We are so proud of our very own Raven Barkley for receiving the honor of Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch 2018! Originally from the Bronx, NY, Raven Barkley has attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts, SUNY Purchase, and Dance Theatre of Harlem in their pre-professional program. Now in her 3nd season at Charlotte Ballet, Raven describes her routine as being filled with daily exercises, healthy snacks and rehearsals for Charlotte Ballet’s Innovative Works. Check out what a day in her life is like!
EARLY START | I wake up every morning for work at 7:20AM and make my breakfast. I am a big fan of oatmeal, and I always have to have my cup of coffee! After breakfast, I sit and watch TV, do some Pilates, and a bit of stretching and Thera-Band exercises. I also ice my feet every morning, especially on days we have long rehearsals!
DRESS TO IMPRESS | I pack my bag for work, which always includes my water bottle, my cell phone and iPod, my make-up and all my earrings! Sometimes, when I get to work, I realize my earrings don’t match my leotard, so I’ll go change them! I have to make sure I have my earrings and makeup in my dance bag – I always like to look my best!
THE LIFE OF A BALLERINA | It takes me about 10 minutes to get to work. At the studio, I put my headphones in and listen to music to mentally prepare myself for the day ahead. Then, I do some more stretching and Thera-Band exercises. At 9:30AM, I head to Company Class for an hour and a half. Our rehearsal days can last until 6:15PM, so I always pack snacks! Today I brought a banana, but during Nutcracker season, everyday I would pack a blueberry banana smoothie for in between rehearsals!
REHEARSAL TIME | At 11:15AM, the whole company had rehearsal for our upcoming performance of Innovative Works. The show runs from January 26-February 17 and showcases pieces from Sasha Janes, Robyn Mineko Williams and Myles Thatcher.
WINDING DOWN | I finished my rehearsals for Innovative Works at 1:45PM, so I decided to go to the gym after work. Once I finished my work out routine, I went home to wind down by reading and listening to music. I usually call my mother and see how her day is going. Tonight, we had a nice hour-long chat! Then, I made grilled chicken for dinner and my favorite vegetable, broccoli, with spinach and some spices to top it off. I treated myself to some smart food dessert popcorn tonight – my favorite! I also have a glass of cranberry juice every night.
MORE ABOUT RAVEN | I’m a huge DIY person and love trying all the crafts I find on Pinterest during the week! A not-so-fun-fact about me is that I’m allergic to everything – dogs, cats, and so many foods. My favorite color is purple; I’m pretty much obsessed with it! Anyone who meets me automatically knows it’s my favorite color because I’m always wearing it. It’s also a great way to keep track of all my stuff. If I happen to leave something in the studio, everyone will know “oh, its Raven’s” because its purple, of course!
Article originally published in the Charlotte Post. Featured photo by Todd Rosenberg.
