Chiara Ruff
Chiara Ruff is from St. Paul, MN, and started her dance training at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, under Tammy Schmidt from Houston Ballet, and Misty’s Dance Unlimited, founded by Misty Lown. Chiara was honored to study under Kennet Oberly, of the Stuttgart Ballet, and Larissa Stintsova Oberly, of the Estonian National Ballet. Joining Ballet La Crosse as a founding principal, Chiara was privileged to perform original story ballets such as Marushka and the Four Seasons, and Heidi. Chiara continued her studies in dance at the University of Oklahoma under the direction of Mary Margaret Holt and Michael Bearden. There she performed Fanny Cerrito, Pas De Quatre; Opaque Unfazed by Trey McIntyre; I Rise by Amy Hall Garner; Simpatico by Michael Bearden; Threshold with Me at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art; and Sand in the Puterbaugh Poetry Festival. She graduated in 2019 with a BFA in Ballet Performance, and a Pilates Certification from Physical Mind Institute, NYC. Chiara has had the pleasure of working with Austin Hartel of Pilobolus Dance Theater; Roser Muñoz of the National Ballet of Marseille of Roland Petit during an international performance in Barcelona, Spain; and Jamy Meek, of Hubbard Street and Nederlands Dans Theater. Chiara was thrilled to begin her professional career with NWA Ballet Theatre this past year, and is excited to embark on her second season with the company.
Get to know the dancer
Where are you from?
St Paul, Minnesota
In one sentence, describe your "discovery" of ballet. Or, what was your pathway to ballet?
Ballet is one thing I will always pursue yet never master - I love the effort.
Do you remember the first ballet you ever saw? What was it and how did it affect you?
Yes!! The Nutcracker. I saw the Sugar Plum Princess and wanted to be just like her - and the dream became a reality.
What do you like to do outside of dance (hobbies, interests, etc.)?
I wear many hats. (Figuratively speaking) I trained as a classical soprano for 4 years, crossed-over to musical theater, and fell in love with acting. I also draw, paint, and sketch on rainy afternoons, occasionally playing guitar very poorly.
What are some of your other talents?
I love making beautiful things, and doing things to make people feel beautiful. I press flowers and write letters to people I care about, to make their days a little brighter.
What are some of your indulgences?
Dark chocolate. My mother said anything over 60% is considered medicinal.
What is your favorite role that you have performed? Have not performed?
I love Giselle. So much. Never performed it but I hope to in my dance career!
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Having a moment of quiet before the curtain rises. Performances pass quickly, so it aids in staying present and rooted.
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?
I have always been interested in medicine, literature, and non-profit organizations. People are extremely important to me, so volunteering and doing outreach is a career I still hope to pursue one day.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Visiting my family in Minnesota and adventuring with them. Fun fact - MN is commonly known as the “land of 10,000 lakes” but there are 11,842 lakes in MN that are over 10 acres.
If I could visit any country in the world it would be….
Genovia. But it is fictitious.
What does Northwest Arkansas mean to you? Why is it special or different from other places you've danced/trained?
NWA is this cool, ever-growing arts hub nestled in the Ozarks. The community is welcoming and kind. I am honored to be a part of it and do what I love.
What are three things people might not know about you?
1. My favorite color was green for 5 years because I got used to that answer.
2. Originally, I wanted to become a neurologist instead of a dancer.
3. My favorite color is blue...and occasionally yellow.