Dream job really keeps soloist on her toes
Rie Ichikawa, 31, is a soloist with the Boston Ballet. Originally from Nagano, Japan, she has performed around the world.
Her roles with Boston Ballet include the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in "The Nutcracker" and Bianca in "The Taming of the Shrew."
Boston Ballet has 50 dancers - 10 principal dancers, the highest level; 10 soloists, the next level; 4 second soloists; and the rest in the corps de ballet. The salary ranges from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on level and experience, for a 41-week season.
How did you end up with Boston Ballet?
I studied in Japan, then I studied in London, and then I came to the United States. When I was 18, I joined Ballet Arizona in Phoenix. I think the first ballet I danced in there was "The Nutcracker." It was as a snowflake, a small part. I joined Boston Ballet in 1999.
Is 31 considered old for a ballet dancer, or are you still in your prime?
It's kind of middle-aged. It doesn't sound good but I guess the ballet world is like that. If you're 40 and you're still dancing, you're lucky.
At what age did you start doing ballet?
Five years old, but I didn't become truly professional until I was 13. That is when I knew this is truly what I wanted to do.
What are your goals? Do you have a favorite ballet or a favorite role?
I'm happy where I am right now. My goal is sort of achieved in the sense of where I am right now. In terms of a ballet, I love "Romeo and Juliet." And everyone wants to be Juliet. I haven't done it yet.
What's most painful about dancing?
Pointe shoes. If I take them off, sometimes my toes hurt, or my back hurts, or your Achilles' tendon hurts. I haven't had any major injuries but I usually twist an ankle once or twice a year.
What made you want to dance professionally?
In Japan, I did a lot of ballet competitions. When you start winning medals, you feel your confidence grow.
What is your schedule like?
If we're not performing, we work from 9:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you are performing, we usually start at 11:30, then have a ballet class, then rehearse two or three hours, then we perform at night, usually starting at 7. It's a long day.
What's your favorite thing about being a ballet dancer?
Being on stage, I think. I like the process of creating whatever you're working on as a production. And to actually be done and perform for the audience. That's the time you feel like all the work was worth it.
Do you have to travel much?
Not too much. Sometimes we go to Spain or New York, and we'll be traveling to South Carolina for Spoleto (Festival USA). But mostly we perform here in Boston.
Can you have a family and be a ballet dancer?
If you want it, you can do it. We used to have a principal dancer who had two babies and still danced. But you have to really want it.
A lot of little girls dream of being ballerinas. Does it live up to their dreams?
It's a hard profession to be in but if you love it, you can survive. It's hard because you always have to push yourself every day. Sometimes your toe hurts but you have to keep going. You have to have the determination to get through even if you're in pain.
But you love it?
Yes. If you don't love it, I don't think you can do it.
