Toledo Ballet is delighted to welcome Isabella LaFreniere, principal ballerina with New York City Ballet, as a guest artist for the 85^th annual production of The Nutcracker, presented by Fifth Third Bank. A proud alumna of Toledo Ballet, Isabella will take the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy, bringing her journey full circle with the very production where she first danced as a child.

Originally from Lambertville, Michigan, Isabella began her training at Toledo Ballet and the Northeast Academy of Dance. At age eleven, she studied under Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev, later joining the Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago. She moved to New York City to attend the School of American Ballet on full scholarship, where she performed lead roles and received the Mae L. Wein Award for outstanding promise. Isabella joined New York City Ballet in 2013, was promoted to soloist in 2022, and became a principal dancer in 2023.

We spoke with Isabella to reflect on her early memories, her professional journey, and what it means to return to Toledo Ballet this holiday season.

What are some of your earliest memories of dancing with Toledo Ballet?

Isabella: One of my earliest memories with Toledo Ballet is watching my sister perform in The Nutcracker. After watching the production, I was amazed and knew that I wanted to perform in The Nutcracker. At four, I began taking classes at Toledo Ballet and was cast as a mermaid. When the curtain lifted for the second act, I remember being so excited to perform for my family. The next year, I was thrilled to be cast as a party girl. I remember looking up to the party girls during the previous year and hoping that one day I would get the chance to be one. Elated when my dream came true, I recall enjoying getting the opportunity to not only dance but act a little too. 

Was there a particular moment or performance that made you realize you wanted to pursue dance professionally?

Isabella: Since a very young age, I have been a performer. I would dance for the attention of my family anywhere and everywhere. I loved working hard in the studio, applying my skills and hard work to a performance, and viewing live performances, which always inspired and invigorated me. At seven years old, after experiencing jazz, tap, and gymnastics, I chose to focus on ballet because I loved the challenge of making daily improvements. Unlike jazz, tap, or gymnastics, the objective was not to win first place or a perfect 10. Instead, I focused on making small daily improvements in the ballet studio. Striving for continual improvement is what drew me to ballet as a young student, and it continues to draw me into the studio every day as a professional ballerina. 

What role did Toledo ballet play in your early dance journey, and did that experience shape you professionally?

Isabella: During my time at Toledo Ballet, I took creative movement and learned ballet basics. These early classes stimulated my passion for dance and helped me get out my endless energy. From there, I studied at many Midwest ballet schools and eventually moved to New York City by myself at fourteen years old to attend the School of American Ballet.

Can you share a moment in your career that felt especially meaningful or surreal?

Isabella: The most surreal moment in my career was being promoted to principal dancer. As a dream and goal of mine for many years, it was incredible to know that all my hard work and sacrifice paid off.  

What does it mean to you to perform the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the same production you once danced in as a student?

Isabella: It will be an exciting, full circle moment to return to the Stranahan, where I performed as a tiny mermaid and vivacious party girl over twenty years ago. I am excited to share my love for dance with the Toledo community by performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy!

What advice would you give to young dancers at Toledo Ballet who dream of a professional dance career?

Isabella: I have learned a lot throughout my years as a ballerina, and I continue to learn a lot. However, one valuable tip that I share with aspiring and pre-professional students is that hard work never goes unnoticed. Additionally, comparison is a thief to happiness and success. Each student has their own individual talents and gifts, so I recommend that students do not waste valuable time making comparisons. Instead, they should be grateful for their talents and gifts, while continuing to work on their weaknesses. This mindset will be beneficial for all future pursuits.

What do you hope audiences, especially our young aspiring dancers, take away from seeing you perform in The Nutcracker this year?

Isabella: I hope that the Toledo audience, including the young aspiring dancers, are inspired, transported, and moved by our performance. Ballet is beautiful, and The Nutcracker is a wonderful and uplifting holiday classic. The opportunity to attend a live theatre performance is a special experience and privilege that many families do not get to enjoy, so I hope that everyone loves the chance for a reprieve from everyday reality.
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Toledo Ballet’s The Nutcracker, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will be performed on Friday, December 12 at 7PM, Saturday, December 13 at 2PM and 7PM, and Sunday, December 14 at 2PM. Isabella will be performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Saturday's evening performance as well as Sunday's matinee. If you are a Toledo Ballet alumnus, you are also invited to attend our Toledo Ballet Alumni Reunion on December 13 from 4PM-7PM at Toledo Center for Live Arts next to The Stranahan Theater. Do not miss your chance to see Isabella and the rest of our talented cast bring this beloved holiday tradition to life!