We asked professional ballerina Nardia Boodoo — who dances with The Washington Ballet
in DC and costars in our new campaign — about her passion for ballet and her constant push for
self-improvement.
Childhood home…
Baltimore, MD
Zodiac sign…
Pisces
Song that gets you dancing…
Why I love ballet…
With ballet, it’s all about the pursuit. For example, If I balanced in
arabesque for 20 seconds
without a wobbly ankle yesterday, today, I try to balance for 22 seconds. Every day I try to be a
better version of myself.
What’s your typical day like…
I wake up at 7 AM. I get to the ballet studios around 9 AM. I warm up
with core stabilizers and a brisk run on the elliptical.
We start warm-up class at 9:30 AM.
Afterward, we have a 15-minute break, and then we start our rehearsals. We have a lunch break at 2
PM, and then I continue with rehearsal until 6 PM.
Food or drink for fuel…
Warm grain bowls are my fave. It’s a healthy complete meal that you can
customize: grains, avocado, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, balsamic dressing and spinach.
The theater gets really dry and usually dusty, so I drink a lot of water. Water gets boring, so I
add a lemon wedge or a packet of Emergen-C.
Favorite healthy snack…
Clementines and nuts mixed with chocolate
The greatest dancer of all time, in your opinion…
Sylvie Guillem — her artistry is so next level, and she’s got a beautiful
spirit. We share a birthday! She’s a legend, and you should YouTube her.
Nardia Boodoo in Tory Sport’s Seamless Racerback Cami Bra,
Chevron Leggings and
Performance Cashmere Love Sweater; in top photo, wearing the
Color-Block Track Jacket
What’s in your dance bag…
TheraBand, small Pilates ball, lacrosse ball, Second Skin, athletic tape,
lambswool, Freed pointe shoes, Bunheads toe pads, needle and thread, leg warmers
Favorite dance movie…
I recently saw Polina — it is about a girl who stepped completely out of
her comfort zone of classical Vaganova (Russian-style) ballet.
Must-see ballet…
George Balanchine’s Serenade
Dream dance role…
Nikiya in La Bayadère
Advice for aspiring dancers…
Trust and believe in yourself.
Non-ballet workout of choice…
Pilates and cardio
Favorite thing to wear when you work out…
I like to stay really warm while I work out. I love leggings and a
supportive sports bra, but I will wear a loose-fitting long-sleeve shirt on top. I want to sweat.
Favorite thing you wore for the shoot…
I loved the red top and leggings. The material was super soft and light
and I loved the colors — I thought that outfit was super cheery.
Something you can’t live without…
My hair conditioner! Alba Botanica Drink It Up Coconut Milk Hawaiian
Conditioner. My hair won’t behave without it.
How you relax at the end of a long day…
I like to come home and cook. I find it all so relaxing and fun. I’ll
play some music and throw some of the scrap veggies to my puppy Ziggy.
