I knew that the path ahead would be even more arduous, requiring further sacrifices, even more dedication. I was willing to put in the hard work, willing to break boundaries and create my own narrative.

In 2012, I made a bold decision: I moved to Germany, joining the Staatsballett Berlin as a principal dancer. My decision was driven by a profound belief that it would allow me to reach a higher artistic peak, to dance even more demanding roles and contribute creatively in new and meaningful ways. The Staatsballett Berlin, known for its progressive outlook, provided an environment where my artistry could flourish.

With the Staatsballett Berlin, I blossomed into one of the most sought-after ballerinas in the world, celebrated for my dynamic range, expressive movements, and dramatic stage presence. I have played leading roles in classics such as “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Giselle” as well as a diverse array of contemporary ballets. I was particularly thrilled to collaborate with world-renowned choreographers, developing and deepening my artistic understanding and creating new perspectives in my craft.

This success allowed me to inspire future generations of dancers. In 2016, I established my own foundation, "Elisa Carrillo Cabrera Foundation," aiming to provide educational opportunities to young dancers from marginalized communities, enabling them to pursue their dreams of ballet. The Foundation provides scholarships and access to specialized training, fostering young talents, ensuring equal opportunities, and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond my career as a ballerina, I am an author and advocate, passionate about the power of dance to transcend boundaries and inspire positive change. My first book, “Bailando en Punta de Pies,” tells my journey from a young girl in Mexico to one of the most sought-after dancers in the world. My second book, "Beyond the Stage," was published in English in 2022, which aims to bring the art of dance closer to everyone.

My life in ballet is far from over. My artistic passion burns bright, illuminating the path ahead. There are still many goals I aspire to reach, countless artistic boundaries I hope to push. However, the most fulfilling aspect of my journey lies in my ability to connect with others, sharing my passion and encouraging aspiring dancers from all backgrounds to embrace the transformative power of dance.

For me, ballet is a language that transcends words, communicating emotions with profound eloquence and leaving an enduring impact on the audience. My dream is to continue to captivate and inspire, not just through graceful leaps and exquisite artistry, but also by fostering young talent, amplifying marginalized voices, and making dance accessible to all. It's a dream I intend to make a reality, step by step, pointe shoe by pointe shoe, defying expectations and writing my own story in the world of dance.

Overcoming obstacles: My journey has been far from smooth sailing. I’ve encountered challenges both personal and professional. The initial financial hardships in Mexico, the daunting cultural transition in Russia, the pressure to prove myself in the competitive world of ballet – these are just a few examples of the obstacles I’ve had to overcome.

Balancing ambition with personal growth: Balancing my passion for dance with a fulfilling personal life has been a constant learning process. Dedication and discipline are essential in ballet, but it’s equally crucial to prioritize well-being and personal fulfillment. It’s a constant juggling act, requiring self-awareness, resilience, and support from those closest to me.

My most impactful experiences: One of the most defining moments of my journey was joining the Bolshoi Ballet. It wasn’t just an achievement but a stepping stone to greater possibilities. Working alongside such incredible talent, I grew exponentially, acquiring technical skills and developing an artistic understanding that laid the foundation for my subsequent success. Performing in iconic ballets like “Swan Lake” at the Bolshoi was an incredible experience, shaping my artistic vision and reinforcing my love for ballet.

I dream of leaving a legacy not just of exquisite performances but also of a more inclusive and diverse dance world. Through my foundation, I am already contributing to creating more opportunities for young dancers, irrespective of their background or socioeconomic status. But this is just the beginning.

My ultimate aspiration is to foster a culture of acceptance, to empower individuals, and to cultivate artistic excellence without prejudice or discrimination. I believe that every young dancer deserves the chance to chase their dreams and to express themselves freely through dance.

In the end, I believe that every dancer carries a unique story within them. My story, my journey, has been one of relentless pursuit, of breaking barriers, and of making history. I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given, for the people who have supported me, and for the moments of pure joy that dancing has brought into my life. It is my sincere hope that my story will inspire young dancers to pursue their passions, to embrace their unique identities, and to leave an unforgettable mark on the world of ballet.