We are thrilled to welcome Mia Steedle as a new company artist at Sacramento Ballet for the 2024/25 season! A Boston native, Mia trained with Boston Ballet School before joining Boston Ballet II, and has danced with companies including Kansas City Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet. As a freelance artist, she has performed in works by renowned choreographers such as Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Jennifer Archibald at Jacob’s Pillow, as well as in productions like Dracula and The Wizard of Oz. After captivating audiences in The Nutcracker and Cinderella last season, Mia is excited to officially join the Sacramento Ballet. Read on to learn more about her artistic journey and her plans for the upcoming season!
- When did you first start dancing, and what has been your journey to becoming a professional dancer?
I started dancing when I was 3 years old at Boston Ballet School. I went through their pre-professional and trainee programs before joining Boston Ballet II as my first professional contract. Since then, I have danced professionally with Kansas City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and as a freelance artist.
- Where did you receive your ballet training, and what was the most memorable part of your training experience?
I trained at Boston Ballet School during the year and spent summers at Jacob’s Pillow, Chautauqua, National Ballet School of Canada, and the School of American Ballet. Two very memorable parts of my training include performing new works by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Jennifer Archibald on the Inside/Out stage at Jacob’s Pillow with the backdrop of the Berkshire mountains, as well as George Balanchine’s “Rubies” at Chautauqua in their outdoor amphitheater.
- Which companies did you dance with before joining Sacramento Ballet? What were some of your favorite roles?
I’ve danced with Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Owen/Cox Dance Group, and Moving Arts Co. Some of my favorite roles include Christopher Wheeldon’s “This Bitter Earth,” Balanchine’s “Rubies,” and the principal in “Raymonda Variations.”
- What attracted you to Sacramento Ballet, and how do you feel about joining the company?
I was very fortunate to have met Anthony while performing in Kansas City with Moving Arts last summer, after which he invited me to perform as a supplemental artist in The Nutcracker and Cinderella last season. While in Sacramento, I got to know the dancers, staff, city, and community surrounding Sacramento Ballet and fell in love with it! I’m so grateful and excited to be welcomed into the Sacramento Ballet family as a company member and to be able to call Sacramento my new home!
- Are there any specific roles or productions you are particularly excited about performing with Sacramento Ballet?
I am ecstatic to be revisiting Dracula this fall after having performed in it with Kansas City Ballet two years ago––it’s so dramatic and moving! I am also excited for Romeo and Juliet because the last time I performed a version of it I was a trainee with Boston Ballet. It will be an exciting full circle moment to revisit the classic as a company member this time around.
- How would you describe your dancing style, and what do you think sets you apart as a dancer?
I had a lot of mentors from NYCB during my training including Margaret Tracey and Patricia McBride, so my style has a lot of Balanchine influence. However, I also love dancing contemporary works and exploring new movements. I think my experience working in many different environments in the past few years sets me apart as a dancer because it has allowed me to adapt to any atmosphere and challenge.
- What achievement in your dance career are you most proud of?
Taking on the freelance lifestyle this past season has been a meaningful accomplishment in my career. Working as a freelance artist allowed me to dance, travel, and work with new and inspiring people in new environments. And I feel like I’ve grown so much as an artist and person because of it!
- What do you enjoy doing when you’re not dancing? Any hobbies or interests outside of ballet?
I love exploring new cities, trying new restaurants, reading, doing crosswords, and I have a Duolingo streak that’s almost 700 days! I’m also a cat person and have a tortie cat named Zelda.
- How do you stay motivated and maintain your physical and mental health as a professional dancer?
I find a lot of motivation in spending time in the studio trying new steps, teaching myself variations, or filming videos for self-correction. I also love being able to share my dancing with my friends and family. Performances alway feel a little extra special when you have loved ones in the audience!
- What are your long-term goals as a dancer, and where do you see yourself in the next few years?
My long-term goals are to dance more, learn more, and explore more as an artist. I aspire to dance in a place where I can be myself and share my love of dancing with the audiences and people around me. It has also always been a dream of mine to perform internationally–in a gala, gig, or tour.
- How do you hope to contribute to the Sacramento Ballet community and its audiences?
I hope to share my love of dance and storytelling with the Sacramento Ballet community and audiences, and to inspire people to find their own personal connection with art and dance.
- What message or advice would you like to share with young aspiring dancers who look up to you?
Improvement and progression can take time! Just stay focused and work hard, but also be patient with yourself and your journey.