What do you do?

BALLET DANCER
Penelope Freeh
James Sewell Ballet

History in this line of work:
I’ve danced for thirty years, been professional for nineteen. This is my fourteenth season as a contemporary ballet dancer with the James Sewell Ballet. I also choreograph independently and teach.

Health insurance benefits:
Yes. Though our contract is usually thirty weeks a year, we get year-round health benefits, no dental.

Fringe benefits or perks:
I consider it a fringe benefit to have a thirty-week contract. I relish having twenty-two weeks a year to do other projects. I always return to
JSB with a refreshed spirit and (hopefully) a healthier, rested body.

Education and employment background:
I graduated from high school a year early. I chose not to go to college, but immediately started dancing in a company. After one year of being an apprentice with the Dayton Ballet in Ohio, where I grew up, I moved to New York City and got a full scholarship at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, where I studied for two years. I consider this time to be like my “college” years. It was the most formative to my dance career. While in New York I waitressed, of course, along with telemarketing and working for a pointe-shoe company.

Interests outside of work:
My latest passion that is fast becoming an aspect of my career is writing. I founded a blog in January of 2006 (www.barefootpenny.blogspot.com
), and ever since it’s been an inspiration, an outlet, another vehicle of expression. I am an old-film addict. I am always reading, belong to a book club. Love garage-saling, thrift stores. Cooking.

Drawbacks, hassles, or hazards of the job:
Dance is wonderful in that it’s a lifestyle. Dance is hard because it’s a lifestyle. I have figured it out, for the most part, but it’s hard: attempting to get enough sleep, eat well, etc. Usually I can strike a balance.

Also, in dance we say not “if” but “when” in terms of injuries. I have osteoarthritis in my left big-toe joint. I have a high sprain in my left ankle that is fine when warm. Two years ago I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Horrific words and a daily reality, but for the most part I can do almost anything. I have not suffered a traumatic injury. Of course the threat is always there, but it’s nothing I waste time thinking about.

There have been so many advances in preventive medicine that I can do a pretty good job of strengthening weaknesses. Pilates in particular helps build core strength that contributes to injury prevention and lengthens your career.

Family:
My folks are in Ohio and South Carolina. My friends here are like family. JSB is family.

Housing:
I rent the greatest apartment in Northeast Minneapolis with a balcony and the best view of downtown.

Transportation:
I take the bus whenever possible, but do have a car, which I’ve found to be a necessity.

What she wanted to be as a child:
A dancer, no kidding.

What else, if anything, she’d rather be doing:
Nothing else.

Where she sees herself in five years:
I’d like to have a family and still be dancing and making work.

Income or salary:
Just under $20,000 from JSB. I bring in another five to ten thousand in freelance work.