By Sharon Steel

Ballerina Lauren Lovette was discovered in her aunt’s dance store in Thousand Oaks, California, when she was 12, and now, 11 years later, she says it all boils down to fate. “It all happened in a strange way,” explains the dancer, who is one of the youngest soloists at the New York City Ballet. “Everything that has happened up until this point has been a surprise. I’ve always just been in the moment, loving what I do.” Lovette’s positive attitude is a refreshing one in the intensely competitive dance world, and she takes immense pride in every opportunity she’s earned: This past winter, she danced the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker, and when we speak she’s still brimming with excitement about a recent trip to Japan with the rest of her company. This winter, Lovette will perform featured roles in Coppélia and Bal de Couture. Lovette’s future couldn’t be brighter, but she’s still content to enjoy what she has today. “I would still dance, even if it just stopped here,” she says. “I truly am happy. I just feel lucky.”

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PERFORMANCE AS THE SUGARPLUM FAIRY IN NUTCRACKER! HOW DID IT GO, NOW THAT YOU’VE HAD TIME TO REFLECT ON THE EXPERIENCE?
It’s one of my favourite roles, one of those special parts you dream of. Who doesn’t want to wear a tutu and dance in pink? The Nutcracker is a tradition, it wouldn’t really feel like Christmas if I wasn’t doing it.

NOW THAT YOU’RE A SOLOIST, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU MISS ABOUT BEING IN THE CORPS DE BALLET WITH SOME OF THE OTHER WOMEN IN YOUR CLASS?
There is a really cool aspect to being in the corps de ballet, a teamwork-type of feel. You have to be a part of something, something bigger than just you, and I think that is something very special that dancers miss. But I was happy to become a soloist because of that freedom that you get and individuality, and I like that.

YOU’RE NOT THE TYPICAL TALL AND WAIFY BALLENCHINE BALLERINA. BUT PETER MARTINS, THE NYCB BALLET MASTER, CELEBRATES ALL DIVERSITY AND MANY DIFFERENT BODY TYPES.
At the New York City Ballet no one looks really the same, and I think that’s the balance Balanchine wanted when he originally made this company. He wanted unique looking people on the stage, and I think Peter does too. I don’t think that I look like anyone else, and I don’t think anyone looks like me, and I like it like that.

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOAL FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
I like to be surprised. Right now I’m working on some really cool ballets that are new and exciting. I like the spontaneity; it’s part of my personality. I like the unknown.

WHAT BOOK DO YOU READ OVER AND OVER? Pride and Prejudice
WHAT’S ALWAYS IN YOUR PURSE? ChapStick
WHAT’S HANGING ABOVE YOUR BED? My laundry and practice tutu is hanging on it!
WHAT’S YOUR ONGOING FASHION OBSESSION? Hats and beanies