Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
It's not easy being a ballerina.
For the most part, the world of ballet is dominated by young, white women. They generally have short careers— often retiring before they reach age 30.
That's around the age that ballet dancer Stella Abrera feared her career in dance was coming to an end. After suffering a devastating injury, she had to learn the most basic steps all over again.
But now she's back, and making history too. At 37-years-old, Abrera became the first Filipino American to be promoted to principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.
She's appearing now as Clara in a performance of "The Nutcracker" at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California.
Abrera joined Take Two for a conversation about how she came back from her injury and how she feels about making history.
To listen to the full interview with Stella Abrera, click the link above.