BWW Interviews: Caylan Cheadle, This Dancer's Life

Among Nashville Ballet dancers, Caylan Cheadle ranks among the company's more unique members, claiming a pedigree that many would emulate if only they could: she was born and raised in Nashville! In fact, prior to college at Southern Methodist University, she studied at The School of Nashville Ballet, and after stint with The Georgia Ballet, she's now an apprentice at Nashville Ballet.

"I feel incredibly privileged to dance with Nashville Ballet. The company is made up of incredible dancers both inside and out. Everyone pushes each other to be stronger dancers and more passionate artists and I feel very blessed to be part of an organization that brings a wide variety of performing art to the city of Nashville and beyond," she says.

But how will her fellow dancers feel when they see she's revealed a backstage secret: that you'll find all sorts of sweets in their dressing rooms prior to rehearsal: Finally, some insight into the lives of dancers we can all identify with!

Actually, readers will find a great deal about Caylan Cheadles's life to identify with, thanks to her refreshing answers to our list of questions. Read and enjoy as Caylan gives us a glimpse into "This Dancer's Life."

What was your first introduction to dance as an art form?
I began taking ballet classes at Green Hills School of Dance at the age of three. My mother took me to see Nashville Ballet perform The Nutcracker when I was 9. That is when I switched my training to The School of Nashville Ballet and began seriously pursuing my passion for ballet.

What was your first real job as a dancer?
As a student at The School of Nashville Ballet, I began performing corps de ballet roles with the company at the age of 14. However, my first paid job as a dancer was when I joined The Georgia Ballet after college at Southern Methodist University.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dance?
The first moment I stepped on stage as a member of the youth cast of Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker, I was in heaven. I was 10 and a tiny Polichinelle, dancing with Mother Ginger, but I knew dancing on stage was my dream.

Who is your dancing idol?
My dancing idol changes constantly. When I was young, it was Kathryn Beasley, a principal with Nashville Ballet. I have always loved Sylvie Guillem, and am currently in awe of Yuan Yuan Tan of San Francisco Ballet.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here?
I pursue my art here because Nashville is home. I was born and raised here. There is nothing more special than performing in a city where I have family and so many friends both old and new in the audience each night. I also find Nashville has such a unique niche for the arts. Being a traditional, southern town, we respect the classics as a society. However, with the growth of the city and the influences of the country music scene, the community also enjoys broadening their horizons and embraces contemporary work as well. Not to mention, where else could I perform a ballet to live music by The Band Perry?!

What is your dream role as a dancer?
If you could dance any role what would it be and why? Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. It is the ultimate challenge for a dancer in both technique and character development and such beautiful music and choreography.

What is the brightest spot on your resume...what role/work is your most favorite? Probably dancing the Lead Violin in George Balanchine's Concerto Barocco. The movement is extremely athletic and challenging and it is amazing to me how Balanchine's choreography in this ballet is a complete visualization of the beautiful musical score.

What's the biggest misconception people have about dancers?
That we don't eat! You would be shocked if you entered our dressing rooms backstage before a show: cookies and chocolate galore!

Who would play you in the film version of your life story?
That would not be a very exciting film! Perhaps Natalie Portman, since she won an Oscar for playing a ballerina. Though my life is nowhere near as crazy as the ballet world portrayed in her film!

What's your favorite work created for dancers to perform?
I have so many favorites. Swan Lake is most likely my favorite classical ballet, Balanchine's Serenade is a neoclassical work that I always adore and I find contemporary ballets such as Rite of Spring and In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated are absolutely genius.

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the world of dance, who would you choose and why?
George Balanchine, Margot Fonteyn and Sylvie Guillem. Balanchine, because his choreography is my absolute favorite and I would love to pick his brain. Margot Fonteyn, to hear about her incredible history first-hand and I am just dying to meet Sylvie Guillem!

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own dream...what would you say?
I would tell them that the ballet world is extremely challenging and you have to be a hard worker and have thick skin to succeed. However, it is incredibly rewarding to do what you love day in and day out. Being able to tell stories with your body and dance to powerful music is a gift and well worth the years of dedication and training.

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