Rebecca Krohn

Born Vestal, New York
Joined NYCB 1999 Principal 2012
 
How and when did you begin dancing?
I started when I was four after seeing a performance of The Nutcracker.  I just thought it was gorgeous -- all the women looked so beautiful.  After that my parents were nice enough to enroll me in ballet school.  I moved to New York at 14 and started full-time at the School of American Ballet [the official school of NYCB].  It was scary, but it was the best decision I ever made.
 
What do you enjoy most about performing?
It’s a freedom, being able to express yourself in a physical way, and dancing to all that great music definitely pushes you through.  It’s incredibly satisfying and a real emotional release. When you get into a role you can separate yourself from reality, immerse yourself, and really transform into a different character.
 
Do you have a favorite role?
One role that I’m especially enjoying right now is Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto.  It has everything I love about a role.  It starts out playful and free and then the pas de deux is full of tension.  It’s darker, more angular.  It’s an incredibly dynamic piece, not just one mood.  I love that about it.  The music is also just the best I’ve ever danced to.
 
What do you like to do outside the ballet studio?
I am a huge food freak.  I’m always brainstorming.  Sometimes I’ll go online and read restaurant menus to get inspiration for what I want to cook.  It’s funny, but I think cooking is a little like ballet.  There’s a technique to it, and once you have the foundation you can go from there. 
 
What would you like to do after you’re done dancing professionally?
I’ve been thinking that I’d like to learn how to stage ballets. I respect the history of the ballets, the music, and the steps.  It would be nice to be a part of that process and a wonderful way to keep this world a part of my life when I may no longer be able to perform.  But I’m far from that point!  I have a lot more I want to do on the stage before I do anything off.
 
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Definitely going out to a really nice dinner and just eating to my heart’s content.  It’s my favorite celebration.  A dream restaurant (that I haven’t been to yet) is Le Bernadin.  Sometimes I will go online and just read the menu.