Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn McFall.
Hi Kaitlyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started dancing ever since I was a little girl. It was a small dance studio down in Kissimmee. It started off with mommy and me but eventually turned into jazz, tap, and ballet classes. At the time, I wanted nothing to do with ballet and actually favored my jazz and tap classes. My interest in ballet sparked about 2-3 years later. It was mid-year into my training when something in my head just clicked. I was 11, and all of a sudden; I was in love with ballet. Stretching non-stop, practicing when I can, and watching ballet all of the time suddenly became a normality for me. At my old studio, we did something called ballet exams in March, yet we started prepping early on. There were three “medals,” with Distinction being the highest one. My mother told me if I got Distinction, I could start my training at the Orlando Ballet School (OBS) in hopes of pursuing ballet as a career. I was two points shy of Distinction, so my mom let me go. That summer, I started taking classes at OBS before becoming a full-time student in the fall. I ended up auditioning for the Orlando Ballet “Nutcracker” and got in as an angel. I was also attending Osceola County School for the Arts, majoring in dance, on top of this. I was busy but having the time of my life. Once my OBS year was almost over, that is when Covid-19 hit. It was definitely hard-working at home, but I was grateful that my school offered classes even with the pandemic. That summer, I attended American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) 2-week Junior Summer Intensive, as well as Orlando Ballet School’s 2-week summer intensive. Afterward, I kept working hard and continued to dance in Orlando Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” dancing roles like Chinese and Soldier. By this time, I started online school; challenging but worth it.
This past year was a key time in my life. I was then in the pre-professional division, but later on in the year, I had the opportunity to audition for my school’s Academy program, as well as take the American Ballet Theatre ballet exams. I worked extra at home, took extra classes, and even worked privately with my teacher (Ms. Mila Makaroff) in hopes of doing well for these events. Finally, March and April roll around, and it is time to show off what I worked hard for. Scary, yet. exciting, I felt confident about my performance. Sure enough, I was correct as I scored a 99/100 on my ABT exam and got accepted into the Academy program for my school. I couldn’t have done it without my teachers, as well as my family and friends. Even with this accomplishment, I continued to work hard and train with my school for 5 weeks (at their summer intensive) during the summer. Now, I am in Academy 1, dancing every day, as happy as I could ever be!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been some struggles along the road. As a dancer, I am constantly learning new things and choreography. Sometimes, I don’t get something 100% at first. My initial reaction is to feel sad, but I later realize how normal it is. When this happens, I’ll go home and practice or ask a teacher for help!
Another thing is challenges within me. I have struggled with confidence in my dancing and in myself. Although this is a challenging feat, I can usually feel better by reading different affirmations, or talking it out with my mom, since we have a very close relationship.
One of my last significant struggles has been with auditions. Auditions for different programs, productions, or even summer intensives, can be a very happy or sad time. Sometimes auditions go really well, and I make it in, but other times it doesn’t work out, and I receive a no. As hard as a “no” can be, it can be good to receive them. When I don’t get into something that I really wanted, it makes me want to work even harder and boosts a fire inside of me. That way, I can return to the same audition the next year and make it even better than the last.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an Academy student at the Orlando Ballet School. I train 20 hours a week, working every day except Sunday. I get to take classes in ballet, musical theatre, pointe, progressive ballet technique, character, and modern! Sometimes I participate in masterclasses or productions they may have. I also post about my ballet journey online! I share all sorts of pictures and videos that showcase my dancing, as well as some of my personal life.
I would say that I am most proud of how far I’ve come. I don’t think my younger self was expecting me to pursue ballet, but I am so glad I did. Ballet makes me feel free and like nothing else matters in the world. Therefore, I am constantly working to perfect my craft, and I can see the work paying off. I went from a little girl who hated ballet to a growing teenager with a strong passion for it.
Lastly, I believe that my work ethic sets me apart from others. I’ve realized that hard work is how I can get to where I want to be (professional ballet dancer). I see lots of improvement within myself just because I am consistently pushing to get better. Not to mention that I am always seeing my parents work hard, and it inspires me to work hard too.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d love to share a little thing that always brings me a bit of luck. It’s surprisingly the song “A Million Dreams” from the movie “The Greatest Showman.” It makes me feel inspired and always pumps me up for whatever I am about to encounter!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlyntheballerina/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@xoxokaitlynelisee?lang=en
