Balanchine ballerina, virtuoso technician, and principal coach Merrill Ashley was kind enough to sit down with me for an in-depth conversation about her early years, time with Balanchine, and time as a ballet mistress. Merrill made a huge imprint on my own career coaching me in Ballo della Regina at 17 for the SAB workshop, and getting me ready for an emergency full-length performance of Coppelia at 19 with NYCB. Speaking with her in great length about her own career filled many curiosities I always had, and this interview was a real pleasure! We speak about how she met her husband, a multi-linguist who translated at the UN, how she found out she was promoted and how Mr. B. told her he was going to choreograph on her. We also delve into her early years and training and you might be as surprised as I was to hear what kind of dancer she was when she first entered the company. Listen to hear how she found success and what things she did in her career that really made a difference in her dancing. Thanks so much for the chat Merrill, so wonderful to catch up!!!

CREDITS:
Executive Producer: Megan Fairchild
Producer: Deborah Kaufman
Flowers: Robbie Fairchild for Book•Kay NYC
Photos and video clips: Merrill Ashley's private collection, Costas