Meet Paige Nyman | Principal Ballerina with Texas Ballet Theater

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paige Nyman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paige, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic career because it was all that I had ever wanted to do with my life. From the age of 12, I was convinced that ballet was my path, and it seemed exceedingly logical, quite as far from artistic as my limited viewpoint could understand. Early on, it was about accomplishment and stubbornness, and it wasn’t until later in my training that I began to see the expanse of creativity that was available to me. That has been one of the great joys of my career, thinking that I had pursued something so difficult simply for the reason of accomplishing it, only to realize that it has transformed the way that I communicate and wish to be communicated with. It has exposed me to the power of movement and music, and of the way that ballet as an art form has the capacity to create discussion around feelings since it can evoke so many different opinions and viewpoints. This sounds so obvious now, considering an inherent goal of art, but that is why I continue to pursue this career, so that I can create and then hear how my creation was responded to by others with just as much capacity to create as I have. The shared experience and the opportunity to be passionate about something that births more passion is the true gift of this career. Also, the stage gives me an outlet that cannot be mimicked, and I’m grateful for every chance to explore the mystery of life performance, and who I am in those moments.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a principal with Texas Ballet Theater, and I am currently in my 16th season working with them. Although I have a certain level of physical aptitude– it’s nearly impossible to succeed in the ballet world without it– I think that my sheer stubbornness and grit has been what has allowed me to have the career that I have had. I have never been the flashiest or the fanciest, but I would be very surprised if I don’t have the best attendance, There have been so many ways that I have been shown unearned favor, and I will always be grateful for those gifts, but I know that I have never wasted those chances to learn, improve, and show my mettle, The most challenging portion was fighting my internal dialogue– once the mental side of my life was more in order, I could use all that energy to improve my craft and enjoy dancing more. And I think that I have found so much peace in knowing that however good I become at ballet, there will always be someone better. However, instead of allowing that to discourage me, it has freed me up to appreciate the skills of others, without feeling like it detracts from my own worth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was wondering if this would surface– I actually live in Fort Worth TX, and was only in San Diego for a short stint!

But, although I cannot claim to be a local, I loved Torrey Pines and exploring Del Mar. I found a beautiful outlook and so many trails and spots to marvel at, and I was utterly enchanted by the beach. The sea is magical, and just being around it is soothing and provides and important perspective of how small my problems and opinions truly are.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents are the true heroes of my story. They have supported me in all the tangible ways throughout my training and career– driving me to rehearsals, paying for pointe shoes, sewing costumes, treating blisters and stress fractures, facing eating disorder recovery, and coming to almost every single production I have ever participated in, regardless of the prominence of my role. They created a space for me to grow and learn and loved me enough to let me continue my ballet training away from home and then trusting me to take what I had been given and not squander it. I have never felt like they weren’t proud of me, and they have continued to care for my physical and mental well-being, even though I haven’t lived with them for almost two decades! I wouldn’t be who I am without their care and mentorship, and I don’t tell them that enough.

Image Credits
Joamanuel Velazquez