Cincinnati born and raised, Gilbert A. Dater grad, former Cincinnati Ballet Academy and Cincinnati Ballet dancer Amber Harper is Cincy through and through. Thanks to the skills she’s learned here and from many years of hard work and dedication, Amber is moving to the Big Apple to pursue her dreams! Read on to discover Amber’s story, what a day in the life of a ballerina is like during a production and so much more.

Cincinnati Family Magazine (CFM): Amber, you have such an impressive dance resume! At what age did you know you wanted to be a dancer for your professional career?
Amber Harper (AH): Honestly, I can’t pinpoint a certain age. I’ve always had this gut feeling that this is something I wanted and needed to do. I’ve always been drawn to dance, and the idea of performing on stage and dancing everyday has always attracted me to the world of ballet.

CFM: Can you tell us all about your first show? Were you nervous, excited, or a little bit of both?
AH: It’s honestly very funny because I would say I’m more nervous now than I was when I was younger. My very first performance was Peter Pan with the Cincinnati Ballet when I was ten years old. I’ll never forget that feeling. Being on stage felt so natural, almost like I had been doing it for years prior. I try to replicate that feeling as I get older and as dance becomes more challenging.

CFM: When you were little, did you try different types of dance, or did you always know ballet was it for you?
AH: Well, I joined the Cincinnati Ballet Academy at 8 years old, and they offered different kinds of dance, such as hip-hop, jazz, and even tap. I mainly did ballet, but I had jazz and contemporary classes as well. I think it’s extremely important to be well versed in different types of dance when you train predominantly in ballet. It teaches you to move outside your comfort zone, which is good for both the body and the mind.

CFM: How about now? Do you solely do ballet, or do you dabble in different styles of dance for fun?
AH: I would say now I practice many different styles of ballet, like Balanchine or something more classical. Also contemporary is something I enjoy a lot. Other than that I don’t really dabble in other styles of dance for fun, unless me dancing in my apartment by myself counts.

CFM: Ballet dancers are so strong! What are your favorite ways to stay fit?
AH: Some of my favorite ways to stay fit are going for walks and doing Pilates. I love doing 30-minute workouts on YouTube. My favorite Pilates YouTuber is Move with Nicole. She is absolutely stunning and also a dancer. Also, I love planks!

CFM: What is a day in the life of a dancer like when you are in a production?
AH: During a production we have 2-3 performances each day. My day begins early, at about 6:00 a.m. I’ll have breakfast and get ready for our warm-up class at the theater at 8:30. Our performances begin sometimes at 10:30 and are two hours long. After that, we usually take a 3-4 hour break before our next performance. During that time I head home to shower, have dinner, and enjoy a well-deserved nap. I return to the theater at about 5:30 p.m. for warm-up barre at 6:15. That usually lasts just 30 minutes. That performance begins at 7:30 and continues for 2 hours too. I finish my day at about 10:00 p.m.  I head home to have a snack before sleeping. It’s honestly a lot and I started sweating while writing all of this but after you establish a routine it becomes easier to handle.

CFM: Do you have a dream role or show you’d like to be in?
AH: A dream role of mine is definitely Manon. The ballet is just so stunning and gut wrenching, and I find myself so drawn to it.

CFM: Dance has taken you to some amazing locations! Do you have a dream location to travel to and perform?
AH: Well, I’ve always wanted to visit Europe. I want to travel the world as much as possible because it builds character and broadens your mindset.

CFM: What are your favorite things about having grown up in Cincinnati?
AH: Definitely Skyline Chili and the Cincinnati Zoo.

CFM: What advice do you have for kids who want to perform on the big stage when they are older?
AH: My advice for children who want to perform is that you absolutely can do it. If you can imagine it, it’s possible. Don’t hold yourself back or limit yourself. It will be tough, and most of the time you will be tired and worn out, but that feeling on stage is one of a kind and can’t be replicated. Also, just have fun.

CFM: Finally, what’s next for you?
AH: I’m so lucky and honored to be joining Dance Theatre of Harlem this year. My dreams of dancing in New York and touring Europe are finally coming true, and I’m so humbled and thankful to be going on this new journey.

All About Amber!

Name: Amber Harper
Favorite holiday: Halloween
Favorite animal: Deer
Favorite band/musician: Faye Webster, Labi Siffre
Favorite movie: John Wick
Favorite food: Indian food/ Korean food
Role model: My Sister and Mother

As Amber takes on her next big adventure, Cincinnati Family Magazine wishes her the most success and happiness! We know she will shine bright on the stage and touch the hearts of audiences everywhere she performs.