How has becoming a mother changed your life?
Ashley Ellis: Becoming a mother has been the most incredible experience yet. Our children have brought an immeasurable amount of joy to our lives. Our son tries to hug and kiss her all the time, so I hope that lasts! He really seems to be love with her which is such a joy to observe. I am looking forward to seeing them grow together, building their special connection as brother and sister. I have a brother and know what a blessing it can be to have a sibling to go through life with.
Seo Hye Han: It’s been a month since I became a mother. I am having simultaneously the most amazing and crazy days in my life. I’m still learning and thankful that I can have this beautiful experience and also thankful to my mom more than ever.
Viktorina Kapitonova: To be a mother has really been the most inspirational experience of my life. Each day is filled with meaning and emotion. My son Henry is now 4, a little gentleman who helps me.
Ekaterine Chubinidze: Being a mother is a blessing, one of the best things that could have happened to me. It’s a challenge, but I enjoy every second of it.
How do you balance being a mom and professional dancer?
AE: It has been an adjustment figuring out how to manage these wonderful addition to our lives, but it’s all worth it. I enjoy the time to myself getting to work and focus on my art form, but the time when I can go home and put energy into my family is that much more enjoyable. I also love that my son has been welcome at Boston Ballet, getting to see the wonderful artists and hear live music ever since he was in my belly.
SH: Keeping the balance between being a mom and professional dancer will be a big challenge to me. I’m slowly doing small exercises now and planning to do baby ballet at the end of this month. Luckily, my parents are here in Boston to help me through this month and they are very supportive physically and emotionally. My priority is to get back to the stage so I can share what I love to do with my daughter.
VK: As a mother, I feel reborn as a dancer with new emotions, a new appreciation of our art, and a new body, for better and worse. My husband stays at home with our son, which gives me time and freedom to concentrate on dance full time. I rush home after training to see them, and still have a lot of energy for fun and games until bedtime.
How beautiful it has been to watch ballerinas all over the world taking the opportunity to add to their families—what an amazing silver lining to the cloud of Covid! Traditionally such a difficult decision to make for ballerinas during their careers—as it was for me—is such great and positive news!
EC: It’s not easy, but like every working mother, I find ways to manage both. The hardest part for me is when I have a busy performance schedule. I only get to see my son, Nicholas, in the morning for two hours and at break time. Thank goodness for FaceTime!
