Claire and I got together for 2 photoshoots. One in-studio, and one outdoors.
Claire is not only a talented dancer, but also a very intellectual human. Below are some of my favorite shots from our shoots, as well as an interview with her!
Introduce yourself
My name is Claire and I am a ballet dancer with New Mexico Ballet Company. I am originally from Roswell, Georgia and I have a BFA in Dance from the University of Georgia. I trained in all dance styles growing up, but ballet and contemporary are my favorites. I trained with Boston Dance Theater and Confluence Ballet before moving to New Mexico.
What drives you to dance?
My favorite part of ballet is actually the class and rehearsals. I love working toward something big, whether it be bettering myself and technique, or a performance. In dance you will never achieve perfection, but you can always try to do better than the day before!
What are some ways you feel you’ve changed as a dancer/artist?
I’ve become less self critical, particularly over the last year. Since I dance in a part time company, there is less time to focus on being perfect. I am trying to focus on always getting better, but really making sure I am also enjoying the movement and actually feeling like am dancing the movement. I used to be very self conscious about my training. I am surrounded by people who went to very strict ballet programs, were homeschooled for dance, or went to prestigious schools. But I am proud of where I came from. I was an underdog in many ways and I’ve found a way to enter the ballet world, when I was told by some that it wouldn’t happen for me.
What are 3 facts about you?
-I have a twin sister and an older brother.
-I have a black and white cat named Cow. He was a stray that visited my house for about a year before I brought him inside! He’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
-I also have an office job in marketing at a nonprofit in Albuquerque. I do a lot of graphic design projects and edit websites. We help adults with disabilities, and it is a mission that I am proud of.
What’s your favorite way to drink coffee?
Right now I love vanilla lattes! I also love cold brew. I just ordered some fancy syrups so I can feel like it is from a coffee shop even when I’m at home. This hasn’t stopped me though. I still spend a lot of money at coffee shops.
Some people question whether art and politics are connected. What is your take on this?
Art and politics are absolutely connected. A great example of this is what is currently happening at the Kennedy Center. Art is a form of resistance, it holds up a mirror to the ugliest parts of our society. That’s why the current administration wants to have control over what stories are being put out into the public. It’s up to us to continue uplifting artists from marginalized communities and to keep pushing ballet to be a more inclusive and creative space. Making sure our voices are heard. We won’t be silenced.
Do you watch streaming services/or movies? If so, what have you watched lately that you’ve enjoyed?
I love TV shows and movies! I recently binge watched “The Pitt” on HBO. It is a new medical drama. It’s an amazing show.
What are some of your hobbies/passions outside of dance?
I love to do anything creative. Coloring books, painting, and embroidery are some of my favorite ways to creative outside of ballet. I also enjoy finding new music, food, and traveling. I love reading. I got a Kindle last Christmas and I’ve read over 30 books so far in 2025. Emily Henry is my favorite author.
What’s your current favorite food?
Right now I am loving Mediterranean food. It is healthy but it also tastes amazing!
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I can be very shy and quiet. When I was younger, I was put in dance classes to help me come out of my shell.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that it is okay that your dance journey does not look the same as everyone else’s. Every experience that you will have will put you on the path to where you are supposed to end up. I would also tell myself that opinions are not facts. Don’t give someone’s words about your dancing power over how you feel about yourself or dance. Passion will take you farther than anything.
Which fictional character do you see yourself in?
-My favorite TV show of all time is Parks & Recreation. I would like to think that I am like Leslie Knope.
What advice would you give to other artists who might be struggling to find their “voice”?
-Find artists you admire and replicate their processes. Never copy another artist, but you can learn about their processes and try to create something new that is unique to your voice. Surround yourself with art. Read lots of books, listen to new music, go to museums, watch new choreography, and make new friends. Every experience you take in will add to your voice.
You can follow Claire on Instagram here @ClairePeoplesDance
And keep an eye on the Zine for future shoots with her.
-Oliver Endahl