PNB is excited to introduce you to our newest company dancers, Kali Kleiman, Emerson Boll, and Samuel Portillo. These three dancers joined PNB's Company just this season! Get to know each artist a little better in these brief interviews.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell my younger self to believe in herself more; to have more confidence in her choices and feelings. Everything will work out for you in the way that things are supposed to. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you are less than.
Do you have talents or passions outside of dance? My passions and talents outside of dance are music, fashion, and poetry. Despite dance being my main focus, as a person, I see myself as an all-encompassing artist. I have been passionate about music all my life, and my main focuses before ballet were playing the piano and musical theater.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t let your fear overtake your passions. When I was younger, I remember being fearless when it came to trying things in the studio. As I’ve gotten older though, I’ve let the fear of failing at things stop me from wanting to try them in the first place.
What inspires you outside of the studio? Nature is my biggest inspiration outside of the studio and for the most part in my life too. When I’m feeling confused, anxious, sad, or even mad, I always turn to nature. While there are no answers to some questions we may have, spending time in nature leaves me with a sense of balance that I haven’t found anywhere else.
How does your identity and background inform who you are as an artist? My identity as a Latin American man means everything to me. Often in my work, when certain roles allow for it, I try to find a way to add a little extra spice and character to the roles I’m dancing. My grandparents were also ballet dancers at the Ballet Nacional de Guatemala.
What significance does being part of PNB during the 50th anniversary have to you? My mom and I used to have season tickets to PNB when I was in high school, and we would road trip from Portland to see shows a few times a year. I fell in love with this company and its unique dancers and rep.
If you were not a dancer, is there an alternate career path you would have chosen/ Do you have talents or passions outside of dance? I have nearly completed my undergraduate degree at Harvard University (majoring in Applied Math and minoring in Computer Science). Education has always been a prominent part of my life, and I hope to continue with schooling by attending graduate school and earning my master’s degree.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Build a good support system, don’t measure success too often, stay available and open to change, and always show up to life in the fullest way possible.
How has your approach to your career changed over the past years? My approach to my work has changed due to my experience in dance over time. As I build more confidence in my abilities, the more I can explore and push myself to the next step.