Meet Alexandra Basmagy

Corps de Ballet

New Jersey native Alexandra Basmagy was a student at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in its very first years (2004-2006) and went on to become an inaugural member of Corella Ballet in Spain. In 2011, she returned to ABT, joining the Company as a member of the corps de ballet. Read on to learn more about Alexandra!

 

What is your favorite ballet and why?

There are too many to choose from! I don’t think I have one favorite. Some of them include Romeo and Juliet, Manon, Theme and Variations and La Bayadère.

What is your favorite role or ballet that you have danced?

I loved dancing one of the Stomper Women in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room. Also, the first movement of Balanchine’s Symphony in C.

Alexandra with Daniel Mantei in Act III of Onegin.

Photo: Marty Sohl.

What is your dream role that you hope to dance one day?

I think one of my dream roles would be to dance Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Everything about that role from the story, to the choreography, to the music is amazing. You go through every single emotion within the ballet.

Describe your first experience onstage with ABT.

My first experience onstage with ABT was performing Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. I was slightly nervous but mostly really excited that I had finally achieved my goal of being a member of this Company. .

What is your favorite ABT memory? 

I think my favorite memory is from the dress rehearsal of my first Met Gala performance. We were in the wings before our entrance for Act II Swan Lakeand I had a moment of disbelief that I was there about to be a swan with ABT. My parents took me to see ABT when I was young and it had always been my goal to dance here. I thought of them and had a moment of pride thinking of how I have made them proud by achieving my goal, and pride in myself for not giving up when the going got tough.

What would you be if you weren’t a dancer?

I think something involving animals. I am a big animal lover!

Alexandra taking class from Franco De Vita at the JKO School in 2005.Photo: Gene Schiavone.

 

What is your proudest achievement?

I think my proudest achievement is making it into the Company. My story is slightly different than most dancers at ABT. I was a student during the first year of the JKO School. At graduation time, I wasn’t offered a spot in the Studio Company and I was devastated. I thought that was the end of the line for me here. I got myself together and started auditioning. I was offered a job from Angel Corella in Corella Ballet in Spain, so I moved there and danced in his company for 3 1/2 years. I had decided during that time that I would try again at ABT. I was a professional now, dancing differently, and felt more grown up. I came and took class while I was visiting my family in New Jersey and they gave me a contract! I was so overjoyed that I had finally achieved my dream. It might not have gone the way I thought it would when I first joined the school, but hard work and dedication can do wonders!

Describe your morning routine.

My morning routine is pretty basic. I usually wake up around 8:15am. Turn on the kettle and pour some Honey Nut Cheerios. I sip some tea while I get ready for the day and pack some snacks to take with me and then walk to the subway to head downtown to the studio for class. I like to get there about 20 minutes before class to do my hair and stretch. Then I swipe on some lipstick (a must for me!) and start my day.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people would be surprised to know that I am married! I met my husband while living in Spain (he is from Barcelona) and we have been married for two years. I also speak fluent Spanish. And I pride myself on my crossword puzzle skills inherited from my Dad!

 

 

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