Cheyenne Nelson

from 20 Under 21: 20 Young People Who are Changing the World

Aubrey Freeman

age:11

While starting gymnastics at age 2, Cheyenne Nelson was told she had dancer’s feet. It did not take long for her to develop a dancer’s heart as well.

Cheyenne is 11 years old and has found a love for ballet. Even though ballet and pointe are her passions, Cheyenne also takes lyrical, arco, and jazz classes and is an Allonge Ensemble Dancer.

Cheyenne dreams of one day being a principal dancer. These dancers are professionals that regularly perform for larger theaters in solos or pairs.

“It’s really beautiful to dance and go above the stars,” said Cheyenne. “To have this artistic discipline where you have to have the discipline, but you can also just throw it out the window. It’s so much fun, and you just forget about everything else.”

This year, Cheyenne got to participate in the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive for Young Dancers. This program is for young, gifted dancers all around the world to audition and take part. Cheyenne had to attend virtually due to the pandemic.

“It wasn’t all the experience I hoped for, but I still got the instruction, which is a big part of it,” said Cheyenne.

The six-week class consisted of Pilates, ballet techniques and bonus classes like miming and character work. Even though it was virtual, Cheyene still met professional dancers like Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.

“Being online was a different style of learning, but it was still full of new possibilities,” said Cheyenne.

Cheyenne has been invited to audition again for the 2021 American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive for Young Dancers.

— Rachel W artian