I think American Ballet Theatre is setting that standard now for classical ballet, that you can dream big, and it doesn't matter what you look like, where you come from, what your background is.

'The Firebird' just symbolizes a lot for me and my career. It was one of the first really big principal roles that I was ever given an opportunity to dance with American Ballet Theatre, and it was a huge step for the African-American community, I think, within the classical ballet world.

I think that having a platform and having a voice to be seen by people beyond the classical ballet world has really been my power, I feel.

I think that the ideal physique and look of a ballerina is always changing with different eras. And it's continuing to change.

Being the only African American at this level in American Ballet Theater, I feel like people are looking at me, and it's my responsibility for me to do whatever I can to provide these opportunities in communities to be able to educate them.

To be empathetic to everyone around you, I think, is such a powerful thing to hold.