Dancer Profile: Anabel Katsnelson
This summer, American Ballet Theater is set to present the NYC premiere of Christopher Wheeldon's 'The Winter's Tale.' First premiering in 2014, this award-winning ballet based on the Shakespeare play is sure to excite audiences when it makes its way to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House.
Ahead of the premiere, 360° of Opera had the opportunity to speak with Anabel Katsnelson. A dancer in ABT's corps de ballet, Katsnelson recently finished a run of 'The Winter's Tale' at the Segerstrom Center in California, and was a featured artist last month for Steps on Broadway’s 45th Anniversary performance. We were able to learn more about the upcoming production as well as some of the projects and passions which fuel her own artistry.
1 / Tell us about your experience with Steps on Broadway’s anniversary performance. Was this your first time working with the studio?
I performed Grand Pas Classique for Steps on Broadway’s anniversary performance alongside Carlos Gonzalez, a soloist with American Ballet Theatre. We had such a great time—it was our first time performing for Steps in Concert. I had previously performed Soirée Nocturne, an original work by ABT dancer Melvin Lawovi, in 2022 for the Steps Beyond Foundation.
Photo Credit: Taylor Craft
2 / What do you enjoy most about dancing in the corps with ABT? Do you have a favorite work or role?
Being part of the corps at ABT feels like being in a family. There’s a strong sense of unity and support, both on and off stage.
My favorite role is ‘Bomb Squad’ in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room. Between the Philip Glass score, the smoke onstage, and the explosive choreography, the experience is electric—it honestly feels like an out-of-body experience every time.
3 / You just finished a run of The Winter’s Tale on the West Coast. What were some of the highlights for you? How do you feel about Wheeldon’s adaptation of the Shakespeare work?
I absolutely loved performing The Winter’s Tale in California! There’s so much dynamic and joyful dancing, especially in Act II, and it’s a piece that brings the whole company together. I think Christopher Wheeldon’s adaptation is brilliant—he conveys the emotion and complexity of Shakespeare’s story so powerfully through movement.
The Winter’s Tale. Photo by Natalia Sanchez.
4 / What other works will you appear in this summer? How do you personally connect with the various styles of choreography and composition over the course of a season?
This season, I’ll be performing in Swan Lake, Sylvia, Giselle, and Woolf Works, in addition to The Winter’s Tale. I love diving into the classics like Swan Lake and Giselle, but it’s incredibly refreshing to shift gears into something contemporary like Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works. The variety keeps me artistically challenged and inspired.
5 / You recently participated in a crossover program with Harvard Business School. Can you tell us more about it? What were some of the takeaways or things you learned?
I was honored to be selected as one of the 2024 students in the Harvard Business School Crossover Program for professional athletes, led by Professor Anita Elberse. Though it was just one semester, I learned so much—especially about personal branding and maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset as a performer. The connections I made and the conversations I had with my classmates, who came from such varied backgrounds, were incredibly valuable.
6 / What are some of your interests apart from dance? How do you like to spend time when on tour, or between rehearsals and performances?
I have a lot of interests outside of dance—Pilates, nutrition, and art history are a few. I’m always finding time to visit museums, and I’m a huge foodie! I love exploring new cuisines, especially while touring—it’s one of my favorite parts of being on the road.
7 / In a time where performers have to increasingly balance artistic quality and entrepreneurial sense, do you have any advice or message for dancers just starting out?
My biggest advice is to always advocate for yourself. As a professional dancer, you often have to be your own agent—no one’s going to map out your next step for you. Surround yourself with mentors you trust and admire; having that support system is essential.
Also, try not to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Every dancer has their own path. When watching others, I remind myself that their work can be inspiring or educational, but never a reason to be self-critical. I’m still working on this myself, but I’ve learned that negative self-talk only holds you back from growth.
- interview by Logan Martell