For senior Ainsley McMahon, ballet has been the most influential part of her entire life.

Inspired by her sister and the New York City Ballet itself, she decided that she would dedicate herself to the art. At the age of four, McMahon began to dance at the Brass City Ballet Company in Middlebury, Connecticut. She’s continued dancing there ever since.

“I like the environment and I like the way they teach,” said McMahon.

Ballet, described as an art created by the movement of the human body, is seen as one of the most challenging genres of dance. Along with physical strength, dancers involved in ballets must be patient, must maintain grace and tenacity, and most importantly focus. Learning these aspects have been some of the most difficult for McMahon. Unlike other activities, there’s no way of showing progress which can be discouraging.

“Because there is no winning in ballet, there isn’t any way to quantify success.” stated McMahon. “There’s no moment when you get the high score and say “I’m better, I beat somebody.”

Despite the lack of confidence boost, McMahon still continued. Although she can’t win, she’s learned other things that have helped her in her own personal life.
Ballet has taught McMahon to be detail- oriented not only in the studio but in her academic career as well.

McMahon is currently taking three advanced placement classes and as of right now, she is seated in the top five percent of her graduating class. With ballet classes six times a week and homework that never ends, it’s hard to balance the two—but she manages—and she manages quite well.

“It’s really difficult,” added McMahon, “but I care about both of them so much that I don’t want to sacrifice either.”

Showing dedication to both, McMahon has become a role model for students at the studio. Once inspired by the older dancers at her studio, McMahon has now earned that role being the oldest and most experienced at Brass City Ballet.

“I remember looking up to the older girls when I was young,” stated McMahon, “and it just means so much to me when a mom tells me I’m a role model for her daughter.”

This past winter, McMahon performed in The Nutcracker. Once performing as the Littlest Spirit, she has grown and now has earned the principal role: the Sugarplum Fairy.

McMahon added that her parents have been her base throughout her whole ballet career. Her mother, Deb McMahon, does all of the costuming for the shows. Not only is her mother physically there for her, McMahon’s mother, father, and sister attend every show that McMahon has a part in—no matter how many times the show takes place.

Not only does McMahon’s family completely support her, Brass City Ballet has become her home outside of her home.

“Well of course the classes have taught me responsibility and respect,” said McMahon, “but beyond that, the studio has given me a home and a family that will always be a big part in my life.”

Currently, McMahon is still debating dancing in college. She added that it is time consuming, but it isn’t something she wants to do away with. Ballet offers McMahon something that nothing else does.

“Ballet gives me a chance to lose myself in the movement.” stated McMahon, “I lose myself in the music and I can forget whatever’s wrong and just focus on myself—I can’t do that with anything else.”

Photo Courtesy of Tara McMahon