Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) soloist, Lindsi Dec is not only a gifted dancer but is also one of the lovely Vala Dancewear models! With her graceful lines, powerful stage presence and classic beauty, Lindsi captivates and dazzles her audience, while her passion, determination, and strong work ethic make her an inspiration to today’s young dancers.
Lindsi recently took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with Class Act Tutu’s Denise Opper both at home in Seattle and in between performances at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Her answers will be chronicled in a series of posts here on the Class Act Tutu blog, and will feature some personal “behind the scenes” photos Lindsi graciously agreed to share with our readers.
Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec (center) and company members dance the Waltz of the Flowers in PNB's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling.
About Lindsi Dec
Class Act: Hello, Lindsi. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me today.
Lindsi: Oh, it’s my pleasure!
Class Act: Let’s begin by having you share a little about yourself.
Lindsi: Well, let’s see. I’m 27 years old and I recently married Karel Cruz, a principal PNB dancer. (Her infectious smile was evident through the phone.)
Class Act: Wow, congratulations! So does being married to a fellow dancer make life easier in a sense?
Lindsi: Oh, yes definitely! He understands what my crazy life is like completely. It’s wonderful; I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In The Beginning
Class Act: That’s terrific. So now, let’s discuss your dance background for a moment. What age did you begin your training, what schools did you attend, and was ballet something you always felt drawn to?
Lindsi: Well, my mom enrolled me in dance classes when I was 3 years old—ballet, tap and jazz—I actually hated ballet at first. I was more into tap/jazz at that point.
Class Act: Oh my goodness, really? I never would’ve guessed. So what made you change your mind?
The Inspiration
Lindsi: When I was about 13, my mom took me to the Kennedy Center to see Miami City Ballet perform Rubies and—that was it! I told my mom I wanted to perform the same role (tall girl).
Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec in George Balanchine’s Rubies. Choreography © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling.
When I was 14, I started focusing on ballet but my private school refused to credit my ballet classes toward the athletic graduation requirement. So, I had to quit dance for awhile because of that and had to play soccer and attend a self-defense class to complete the requirements over two semesters. Then later, when I returned to ballet, I felt I had to work harder than all the other girls because I was so far behind, but it was worth it. I then trained at the Washington School of Ballet, which is where I really began to improve. I attended 3 summer courses at Houston Ballet on scholarship, then after high school I attended PNB’s summer program. From there, I was in their PD (Professional Division) for 2 years, and then joined the company as an apprentice in 2001.
….Be sure to check back soon to read the next installment where Lindsi shares a typical “Day in the Life,” as well as the challenges of being a tall dancer!
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