Lillian DiPiazza: Inside the Grueling World of a Pennsylvania Ballet Dancer

What this episode covers

Ballerinas, according to the NY Times, may be the hardest working people in show business. In an effort to gain insight into the intimidating and grueling world of ballet, The Philly Blunt sat down Lillian DiPiazza, a world-class ballerina and a Principal dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet, located here in center city.Lillian, or Lilly as she prefers, has been with the Pennsylvania Ballet since 2008. She was born in Silver Springs, MD and trained with the Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. In 2008, she auditioned for the Pennsylvania Ballet with almost 200 other dancers. She was the only one offered a position. Lilly spoke candidly about the physical and emotional toll the training dancing takes on the body. Much like professional athletes, the conditioning and recovery is vitally important.Lilly shared a story of a dancing with a bleeding partner, studying Urban Studies at Penn, and how Clorox Handi Wipes are her choice of padding for the uncomfortable pointe shoes. We also asked her a handful of user submitted questions and, of course, The Philly Blunt segment.Lilly met with us at Grace Tavern, where she’ll sometimes grab a burger and beer after a late performance. LINKS:Pennsylvania Ballet: www / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram Lillian DiPiazza: Instagram Grace Tavern: www / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

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