Retirement Q&A with BRITTANY STRICKLAND
As Ballet Austin closes our 2020/21 season, we are taking some time to celebrate two of our beloved Company dancers who are retiring this month, Jaime Lynn Witts and Brittany Strickland. These two dancers have lent their artistry to audiences in Austin and around the world through Ballet Austin for 20 and 14 years, respectively. As the season comes to a close, we wanted to hear their own thoughts on their careers, how dancing shaped them, and what’s next. Check out the conversation with Brittany below.
Brittany Strickland started at Ballet Austin in the Trainee program in 2007 and spent two seasons in Ballet Austin II from 2008-2010. She joined the Company in 2010, dancing 11 seasons with Ballet Austin. Some of her career highlights include WOLFTANZT, AGON, GISELLE, REQUIEM FOR A ROSE, and IN CREASES.
When you reflect on your career, what are some of the ballets / roles you most enjoyed?
I really enjoyed dancing Peasant Pas de Deux from GISELLE a few years ago. I loved the style and really loved getting to dance surrounded by friends on stage. I got into dance for the sense of community, so it was a treat to feel that on stage.
I have particularly fond memories of my studio runs of the lead in Waltz of the Flowers. Having been in the corps de ballet for so many years and knowing how incredibly hard those ladies were working behind me gave me an extra boost to get through what is such a physically demanding role. It also gave me a strong sense of female strength and empowerment. There is some trauma connected to performing the role since both years I got injured either right before the shows or during, but I still think it was one of my favorite experiences through my career.
Justin Peck’s IN CREASES was also one of my favorites. Again, it had a sense of community, and just made me feel so alive. It was also really special to perform with the two pianists playing on stage with us.
What are you going to miss?
I’m going to miss the relationships and performing the most. There is a true sense of camaraderie among the dancers that is really special and I think it is hard to find elsewhere in the same way. Performing has always held a really special place in my heart. As a shy child, it was an important outlet for expression, and always felt very meditative to me. There’s something about the stage, the lights, and the audience that make you feel so present and connected to one another. I’m really going to miss it.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to supporting Ballet Austin and the artists as an audience member. I think it’s harder to enjoy anything when you’re surrounded by it so much, so I’m looking forward to stepping back and being able to enjoy all the hard work and artistry. I’ve promised some of the dancers to start the clapping in the audience when they’ve done something deceivingly hard!
How did being a dancer shape who you are as a person?
Being a dancer, and working in the arts in general, has helped shape me into a more tenacious and empathetic person. It’s also ingrained in me the importance of being a part of something that is greater than one’s self. Oh and I can’t forget the sizable bunions that have come from being a dancer. :)
What’s next?
I’ll be starting graduate school at UT Austin in June with the goal of becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I’m so thankful to Stephen [Mills] and Michelle [Martin] for giving me the opportunity to spend my days performing and creating art. I have many wonderful memories that I will always carry with me. Also, my mother who invested a lot of her own time and energy into driving me to so many dance classes, and who always supported me in this endeavor.
It has been a pleasure watching both of these extraordinarily talented dancers throughout the years. We have watched them morph into many characters and give us their unique take on such fantastic roles. They each shared their shine with our audience, and we wish them both well and thank them for their grace and beauty on and off stage. Brava Brittany!
Make sure you also check out Jaime’s Q&A!
