Atlanta Ballet makes it official, they love Kiara Felder

Kiara Felder, is at home in her new role as  a company dancer at Atlanta Ballet. Felder joined AB after matriculating at Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, Wa., where she built a strong technical foundation. The pint-sized dancer has an adventurous spirit that is perfect for the mixed and sometimes daring repertoire at AB. Originally from North Carolina, the talented 22-year old plans to call Atlanta and it’s creative art scene home for a while. Felder doesn’t officially become a company member until next season, but she is already looking forward to being a role model for aspiring dancers as the first Black American dancer at AB.

Kiara Felder - Photo courtesy of Atlanta Ballet 

PW: Were you hoping your time as an apprentice would lead to making company?

KF: I was hoping to make company after last year because I wanted to stay. It felt like home. I’ve become closer to the dancers and have become a different individual. I have a technical background and here we do so much. There’s a large variety, so being able to do different styles of dance you learn and grow.

PW: What are some of your favorite pieces performed by AB?

KF: I like the Ohad pieces, Minus 16 is my favorite and we’re actually performing it again. His pieces are so different. I also like Wabi Sabi. I am looking forward to doing Alexander Eckman’s Cacti and Minus 16 again. Really everything will be fun.

PW: Were you at all worried about being the first and only Black dancer at AB?

KF: I feel the same as anyone who’s gotten a company position. Anything else is extra, but I think it’s about time you see more of us in these disciplines these days. There’s a lot of discussion about it. I like that I will sort of be a role model for young girls to have a visual of a Black ballerina. I like being a dancer and having the platform to say "You can do whatever you want to do, even if you don’t see people that look like you doing it."

PW: How do you like Atlanta?

KF: I really have grown to love the city. It’s rich in arts, culture and music.  I was really worried, that it being a city in The South, it wouldn’t have those things.

PW: What don’t you like about Atlanta?

KF: The traffic, ugh, they need a better public transportation system. That’s my biggest pet peeve is sitting in traffic.

PW: What are your favorite things to do here?

KF: I mostly hangout with the other dancers and go to AB events, if they’re free (she laughs). I like Little Five Points. There’s a place called Elmyr and they have a Pad Thai burrito that is sooo good. I have started going rock climbing every weekend at Stone Summit Rock Climbing. It’s kind of a new thing, but I like trying new things.